Director Government Affairs and Advocacy

**DIRECTOR GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND ADVOCACY**

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is the national industry association representing close to 60 freight and passenger railway companies - railways that transport millions of passengers and approximately $380 billion worth of goods across our country each year - as well as a growing number of industrial railways and railway supply companies as associate members.

Canada’s railways power our economy and move Canada. RAC’s mission is to educate and collaborate with members, governments, and communities to ensure that Canada’s rail sector is recognized as one of the safest, most competitive, and sustainable in the world, and that they play a critical role in our lives and our economy.

The Railway Association of Canada (RAC) is looking to fill the position of **Director Government Affairs and Advocacy.**

Reporting to RAC's Vice President Public and Government Affairs and working in a team environment, you will proactively develop, coordinate, and carry out advocacy initiatives that protect and advance the interests of the railway industry.

We thank applicants for their interest, however, only those advancing in the process will be contacted.

**PURPOSE/OBJECTIVE**

The Director Government Affairs and Advocacy will manage the government and external relations, advocacy, and policy activities of the Association, including overseeing various political and bureaucratic engagement campaigns, working with the Vice President Public and Government Affairs on the development of key messages, speaking notes and other written products.

The incumbent will liaise with a network of contacts (internal and external) to proactively develop, coordinate, and carry out advocacy plans that protect and advance the interests of the railway industry as well as achieve increased knowledge and communication between the RAC and its railway members, government officials (elected and appointed) and other external stakeholders.

**KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES**

1. Assist efforts of members to influence federal and provincial government policies, programs, legislation, and regulations that are of concern to the railway industry.

2. Lead or contribute to policy development, written submissions, speeches, presentations.

3. Develop and execute campaigns to educate and influence key stakeholders.

4. Monitor and analyze parliamentary, government and political party developments and identify issues of concern to RAC’s members to facilitate member dialogue and input.

5. Develop, maintain and grow strong relationships with an extensive network of federal government stakeholders (including Members of Parliament, ministers, and political staff and senior bureaucrats), provincial officials, national business and shipper contacts and others to enhance their knowledge of the rail industry, to coordinate lobby efforts and identify relevant or common public policy issues. Maintain a comprehensive list of MPs, positions and contacts and be responsible for the RAC’s lobby registration activities.

6. Organize meetings with Members of Parliament, ministers, key political staff, and other stakeholders and represent the RAC at these meetings and other events.

7. Work with the Director Member Engagement, to plan and assist in the execution of advocacy events in Ottawa and other major capitals as they are conducted from time to time; and RAC’s Annual conference, which brings government and industry together, as well as other meetings and events and workshops to advance our advocacy.

8. Assist in organizing and preparing for representations on behalf of RAC to the federal Rail Caucus, parliamentary committees, selected government officials and other stakeholders on specific issues to seek amendments to proposed or existing policies, legislation and regulations.

9. Lead the RAC Public & Advocacy Committee.

10. Establish and execute an outreach plan at provincial and federal levels and maintain a system to track stakeholder engagement.

**STATUS AND SCOPE/AUTHORITY**

This position reports to the Vice President Public and Government Affairs.

The position maintains broad contact at various levels within railway member companies and with other stakeholders (especially federal and provincial governments).
- University degree, preferably at master’s level, with emphasis in political science, business, public policy administration, or economics;
- 5-7 years’ experience as a political staff member, and/or in government relations or corporate communications;
- Solid experience in advocacy and public policy;
- Experience in team management and mentoring;
- Strong research, analysis, and monitoring skills;
- Impeccable written and excellent oral communication skills with a demonstrated ability to simplify and effectively explain complex concepts and policies;
- Strong knowledge of government at the federal and provincial levels, including an in
- depth understanding of parliamentary processes;
- An esta