Vice President, Policy, External Affairs & Business Development

Position Title: Vice President, Policy, External Affairs & Business Development

Organization: Halifax Chamber of Commerce

Location: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Reports To: President and CEO

About the Organization

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is a dynamic, member-driven organization representing over 2,000 businesses and 100,000+ employees across the region. We are committed to adding value to our members and the community at large by fostering and advocating for a competitive, inclusive, and sustainable economic environment that supports innovation, investment, and long-term growth.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Policy, External Affairs & Business Development is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and advancing the Chamber's strategic priorities across government relations, public policy, advocacy, governance, and non-dues revenue growth. This individual will serve as a key voice for the business community and will build a trusted relationship with senior leaders, elected officials, community members and like-minded local and national Chamber-based organizations.

As part of the senior leadership team the VP will be a key contributor to the overall strategic direction of the organization, advising and collaborating on Chamber operational functions.

The VP will oversee the development of policy positions, advocacy strategies, and thought leadership initiatives while strengthening relationships with all levels of government, Indigenous communities, and key partners. In parallel, this role will oversee the Chamber's business development function, identifying and expanding funding, partnerships, and program opportunities that drive organizational growth and deliver value to members. The role also plays a critical function in supporting the Chamber's Board of Directors and ensuring strong governance practices across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

Policy, Advocacy & Government Relations

• Lead the Chamber's government relations and advocacy strategy at municipal, provincial, and federal levels.
• Develop and advance public policy positions that support the economic growth, innovation, and investment needs of our members.
• Support the President and CEO in meetings with elected officials, government decision-makers, regulatory bodies, and media.
• Provide strategic advice and briefings to the President and CEO and Board of Directors on emerging policy issues.
• Position the Chamber as a thought leader through research, policy papers, and public engagement.

External Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with business leaders, community organizations, and institutional partners.
• Lead and grow relationships and impact across regional and national Chamber organizations.
• Serve as key contact and liaison for the Canadian Global Cities Council.
• Support the President and CEO and where necessary function as a spokesperson and ambassador for the Chamber on key issues.
• Lead initiatives related to Indigenous reconciliation, fostering meaningful partnerships and inclusive economic participation.
• Champion Diversity, Equity, Accessibility & Inclusion (DEAI) across the Chamber's work and external engagements.

Business Development & Revenue Growth

• Oversee and grow the Chamber's business development function.
• Identify new funding streams and strategic partnerships.
• Develop and expand programs and services that generate revenue and enhance member value.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align business development efforts with member needs and organizational goals.

Governance & Board Support

• Serve as a key liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting effective governance and alignment with organizational strategy.
• Manage and oversee all governance policies, procedures, and frameworks to ensure best practices and compliance.
• Function as the lead staff resource for the HR & Governance Committee, including agenda development, reporting, and follow-up on key initiatives.
• Support Board recruitment, onboarding, evaluation, and ongoing development processes.
• Provide guidance on governance matters, ensuring clarity of roles and responsibilities between Board and staff.

Leadership & Strategy

• Contribute to the overall strategic direction of the organization as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Support and contribute to the annual budget, member satisfaction, sales, and retention goals of the organization.
• Ensure seamless integration between the policy and communications team to ensure the ready availability of information and evidence to support the Chamber's media and communications strategy.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team.
• Establish performance metrics and ensure accountability for results across all areas of responsibility.
• Relevant understanding of the key components of financial statements and how events in the broader economy affect the financial decisions facing the Chamber and the Canadian economy.

Qualifications & Experience

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in public policy, government relations, external affairs, governance, or a related field.
• Proven experience engaging with senior government officials, business leaders, and boards of directors.
• Strong understanding of economic development, regulatory environments, and public policy processes.
• Demonstrated experience supporting governance frameworks and board operations.
• Demonstrated success in business development, partnership building, and revenue generation.
• Experience advancing Indigenous reconciliation and DEAI initiatives in a meaningful and measurable way.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to influence and drive results in a complex environment.

Why Join Us

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce is the oldest operating Chamber of Commerce in the country, supporting business and economic growth since 1750. Its reputation as a thought leader, collaborator, educator, and advocator places it at the centre of business influence in Nova Scotia and beyond. With a team of like-minded individuals, this position offers a collaborative leader the opportunity to shape the economic future of the region. Get to know the influencers and changemakers across all levels of business and government and leave a mark that makes Halifax and Nova Scotia a better place to live and to do business. Lead initiatives that not only make the Chamber stronger but make Nova Scotia stronger on the local, regional, national, and international stages. Talk to us and find out what we have to offer for the next and best stage of your career.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter via the Career Beacon link by Monday, May 4, 2025.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Our organization is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities.