Chief of External Relations

**Requisition ID**:38298

**Company**

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Peoples, Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is working towards being the greenest city in the world. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, decolonization, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

**Main Purpose and Function**

Reporting to the City Clerk, the Chief of External Relations and Protocol is responsible for managing the City of Vancouver’s External Relations and Protocol Program, which includes planning and managing annual Council events, ceremonies and awards, and managing the overall coordination of official visits, study tours, delegations, and international relationships. This position is also responsible for administering the City’s Flag Policy, gifting to visiting dignitaries, illumination program, and wedding program.

The Chief of External Relations and Protocol has 4 direct reports and works closely with the City Clerk’s Management Team; City Manager; General Managers and their Directors; the Mayor’s Office; Councillor Assistants; Mayor and Council Members; and Senior staff and board members of Civic Agencies, Boards and Commissions. This position will also work directly with a variety of external contacts including, but not limited to Province of BC Protocol and Intergovernmental Relations Officials; Federal and Provincial External Relations and Protocol Officials; Global Affairs Canada; BC Consular Corps, Diplomatic Corps in Ottawa; Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation; Military and veteran organizations such as 39 Canadian Brigade Group, 15th Field Regiment, Royal Canadian Legion, Vancouver Poppy Fund; Local non-profits such as the Vancouver Pride Society; Community and business organizations such as the Board of Trade and multicultural and community associations; and Vancouver Economic Commission.

**Specific Duties and Responsibilities**
- Directs all aspects of the City of Vancouver’s external relations program, including related policy development and management, servicing protocol needs, the production and management of civic and hospitality events, official visits, corporate professional courtesies, event related responsibilities, project coordination, awards, support for international partnerships, the City’s micro-wedding ceremony program, City Hall and Burrard Bridge illumination and flag program.
- Formulates and implements corporate policies, standards and procedures on all matters of related to the mandate of the City’s External Relations Program.
- Provides professional protocol related advice to the Mayor, Members of Council, and City departments, agencies, boards and commissions, particularly on issues of political and cultural sensitivity.
- Liaises and coordinates with Mayor and Council, City officials and external stakeholders and organizations on matters related to the City’s external relations.
- Oversees the communications component of external relations events and working in consultation with the corporate communications department on communications related issues.
- Designs and implements complex external relations activities such as ceremonies, international visits, and major events, providing protocol oversite, including the preparation and monitoring of the budget assigned to the event/activity and liaising with all relevant stakeholders.
- Establishes and maintains key contacts with other governments, agencies, boards and commissions on the local, national and international level.
- Demonstrates commitment to the organizational values, principles, and have the ability to forge effective partnerships with various stakeholders.
- Develops the program budget and being accountable for the annual budget for the External relations program.
- Develops and implements program performance measurements.
- Works with volunteer committees and Advisory Committees to Council to plan the theme, scope, and program content of Council’s annual events.
- Manages and supervises of four subordinates, responsible for hiring, performance review/coaching, identification of training, discipline (up to an including recommendation for discharge if required) and the authorization of work schedules including overtime and vacation.
- Works as part of the City Clerk’s Office leadership team to deal with ongoing issues and decisions required to provide synergies within the City Clerk’s Office.
- Administers provisions of applicable collective agreement