Director, Government

FPX Nickel Corp. is a Vancouver-based junior nickel company focused on the development of the PFS-stage Baptiste Nickel Project in central British Columbia. The Baptiste Nickel Project represents a multi-generational opportunity to develop a mine that will produce low-carbon nickel, while protecting people and the environment. For further information, please visit www.fpxnickel.com

We are seeking a Director, Government & Public Affairs to join our management team to shape and support the development and execution of the Company’s public communications and government relations strategies, with a particular focus on leading advocacy efforts with federal and provincial governments in support of our PFS-stage Baptiste nickel project.

This full-time and permanent position will be responsible for fostering the ongoing development and execution of the Company’s public communications and government relations strategies and for ensuring our alignment with the provincial and federal critical minerals strategies, including relevant policy and funding initiatives. A commitment to FPX Nickel’s core values of safety, respect and collaboration is essential for success in this role.

At FPX Nickel, we are serious about our culture and values. We are both nimble and accountable, creating a sound platform to fully engage and support the development of our employees. We are an equal opportunity employer, offering exceptional career environments that are challenging, rewarding, and fun for all employees. We support our employees' work-life integration and provide a stimulating and inclusive environment to foster progression and development.

The Role

We are looking for an accomplished professional who can lead FPX Nickel’s public communications and government relations initiatives. The successful candidate will have a history of success leading similar programs and will be responsible for driving innovation in implementing and managing best-in-class communications and government relations strategies and programs.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Government & Public Affairs will have overall responsibility for developing and implementing the Company’s public communications and government relations strategies. Work will require travel to meet with government representatives at the provincial and federal levels.

The Director, Government & Public Affairs will set communications and government relations program targets and budgets, define goals and standards for these initiatives, and collaborate with FPX colleagues and external consultants in the execution of program activities to achieve Baptise project objectives and milestones and support the strategic goals of the Company.

Duties of the role include (but not be limited to):

Government Relations

·      Develop and implement the Company’s government relations strategy, including implementing processes, programs and communications that result in positive impacts on the government-facing profile of FPX Nickel and funding and advancement of the Baptiste project through the environmental assessment and permitting phases

·      Develop and maintain strong relationships with provincial and federal government representatives in conjunction with the CEO and Sustainability team members, and in support of the Company’s funding, development and permitting objectives for the Baptiste project

·      Assist the Sustainability team with engagement efforts for other key groups, including First Nations and other community groups

·      Assist the Sustainability and Engineering teams in planning for and execution of the Company’s approach to permitting the Baptiste project, including development of associated public communication and government relations strategies and activities

·      Liaise with the Company’s senior management in providing technical support to ensure that government and public relations considerations are appropriately addressed for all project-related activities

·      Define and execute a government relations strategy to maximize government support and funding opportunities for a potential refinery project to produce battery-grade nickel products for the EV battery supply chain

·      Collaborate with the Company’s Chief Financial Officer in the pursuit of government funding initiatives and related communications with relevant program administrators within the federal and provincial governments

·      Proactively identify and monitor policy and regulatory developments in the mining industry and policy landscape in Canada and provide timely insights and analysis on potential implications for the Company’s strategic plans

Communications

·      Developing and implementing the Company’s public relations and communications strategy, including the definition and execution of key activities and deliverables in support of the strategy and assessment of performance against the Company’s strategic objectives

·      Directing and coordinating activities in developing public communications policies, procedures, monitoring and reporting processes

·      Assist the Sustainability team in advancing the Company’s ESG communication strategy and approach to accurate, transparent and meaningful sustainability reporting

·      Develop relationships with key media outlets and journalists to ensure clear and consistent communication of the Company’s activities and objectives in all relevant media outlets

• Represent FPX Nickel at relevant conferences, events and with relevant industry associations (e.g. AME BC, MABC)

General

·      Advise and support the Company’s Engineering and Sustainability teams with relevant strategic insights from a government relations perspective, including participation in cross-functional teams on specific initiatives  

·      Cross-functional communication with colleagues to ensure clear and consistent approach to external communications and government relations through all potential Company touchpoints

• Establishing program budgets and reporting thereon in line with Company objectives

·      Delivering regular reporting to management colleagues and board of directors regarding the Company’s communications and government relations strategies, programs and deliverables  

Candidate Profile:

·      Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, public relations, business, economics or a related discipline

·      Ten or more years of progressively responsible experience in government, government relations, public affairs or a related role, ideally with a broad and deep network of contacts with the provincial government of British Columbia and the federal government of Canada  

·      Familiarity navigating and interpreting government regulations, legislation and funding opportunities

·      Builds productive cross-functional alliances with internal and external stakeholders, working in a collaborative and constructive manner, with demonstrated ability to gain cooperation and support through discussion, negotiations, and persuasion

·      Demonstrates exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to distill complex matters into actionable business intelligence, thereby enabling informed decision-making across management and board levels

·      Exhibits a proactive and self-starting approach to work, coupled with the ability to innovate and thrive both independently and collaboratively within a dynamic team environment, while consistently demonstrating a high level of initiative and resourcefulness

·      Possesses strong organizational and planning skills, coupled with meticulous attention to detail and a solution-oriented mindset, enabling efficient project management and timely delivery of objectives midst competing priorities and deadlines

·      Previous experience in highly regulated and multidisciplinary industries like mining

We offer a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience, consisting of base salary, stock-based awards, and annual bonus.

FPX Nickel provides equal opportunities for all applicants and is committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible environment, where all employees feel valued, respected and supported throughout the recruitment and employment process. If you require accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest in FPX Nickel, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted..