The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government. FCM’s Strategic Plan calls upon FCM to work collaboratively to: a) expand national understanding and support of the role local governments play in meeting national objectives; b) shape the national agenda by influencing decision-makers and opinion-leaders to ensure that the interests of municipalities are met or exceeded; c) build capacity and knowledge, thereby encouraging initiative and innovation, which in turn helps local governments rise to the challenges they face; and d) share its knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities.
The Policy and Government Relations (PGR) department’s dedicated team provides rigorous and innovative issues analysis and management, policy development, government relations and advocacy in support of the municipal sector’s federal priorities. The team operates in real-time, responding to fast moving political events and policy opportunities. Our influence and relevancy is built on the quality and depth of our work, but also how deeply it is informed by our members who represent over 90% of the Canadian population.
The Outreach and Engagement unit within PGR has substantive experience with building and leveraging strategic partnerships and navigating the advancement of public policy issues within a diverse network of internal and external partners. The Outreach and Engagement unit plays an integral role in the development of national advocacy and engagement strategies working closely with the Government Relations and Policy and Research teams.
Major Purpose:
The Outreach and Engagement Advisor (Campaigns) role resides within the Outreach and Engagement unit within PGR and works to improve FCM’s mobilization efforts by contributing to innovative political advocacy campaigns, developing and implementing member and public outreach strategies and engagement tools, building the advocacy capacity of our Board of Directors and members, developing and delivering outreach and engagement strategies for FCM`s senior leadership, and engaging Canada’s municipal sector in building support for FCM’s national agenda.
The Outreach and Engagement Advisor (Campaigns) works in close collaboration with the FCM Board of Directors and provides on-going support to FCM`s Regional and Provincial and Territorial Association caucuses and members to ensure our advocacy and policy priorities and campaigns are as informed by these members. The O&E Advisor is also responsible for campaigns related outreach of FCM’s CEO. The O&E Advisor will work within an integrated team of government relations, public policy, media and communications professionals. The O&E Advisor will collaborate with colleagues across departments to identify supporters, partners, and champions, and coordinate activities to mobilize them.
The position is designed to drive political action through Board, member, CEO and stakeholder outreach in order increase awareness and support of local governments’ role in nation-building; and build support among Members of Parliament, federal political parties, and opinion leaders.
Key Responsibilities:
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Support and engage FCM`s Board of Directors, with a particular focus on FCM’s Table Officers as well as Regional Caucuses and Provincial and Territorial Associations (PTAs), in FCM’s engagement and advocacy strategies including issue based campaigns.
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Identify and create opportunities to increase Board and member outreach and engagement activities that amplify our voice to the federal government, stakeholders and the public at large.
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Leverage FCM events (e.g. annual conference, FCM Advocacy Days) and CEO and President’s outreach activities to identify and mobilize supporters.
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Support the overall Policy and Government Relations team through the flow of information stemming from Board, member and stakeholder engagement.
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Implement, monitor and evaluate outreach and engagement strategies, tools, and activities.
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Provide support to PTA and Regional Caucus members at Board of Directors’ meetings for the development of meeting agendas and increased engagement with PTAs and PTA President’s Chairs in between meetings.
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Monitor and keep abreast of federal, provincial, territorial and municipal issues that pertain to FCM priorities
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Manage tracking strategies in collaboration with FCM’s Membership and Information System’s teams and maintain up-to-date data on key partners, members, and municipal champions for campaign purposes.
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Support all FCM departments engaging in member outreach activities.
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Identify opportunities for outreach with stakeholders who contribute value to FCM campaigns.
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Ensure follow-up and communication with active participants in FCM’s campaigns.
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Leveraging FCM’s web and social media presence to expand and activate networks of supporters, in collaboration with the Communications and Membership team.
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University degree in politics, public administration, marketing, public relations, communications or a related field; and/or a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a related field.
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Experience working on successful national advocacy, engagement, or electoral campaigns.
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Proven ability to develop, plan and implement effective advocacy campaigns.
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Proven understanding of one or more of federal, provincial/territorial or municipal politics.
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Experience working with directly with elected-officials, the media, and/or a membership organization would be an asset.
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Proven project management skills, including the ability to effectively organize, process, and communicate information in a fast-moving work environment.
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Familiarity both with (1) social media and web-based outreach tools; and (2) more traditional outreach tactics and tools (e.g. telephone canvassing, direct mail, engaging community groups).
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Strategic thinking skills combined with a proven capacity for hands-on technical work.
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Excellent communications skills.
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Capacity to work in a self-directed manner and demonstrated ability to work well within a team setting.
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Good interpersonal skills and the ability to exercise tact, discretion and judgment at all times.
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Excellent knowledge of FCM and current national priorities including infrastructure, housing, transit etc.
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Ability to engage our members and key supporters in both official languages of Canada.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.
Department: Policy and Government Relations
Classification: Level 5
Salary Band: $71,900 - $90,700
Languages: Bilingualism preferred
Duration: 2 year contract
The benefits of joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market; FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services.
24, rue Clarence
Ottawa Ontario
Canada K1N 5P3
www.fcm.ca
Visit the careers section of our website to apply. Deadline for applications is May 25, 2017.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.
