Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for shaping public policy and forging impactful relationships with government? The Calgary Chamber is looking for a dynamic and collaborative leader to champion the interests of Calgary's business community. As our next Director of Policy and Government Relations, you'll be at the forefront of driving evidence-based advocacy, engaging with all levels of government, and shaping policies that strengthen Calgary as a hub for innovation, inclusion, and economic growth. If you're ready to help chart the course for a more prosperous Calgary, we want to hear from you.

About the Calgary Chamber

The Calgary Chamber exists to help businesses reach their potential.

As the convenor and catalyst for a vibrant, inclusive and prosperous business community, the Chamber works to build strength and resilience among its members and position Calgary as a magnet for talent, diversification and opportunity. As an independent, non-profit, non-partisan organization founded in 1891, we build on our history to serve and advocate for businesses of all sizes, in all sectors across the city.

The Calgary Chamber is an inclusive workplace where diversity of thought - and of people - are recognized, valued and considered essential to achieving our mission.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Vice President, Policy & External Affairs, and as a member of the Calgary Chamber Leadership Team, the Director, Policy & Government Relations, will lead and execute the Chamber's policy development strategies and government relations efforts.

The Director, Policy & Government Relations is responsible for developing the Chamber's public policy positions, with support from the Senior Policy Advisor and Policy Analyst. The Director, Policy & Government Relations is also responsible for the Chamber's relationships with all three levels of government, working to advance the Chamber's policy positions across sectors, sizes of business, and all types of important issues facing Calgary's business community.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations

• Conduct regular meetings with elected officials, opposition and senior civil servants in all three levels of government, continually working to establish relationships to understand their priorities and to advance the policy positions of the Calgary Chamber.
• Advocate for the adoption of policy recommendations to key decision makers at all three levels of government, working to ensure policy decisions support the well-being of the business community.
• Develop and implement long-term advocacy strategies and government relations plans for various policy issues, at all three levels of government. Work closely with executive leadership to advance these strategies.
• Monitor government activities at all three levels and work with the Manager, Public Relations and Communications to provide timely reaction to governments, media, and Chamber members.

Strategic Policy

• Advance the Chamber's research efforts to ensure policy recommendations are evidence-based and will successfully achieve the intended outcome.
• With the support from the policy team, progress the development of reports, submissions, presentations, and briefings for members, government, other Chambers of Commerce and partners, and internal leadership.
• Contribute to the development of the Chamber's thought leadership including policy-based op-eds, website policy blogs, and contribute to Chamber's social platforms and other channels as required.

Member Stewardship and Engagement

• Lead the Policy and External Affairs teams' engagement efforts with Chamber members to understand their key concerns and develop creative and constructive policy solutions for government to implement. Regular engagement with top-tier members is an integral part of this role.
• Build and maintain relationships with key external stakeholders including Chamber members, government employees and officials, and strategic partners.
• Engage businesses to understand current and impending issues, and work with the Manager, Public Relations and Communications to issue responses to the membership, media, and governments where appropriate.
• Lead the planning and execution of policy roundtables, government keynotes and government roundtables in partnership with the Membership, Events, Sales, Marketing and Executive Leadership Team.

Business Planning and Leadership

• Provide direct leadership, guidance and mentorship to policy direct reports.
• Actively participate in strategic planning and decisions making within the Calgary Chamber Leadership Team and act as a conduit between the Executive Leadership Team and the broader Policy and External Affairs team.
• Participate in business planning and performance assessment activities of the Calgary Chamber and the Policy and External Affairs team.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 8-10 years of experience in government affairs, policy development, external affairs, and/or public relations with progressive leadership responsibility.
• Post-secondary education in public policy, political science, economics, or related discipline. Master's degree is considered an asset.
• A passion for government relations and policy with a non-partisan government lens.
• Strong project management skills and ability to handle several priorities while leading a team.
• Excellent analytical, written, and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excels at working in a dynamic and fast-paced team environment, working with multiple colleagues on different projects simultaneously.
• In-depth understanding and experience in policy development. Experience with data collection and statistical analysis is considered an asset.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends as required, and to occasionally travel nationally for meetings, conferences and events.

Reporting Relationships

Reports to:

• Vice President, Policy and External Affairs

Direct reports:

• Senior Policy Advisor
• Policy Analyst

Works closely with:

• Marketing & Events Team
• Membership & Sales Team
• Executive Leadership Team

Job Details

• Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
• Schedule: Monday to Friday; hybrid work schedule; some after-hours attendance at events is required

To Apply:

To help us get to know you better, please include both a cover letter and resume with your application. Applications missing either document will not be reviewed.

Equity and inclusion are part of our core values. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including non-Canadians who are eligible to work in Canada.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, screening will begin on April 24, 2025, so don't wait to apply!

Please apply directly through the LinkedIn job posting.