Associate, Environment Practice Group

Job Summary

Sussex is seeking an Associate within its Environment Practice. The candidate will have a background in environmental legislation and regulations, and an understanding of and interest in key policy issues related to the circular economy, sustainability, climate change, carbon markets, environmental permitting, and other related matters in Ontario and across Canada.

As an Associate, you will support our team of experts by conducting policy and industry research, drafting client briefing materials, writing proposals, creating presentations, monitoring legislative & regulatory proceedings, identifying and setting up meetings with public officials, and organizing events. You will be an important resource to Sussex clients in the development and execution of government relations strategies and tactical plans.

While primarily focused on supporting the Environment Team with client work and strategy, the Associate will also be responsible for attending meetings with clients and sending updates to our network on key policy developments.

The candidate should clearly understand federal & provincial government affairs, the legislative process, and the policy landscape. The candidate must also have a high degree of political acuity and awareness of the political and policy landscape in Ontario.

The Associate should demonstrate a strong ability to excel under pressure while maintaining excellent working relationships with clients, colleagues, government, and community contacts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to understand and translate complex environmental issues and guidance at the provincial and federal level to identify opportunities and challenges for clients

• Provide excellent customer service to clients including day-to-day client management and support for strategic and tactical programs

• Provide insight and advice to clients related to their government relations programs and support clients in government-facing engagement

• Utilize strong qualitative research skills to become an expert on environmental issues as required including resource recovery, carbon pricing, chemicals management, cleantech, energy efficiency, conservation and more

• A highly skilled communicator, both oral and written, with the ability to produce high-quality briefing materials that present client issues in a compelling and relevant manner to government audiences

• Strong team player and collaborator who is willing to jump in and roll up their sleeves to get things done, able to multi-task and work effectively across teams in a collaborative structure

• Excellent strategic and critical thinking, foresight and capacity to identify and implement complex advocacy strategies

• Support the identification and development of new business proposals including presentations and pitches as required

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3-5 years of relevant government and industry experience

• Minimum 4-year University Degree in Business, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, Economics, or a comparable field

• Self-motivated & detail-oriented with an ability to focus on the task at hand and complete it with accuracy in a timely manner

• Able to work in a multi-tasking environment, be flexible, and adapt to different situations

• Sound judgement and strong ethics

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to maintain professional relationships with clients, government, and colleagues

• Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

• Proven organization, time management, and problem-solving skills

• Excellent verbal and written English communication skills

• Passion for environmental and sustainability issues

How to Apply

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume detailing relevant work experience.

About our Firm

Sussex Strategy Group is Canada’s premier advisory firm for businesses and organizations facing complex challenges involving government, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Our mission is to be the most respected public affairs firm in Canada by offering superior service and value to our clients, our team, and our stakeholders while conducting our business with integrity, inclusivity, creativity and a dedication to excellence.

Established in 1998, the firm remains Canadian-owned and independently operated, with offices in Toronto and Ottawa, and a network of expert affiliates in major centres across the country.

Sussex’s Environment Practice is based on helping clients identify, understand, and impact environment and climate policy, legislation, and regulation in order to advance interests and safeguard against risk.

We are proud to maintain one of the largest public affairs practices in the country, with a political, policy, and business network second to none. Our specialty is tackling complex matters that demand a depth of experience and understanding.