VICE PRESIDENT, PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the Vice President, Public Affairs is a key executive who will oversee all the communications which includes  public and government relations encompassing strategies for both internal and external audiences to advance the Canadian Paint and Coatings Association's (CPCA) priorities.  The Vice President provides guidance and advice to management on critical issues of importance to members in support of CPCA's stated positions.  This includes establishing creative approaches related to key industry and stakeholder communities with clear benchmarks for execution.  The Vice President also manages relationships with members, multiple internal and external stakeholders, industry partners, and all levels of government.  Working across a wide range of complex and sometimes technical issues while working to ensure the industry is well positioned for economic competitiveness while delivering safe, environmentally and socially responsibe products to consumers.

RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Responsible for representing CPCA's position on legislation and government Policy generally through productive engagement with stakeholders, technical committees and various regulatory government departments and agencies

• Analyzes and interprets developments on government policy and provides advice accordingly

• Provides in-depth advice and analysis to the association and its members in the development of positions, strategies, plans, and programs for mannaging the issues for all targeted audiences

• Ability to proactively enegage and involve members to enhance industry positions by working with association committees to create opportunities for members to work with the association in a practical and proactive manner

• Reaches out to internal and external subject matter experts to acquire relevant resources to manage issues and provide expertise when and as needed

• Develops relationship and liaises with association members, governments, external companies, other associations, special interest groups on emerging issues and priorities

• Present the association's views to diverse audiences in a broad range of forums related to educational and advocacy role

COMPETENCIES

You are a collaborative and ethical individual who is able to lead complex initiatives with patience and diligence for maximum results.  You are an effective contributor to strategic discussions and works well on impactful reports, formal submissions and presentations on a range of issues.  You possess a post-secondary degree in a related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.  Leadership experience in strategic communications is essential.  A background in public affairs with knowedge of governmental policy and regulatory development is required in fulfilling the requirements of this role.  Candiates must also demonstrate success working in an advisory capacity and liaising with government, stakeholder groups and trade media.

Recognized as a leader with outstanding communication skills, you have a track record in developing effective public affairs strategies in support of general advocacy efforts.  You have established a strong reputation and network as an effective advocate with strong relationship building skills, all of which is based on an excellent writing and oral communications foundation.  Key qualities include a focus on:

• Relationship Building
• Change Leadership
• Teamwork and Cooperation
• Results Orientation
• Managing Organizational Resources

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• University degree in business administration, commerce, public administration or equivalent and minimum of 10 years experience, an appropriate Masters degree would be connsidered an asset
• Demonstrated supervisory experience and hands on work overseeieng government policy/regulatory development and related outreach to stakeholders groups
• Experience in service delivery innovation in support of a results-focused organization
• Experience in negotiating/mediating solutions with stakeholders and developing positive, two-way relationships with association members and/or other client groups
• Experience working in the private for profit sector or a non-profit organization
• Knowledge of the chemical manufacturing or distributionn sector would be an asset
• Proficiency in French is an asset.