Director, Government Affairs - Canada

Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM)

Location: Ottawa, Canada

About AEM: The Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM) is the leading North American trade association representing over 1,100 member companies in the off-road equipment industry. AEM provides comprehensive services and support to its members, helping them navigate an ever-evolving business landscape. Our mission is to advocate for the industry, promote innovation, and facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to drive growth and success.

AEM is deeply committed to supporting its Canadian members, representing nearly 90 companies ranging from OEMs to parts and service providers. We actively engage in advocacy efforts to shape policy, harness data, and meet the evolving needs of the equipment manufacturing industry in Canada. Our work includes representing the industry in Ottawa and Provencial capitals, collaborating with a myriad of Canadian stakeholders, promoting free and efficient cross-border trade and investment, and telling the story of the equipment manufacturing industry's positive impact on Canada's society, environment and economy.

Position Overview: AEM is seeking a dynamic and experienced Director, Government Affairs to represent the equipment manufacturing industry in Canada. This role will report to the Senior Advisor, Global Public Policy and will be part of our Advocacy Department.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Direct AEM's Canadian government relations efforts: Engage with lawmakers, regulators, and their staff, develop industry policy positions, and advocate for the association's top policy priorities. Promote policies aligned with AEM's goals, ensuring interests and points of view are well-represented and advocated for within the governmental sphere.
2. Enhance AEM's profile in Ottawa and with government stakeholders across Canada: Establish, maintain, and prioritize relationships with government officials at the federal and key provincial levels. Coordinate industry-wide advocacy efforts and lead coalitions as needed. Lead external engagement efforts, interact with relevant government and non-government stakeholders, represent AEM's interests, build industry coalitions, and advance strategic objectives.
3. Develop AEM's Canadian public policy priorities: Manage the association's portfolio of policy priorities at the Federal and Provincial levels. Leverage comprehensive understanding of government policies to assess their impact on AEM, its member companies, and the equipment manufacturing industry. Provide objective recommendations on engagement strategies and execute them.
4. Increase AEM member company engagement in Canada: Work with AEM Membership and Advocacy Departments to incorporate member companies into AEM core services. Review government programming and stated procurement needs to determine if they present opportunities that align with AEM's policy goals. Provide thorough assessments to help identify and capitalize on opportunities.
5. Create and enhance AEM connectivity to Canadian media outlets: Identify and connect with Canadian media outlets to highlight the equipment manufacturing industry. Coordinate with various internal stakeholders to develop a cohesive approach to media engagement.

Essential Skills:

• Leadership
• Strategic thinking
• Public speaking
• Budgeting
• Relationship building
• Decision making

Travel Requirements:

• Travel required across Canada to meet with member companies, host elected officials, and represent AEM at policy and political conferences: Up to 20%
• Travel required to Washington, D.C. and Milwaukee, WI for internal meetings and trainings: Quarterly.

Technological Skills:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Government Affairs software

Education and Experience:

Required:

• Bachelor's Degree
• Eight years working for the Government of Canada, House of Commons, or in a government affairs function for a member company or a manufacturing industry association.
• Requires public speaking
• Public policy development experience
• French language bilingual fluency

Preferred:

• Master's Degree
• 10 years working for the Government of Canada, House of Commons, and 3 years in an external advocacy role for trade association or corporation.

Please Note: This position is based in Canada. If hired, you'll be employed through our trusted Employer of Record (EOR) partner, who will handle your payroll and local compliance, while you'll work directly with the AEM team day-to-day.