Vice President Atlantic, Government Relations

Vice-President Atlantic, Government Relations

Reports to: Executive Vice-President (EVP), Government Relations and Public Affairs

Mandate: Fulfill the Vision and Mission of Restaurant Canada by developing strategies and identifying opportunities to influence the government, at both the municipal and provincial levels, in Atlantic Canada. Enhance and build the profile of Restaurants Canada and the foodservice industry in Atlantic Canada markets by developing and implementing a comprehensive communications and government relations strategy to deliver favorable public policy results for the restaurant industry.

Key Responsibilities:

·Proactively manage public policy issues of concern to the foodservice industry in Atlantic Canada, consistent with the strategic direction provided by the association’s Board of Directors and EVP of Government Relations to maintain a favorable business environment.

·Act as media spokesperson on all regional policy issues.

·Coordinate cross-jurisdictional advocacy efforts on identified national files.

·Draft and present industry submissions on government affairs issues to legislative committees, Ministers, and other decision-making bodies.

·Make regular representations on key restaurant and foodservice issues through contact with politicians, bureaucrats, and decision-makers.

·Mobilize board members, regular members and the industry at large on key issues.

·Help advance restaurant issues and increase Restaurants Canada’s profile in Atlantic Canada.

·Represent the association at regional trade shows, and hospitality, business, and government events in the region.

·Work jointly (where appropriate) and collaboratively with the regional Groupex team.

·Pursue cooperative and collaborative relations with provincial restaurant associations and other business associations on public policy issues of common concern.

·Work independently and collaboratively, making timely decision to involve the President and CEO and/or the EVP in policy meetings/lobbying.

·Manage the Atlantic Canada departmental budget, both strategically and operationally, allocating resources to fulfill the mandate of the position and support the strategic vision of the organization.

What makes a successful VP Atlantic, Government Relations?

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a similar role in a non-profit, political environment, business association or the private sector.
• Post-secondary degree in business, political science, policy, economics, government relations, or a related field.
• Organizational skills, working with changing priorities and deadlines.
• Diplomacy, discretion, and relationship building skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. French language skills would be considered an asset.
• Comfort meeting and interacting with a variety of people in social situations as well as formal meetings.
• Understanding of the provincial government legislative, regulatory, and public policy process.
• Experience and training in media interviews and message development.
• Ability to work independently and remotely as part of a fast-paced team.

This role is based in Atlantic Canda and requires travel throughout the Atlantic Canada region as well as less frequent travel to Toronto and Ottawa.

How to apply: Please submit your resume and cover letter into one pdf document to [email protected], indicating the role into the subject line.