Public Affairs Manager

Public Affairs Manager

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU)

Location:
Ottawa, ON (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)

About CBTU

Canada's Building Trades Unions (CBTU) is the national voice for more than
600,000 skilled trades construction workers
, representing
14 international unions
and over
60 trades and occupations
that collectively generate approximately
6% of Canada's GDP
. CBTU works to ensure the priorities of skilled trades workers are effectively represented in federal public policy, legislative processes, and national workforce strategies.

The Opportunity

CBTU is seeking a
strategic, relationship-driven Public Affairs Manager
to lead federal government relations and advance CBTU's legislative agenda. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is ideal for a proactive, politically astute professional who excels in a fast-paced environment, manages multiple files with confidence, and builds strong relationships across political offices, federal departments, affiliates, and industry partners.

You will manage two direct reports, collaborate with a highly engaged team, and help shape policy outcomes that impact construction workers across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Lead CBTU's federal government relations strategy, identifying opportunities to advance key policy priorities.
• Engage effectively with political offices and senior public servants in departments such as Labour, Natural Resources, ESDC, Finance, ISED, and Transport.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Prepare submissions, briefing notes, presentations, and correspondence for federal decision-makers.
• Support appearances before parliamentary committees and national consultations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Build trusted relationships with parliamentarians, officials, affiliates, and industry partners.
• Represent CBTU at meetings, events, and consultations, serving as a key point of contact in Ottawa.
• Work collaboratively with the communications team to develop aligned advocacy and messaging strategies.

Team Leadership & Organizational Support

• Manage two direct reports (Communications Associate and Senior Communications Advisor).
• Ensure compliance with Lobbying Act reporting requirements and maintain accurate internal tracking systems.
• Support planning and coordination of the CBTU Annual Conference, including the plenary program.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience in government relations at the manager or director level, engaging both political and civil service stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the
  construction industry
  and familiarity with issues such as project labour agreements, apprenticeships, infrastructure policy, and workforce development.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple high-priority files while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Outgoing, approachable, and effective at building trust at all levels—from senior officials to board members, affiliates, and rank and file members.
• Comfortable "managing up" and working directly with the CEO.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general office technology.
• Bilingualism (English/French) preferred.
• Based in Ottawa and able to travel up to 20%.

Employment Details

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package. Hybrid work model with 3 days/week in-office presence. Note this is an Ottawa-based position.

How to Apply

Please submit your
resume
,
cover letter
, and
compensation expectations
to:

Jack Shand, FCMC - The Portage Group

email:

Deadline: December 30, 2025

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants; those chosen for interview will be contacted.