Manager, Public Affairs and Advocacy

**Location**: Remote

**Reports to**: Director, Communications and Marketing

**Status**: Permanent

**Salary range**: CA$85,000 - CA$90,000 per annum

**Language requirements**: Bilingual, English and French

**ABOUT CUSO INTERNATIONAL**

Cuso International is an international cooperation and development organization that works to create economic and social opportunities for marginalized groups. Together with our partners, we are focused on efforts to advance gender equality and social inclusion, improve economic resilience, and deliver progress on climate action. We believe that by sharing skills, we can build better futures. Founded in 1961, Cuso International works in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, and Canada.

**ABOUT THE ROLE**

After more than 60 years, Cuso International has embarked on a process of renewal. In an era of rapidly changing contexts for international cooperation, we are looking for a leader in Public Affairs and Advocacy who will work closely with the Director, Communications and Marketing, Senior Officer Partnerships and Outreach, and Director, Program Strategy and Innovation to drive the development and execution of Cuso International’s advocacy and public affairs strategies in support of organizational goals. This is a key role for Cuso International, as we (re)invest in thought leadership and advocacy in support of our three strategic priorities: (1) Strengthening gender equality and social inclusion, (2) Improving economic resilience through sustainable solutions; and (3) Advancing climate action.

**WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR**

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

Reporting to and collaborating closely with the Director, Communications and Marketing, the Manager of Public Affairs and Advocacy is responsible for the following:
Public Affairs, Advocacy and Outreach
- Design innovative public affairs strategies to meet Cuso International’s organizational goals, covering areas of thought leadership, advocacy, government relations and media relations.
- Design and implement communications activities to promote Cuso International’s strategic priority areas and engage key stakeholders, including Cuso International staff, alumni, donors, volunteers, and partner organizations.
- Promote Cuso International’s strategic policy initiatives vis-à-vis key actors, including federal government, allies, civil society and the private sector.
- As appropriate, participate in sector coalitions and initiatives (ex. joint statements, events, panels, and presentations).
- Regularly monitor relevant news, policy and public affairs issues, consulting as needed with staff in Canada and globally, including the Director, Program Strategy and Innovation, and provide recommendations for strategic positioning of Cuso International in Canada and globally.
- Lead development and dissemination of materials supporting Cuso International’s public affairs objectives, including but not limited to policy briefs, position statements, speeches, research findings or program impact reports to advance strategic positioning of the organization.
- Work with Cuso International staff in Canada and globally to develop processes supporting thought leadership, advocacy, and strategic positioning.
- Provide capacity building support to staff in Canada and globally to strengthen advocacy skills and knowledge.
- Collaborate with and provides strategic support to partner organizations in Canada and globally on issues of common interest.
- Lead strategic orientation and promotion of research conducted by internal experts and/or partners.
- Work closely with external consultants (as needed) to elevate the Cuso International presence and advocacy efforts including outlining opportunities for engagement, and direct outreach.

Media Relations
- Secure media and visibility for Cuso International through social media, television, radio and print.
- Identify opportunities and strategies to respond to current affairs and emerging issues related to countries where Cuso International operates.
- Proactively identify compelling communications narratives and opportunities rooted in current global international development issues, aligned with Cuso International priorities and impact.
- Develop key messages, op-eds, press releases, speeches, and letters to the editor to raise Cuso International’s profile and further its mission and position in Canada and globally.
- Develop and maintain effective working relations with relevant media contacts and influencers, respond to media inquiries within portfolio, and maintain current media list in Canada and globally, where relevant.

General
- Foster a positive, respectful, fair and participatory work environment free from harassment, motivating team members to actively participate towards achieving Cuso International’s goals.
- Ensure Cuso International’s performance management culture and inclusive values are understood and respected, and that direct report receives adequate feedback and supp