Wine Growers Canada (WGC) is looking to hire a Director of Policy and Government Affairs. If you are interested in joining our team in Ottawa, please submit your resume and cover letter by July 6, 2021 to Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO, Wine Growers Canada by email at wgc@wgcanada.ca. Only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.
Job Description
Wine Growers Canada (WGC) is the national voice of the Canadian wine industry, representing a diverse membership that represents over 92% of all wine produced and sold in Canada.
At WGC, our dedicated team coordinates and conducts the research, policy development and advocacy necessary to work with all levels of government, liquor boards and related communities of interest in pursuing the best interests and growth of the entire Canadian wine industry.
The Director of Policy and Government Affairs will report directly to the President & CEO, and is suited to an individual who is dynamic, confident, experienced and well positioned to help support the growth of the wine industry across Canada through planning, creating and implementing WGC’s policy and government relations strategy.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
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- Direct and oversee the development and execution of impactful government relations strategies that make a positive impact on the Canadian wine industry
- In collaboration with the President & CEO, build influential relationships with government ministers, key members of the opposition, political staff and bureaucratic decision makers to ensure that WGC is involved in public policy and economic discussions
- Ensure that policy and government strategies are aligned with communications targets to ensure maximum exposure to advance WGC’s policy objectives
- Build a broad range of industry and third party stakeholder relationships to generate consensus and positive outcomes
- Assess emerging trends, track federal legislation, regulations and policies for risks and opportunities and develop a strategy for response, independently or in collaboration with third stakeholders
- Coordinate with WGC staff, policy, program and regulatory development and consultation exercises with members and relevant stakeholders
- Manage and participate on priority industry/government policy committees, as required
- Track and respond to government consultations, ensuring that WGC recommendations are delivered across all relevant Departments, House and Senate Committees, political caucus’ and political staff
- Provide leadership and support on the development and delivery of annual strategic government relations, policy objectives and budgets
- Support WGC team members on a variety of files as needed
- Lead the coordination of Parliamentary events
- Work with our strategic communications team on issues as needed, including social media engagement
Education and Experience
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- University degree and/or equivalent experience in a related field
- 3-5 years experience in public affairs and government relations
- Knowledge of government and the federal legislative process
- Work experience on Parliament Hill is an asset
- Understanding of the beverage alcohol sector is an asset
Language:
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- Strong English language skills, both written and oral. French is an added asset.
Competencies and Skills:
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- Ability to interact, influence and collaborate with government officials and business leaders
- Demonstrable experience of working in a legislative environment
- A proven record of building exceptional relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders
- Excellent judgement, acts with professionalism and integrity and demonstrates leadership qualities in challenging environments
- Problem solver and self-starter with proven initiative
- Ability to manage projects, budgets and financial forecasts
- Superior written, oral, interpersonal and presentation skills, and the ability to take complicated information and disseminate it clearly to a variety of audiences
- Good organizational skills with an ability to meet deadlines and prioritize competing demands
Apply
Wine Growers Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all staff members
WGC offers a competitive salary and a generous range of benefits. Interested candidates should submit their resume and covering letter by July 6, 2021 in confidence to the attention of Dan Paszkowski, President & CEO, Wine Growers Canada by email at wgc@wgcanada.ca Only candidates considered for an interview will be contacted.