Vice-President, Policy

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has built a recognized reputation for supporting industry in safely building a more prosperous province and country. It advances progressive public policies and innovative programs that serve the broader public interest. As the primary resource for heavy construction and related industries, MHCA provides information, networking, public policy advocacy and member services.

MHCA is seeking aVice-President, Policy & External Relations to work with and through the President & CEO to the Board of Directors in providing strategic advice to the MHCA Board Chair, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, in all areas of its advocacy and program delivery.

As the Vice-President you will play a pivotal role in amplifying the impact of the MHCA and future of the industry through advocating for sustainable infrastructure investment; engaging with MHCA members; supporting the delivery of workplace health and safety services; and enhancing career pathways, training and education to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce.

As part of the leadership team and through the President & CEO, you will support strategic initiatives, public policy and advocacy, and enhance external relations efforts, contributing significantly to MHCA’s growth, public engagement and transformation. Strong writing and presentation skills are essential, as the VP will be responsible for crafting strategic documents, policy papers and research reports that effectively communicate the MHCA’s positions to government, industry and the public. In this capacity, you will lead and mentor the management team, fostering collaboration and accountability to achieve organizational goals while contributing as an integral member of the executive team.

The Vice-President role is critical to the success of these efforts and is instrumental in promoting sustainable investment in core infrastructure, championing workplace safety education through the WorkSafely program, and collaborating with public and private-sector stakeholders to advance economic growth, diversity and safe work practices. The MHCA’s reputation for effective advocacy will rely heavily on your strategic engagement experience and communications skills.

Position Overview:

Research & Policy

• Collaborate with the President & CEO to research, develop write and edit high-impact policy materials, including policy briefs, speeches, presentations and advocacy-related documents.
• Monitor and analyze municipal, provincial and federal policies related to infrastructure investment, economic growth and workplace safety, ensuring MHCA’s advocacy strategies are evidence-driven and aligned with industry needs.
• Track and evaluate economic trends, public budgets and their impact on the heavy construction sector, providing informed recommendations to influence MHCA’s policy advocacy efforts.
• Support the development of the MHCA’s WorkSafely Program by contributing policy insights and analysis that promote workplace safety and industry best practices.

Writing and Public Engagement

• Lead the preparation and management of all MHCA communication materials, including annual reports, marketing collateral, digital content and thought leadership pieces that elevate MHCA’s public profile.
• Maintain and enhance MHCA’s brand presence through strategic communication campaigns across social media, traditional media and other platforms to ensure the organization’s message is clear, compelling and widely disseminated.
• Serve as a media spokesperson when required, preparing key messaging and supporting media events with expert insight and timely responses.

External, Member and Government Relations

• Develop and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners and advocacy organizations, to support MHCA’s policy and public relations objectives.
• Serve as a key liaison with municipal, provincial and national decision-makers, advancing MHCA’s policy positions and advocating for sustainable infrastructure investment and workplace safety.
• Lead MHCA’s participation in strategic committees, working groups and initiatives.

Public Advocacy

• Where needed, represent MHCA at high-profile industry events, conferences and public forums, delivering compelling presentations that advocate for the organization’s priorities and strategic vision.
• Advocate for progressive policies related to workforce development at the municipal, provincial and national levels.
• Provide executive support to the President & CEO, regularly reporting to the MHCA Chair, Executive Committee and Board of Directors on policy, external relations and communications activities.
• Play a key role in MHCA’s internal and external outreach efforts by presenting the organization’s positions on critical issues in meetings with stakeholders, industry partners and government representatives.

Experience Needed:

• Demonstrated experience in guiding and collaborating with a management team at strategic and operational levels
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities, capable of converting complex legal or policy language into clear, concise and effective content.
• Proficient in conducting research, analyzing data and composing policy briefs. Experience with public budgets and government offices, with ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including government officials and industry partners.
• Experience in advocacy, government affairs and/or media is a key asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Collaborative, strategic thinker with consensus-building leadership skills.

About Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has built a reputation as the recognized voice for the heavy construction and related industries in Manitoba. As the primary resource for the industry, MHCA provides information, networking, public policy advocacy, and member services. Its WorkSafely Program has set an industry standard in workplace safety and health services, emulated by others now developing industry-based safety programs. Its WorkForce program aims to make the heavy construction industry a top career choice for a diversity of tomorrow’s workers and leaders.

The MHCA advocates for sustainable, predictable and incremental investment in core infrastructure (streets, highways, bridges, water/wastewater systems, active transportation, water-control structures, trade gateways & corridors) to support economic growth and social development, creating a more prosperous province and country. The MHCA also advances progressive public policies and innovative programs that serve the broader public interest.

To help achieve its objectives, the MHCA extensively networks with public and private-sector stakeholders at the municipal, provincial, regional and national levels. It supports pan-Canadian industry advocacy though active membership in the Western Canada Roadbuilders & Heavy Construction Association (WCR&HCA), the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) and the Civil Infrastructure Council Corporation (CICC). It is a founding member and is on the Board of the Manitoba Construction Sector Council (MCSC - www.mbcsc.com), which works to identify skill gaps and labour shortages, and research and develop curriculum and training opportunities that provide a clear path to careers in the heavy construction industry.