Director of Public Affairs

The Director, Public Affairs has proven success managing relationships with stakeholders, identifying business development opportunities and promoting organizational interests with governments and external organizations in existing and new sectors. This role will involve both strategic and tactical operational planning, development, evaluation, coordination and implementation of public affairs activities. The Director, Public Affairs is responsible for ensuring departmental strategy and operations are aligned with core business objectives and carrying out a government relations strategy based on four pillars:

  1. Raise GS1 Canada’s profile with government and industry stakeholders
  2. Generate regular, active consultation and engagement by governments and industry stakeholders by becoming the recognized authority in Canada for supply chain and e-commerce practices
  3. Secure government commitment to partnership in appropriate areas
  4. Identify and secure funding for industry projects.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Develops, manages and implements a national public affairs plan for GS1 Canada to continuously raise the level of awareness amongst key external stakeholders, including governments, of the value of engagement with GS1 Canada and implementation of global GS1 supply chain standards;
  • Identifies opportunities to secure government funding in support of corporate and Board priorities;
  • Works with internal and external stakeholders to develop and advance funding proposals;
  • Manages Public Affairs team by translating departmental and organizational strategies into action plans to ensure day-to-day operation, establishing performance goals, objectives and individual development plans for direct reports;
  • Conducts research and analysis and synthesizes information collected from various internal and external sources, (i.e. government policies, think tank reports, stakeholder publications) in order to drive and enable GS1 Canada’s external relations, government relations, and policy activities;
  • Identifies opportunities to build strategic alliances with industry stakeholders in order to advance core industry and board priorities;
  • Develops a strong understanding of industry and board priorities to identify opportunities for GS1 Canada engagement and influence in these areas; advises GS1 Canada executives of opportunities and supports communication of opportunities to board members, where applicable;
  • Consults collaboratively with other department leaders to ensure stakeholder requirements are delivered;
  • Develops an in-depth understanding of key business drivers and proactively provides ideas and solutions within GS1 Canada to enhance performance through improved stakeholder service delivery, processes and policies;
  • Manages the development of a range of strategic communications products in a variety of formats (i.e. speaking notes, briefing materials, presentations, reports, Q&As, backgrounders, etc.) for both internal and external audiences to compellingly to support Public Affairs activities;
  • Develops and implements strategic communications plans and programs designed to inform stakeholders, industry and government of GS1 Canada initiatives to drive strategic partnerships;
  • Communicates, supports and displays teamwork in all phases of the business, team and partners.
  • Undergraduate degree preferably in political science, public policy, business administration or related field;
  • Advanced / specialized knowledge gained through 7-10 years related work experience, including 3 years’ experience in managing/coordinating the work of others, or an equivalent combination of education/experience;
  • Advanced knowledge of government and political environment, and proven ability to establish relations with key officials and influencers;
  • Proven superior writing and presentation skills;
  • Proven ability to develop and submit funding proposals;
  • Excellent and proven strategic influencing skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people at different levels to advance business priorities;
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form;
  • Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects/initiatives in a deadline-driven environment;
  • Capacity to make recommendations and decisions necessary for long-range plans;
  • Proven ability to anticipate potential obstacles and future trends with strategic thinking skills and the ability to put abstract concepts into operational success;
  • Proven ability to interact with and influence the highest levels of management within solution providers, stakeholders and government as well as internal to the organization;
  • Proven superior analytical skills to assess and assimilate a good deal of information dealing with a variety of issues and subjects;
  • High level of proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet, etc);
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment with multi-disciplinary teams;
  • Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset;
  • Entrepreneurial spirit suited for fast paced, results based environment and requiring flexibility to changing needs.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Experience
  • Undergraduate degree preferably in political science, public policy, business administration or related field;
  • Advanced / specialized knowledge gained through 7-10 years related work experience, including 3 years’ experience in managing/coordinating the work of others, or an equivalent combination of education/experience;
  • Advanced knowledge of government and political environment, and proven ability to establish relations with key officials and influencers;
  • Proven superior writing and presentation skills;
  • Proven ability to develop and submit funding proposals;
  • Excellent and proven strategic influencing skills with the ability to effectively communicate with a wide variety of people at different levels to advance business priorities;
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form;
  • Proven ability to multi-task and prioritize multiple projects/initiatives in a deadline-driven environment;
  • Capacity to make recommendations and decisions necessary for long-range plans;
  • Proven ability to anticipate potential obstacles and future trends with strategic thinking skills and the ability to put abstract concepts into operational success;
  • Proven ability to interact with and influence the highest levels of management within solution providers, stakeholders and government as well as internal to the organization;
  • Proven superior analytical skills to assess and assimilate a good deal of information dealing with a variety of issues and subjects;
  • High level of proficiency with MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Internet, etc);
  • Strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude and the ability to thrive in a collaborative environment with multi-disciplinary teams;
  • Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset;
  • Entrepreneurial spirit suited for fast paced, results based environment and requiring flexibility to changing needs.