Director, Corporate Affairs

The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is looking for a high-level strategic thinker responsible for developing, coordinating, and implementing CIP’s national initiatives and communications in support of the Institute’s Strategic Plan.

The Corporate Affairs Director is a key member of the CIP staff leadership team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, who will focus on building CIP’s external relationships, influence, and member value. Collaborative and detail-oriented, the Corporate Affairs Director will bring their energy, expertise, creativity, enthusiasm, and willingness to learn new things. This position leads, but is not limited to, the following initiatives:

  • Strategic Projects and Partnerships
  • Continuous Professional Learning
  • External Communications

We are offering a positive and fast-paced environment, a generous compensation package, and opportunities for career growth.

Located in downtown Ottawa, CIP is a member-based organization that works on behalf of over 7,500 planning professionals and students across Canada. Our members work on many important issues, from planning new communities and public spaces, to expanding public transit and bike paths (and much more!). As such, our organization is involved in conversations on how to support aspiring planners on their journey to become registered, as well as policy issues related to climate change, healthy communities, and what it means to support Truth and Reconciliation in our communities.

While all employees are currently working remotely from home, there is an expectation of an eventual return to the office for all CIP staff. Consideration may therefore be given to those who are in Canada but who are not currently in the region and willing to relocate. In the immediate term, the successful candidate will need to have access to their own PC with Windows and have a functional, personal working space set‐up.

Compensation for this position is $90,000/year, plus the following enhancements:

  • A comprehensive benefits package (Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD, and Employee Assistance Plan)
  • Generous paid annual leave (20 days/year) and paid personal leave (up to 12 days/year)
  • An RRSP/TFSA contribution matching program (up to 5% of gross salary)
  • Professional development opportunities

CIP also offers a healthy and positive work environment, with a team that strongly believes diversity and inclusion are key to a respectful workplace.

CIP is looking to fill this position in October; however, we will assess applications as they are received. Accordingly, there is no closing date for this posting. The application process for this posting will close when we have received a sufficient number of qualified applicants.

If you are passionate about capacity-building and providing CIP members an excellent membership experience, and are interested in working collaboratively with the CIP team plus stakeholders across the country, we’d love to hear from you. Applicants are asked to submit a single PDF document to vbroadfoot@cip-icu.ca which includes:

  • A cover letter addressing the duties, skills and abilities, and hard qualifications for the position, explaining why you are well suited to the position
  • A detailed C.V., including a summary of relevant knowledge and workplace experience

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

CIP is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. CIP welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

The CIP office is located on traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg people. CIP extends sincere appreciation for the opportunity to work and learn on this territory in mutual respect and gratitude.

Key Responsibilities

Public Affairs

  • Manage the continued implementation of CIP’s three national policies and the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Roadmap
  • Manage research, analysis, and program development, in close collaboration with the CEO and Professional Practice Lead
  • Advise the CEO and leadership with strategic advice on policy- and program-related activities and initiatives
  • In coordination with the CEO, manage the Institute’s outreach activities involving national and international networks, partners, and other stakeholders
  • Maintain a reliable database of key stakeholders and partnerships
  • Represent CIP on select stakeholder committees/subgroups, strategic meetings, forums, and consultation sessions; engage in new strategic partnerships as required
  • Monitor stakeholder initiatives, policy development, and academic research and publications for key trends and policy recommendations
  • Monitor, review, and respond to federal policy and regulatory programs and initiatives, relating to key CIP priorities
  • Manage the development and implementation of CIP government relations strategies in support of policy priorities, as needed

Communications

  • Work with Communications Specialist to develop, create, and execute CIP’s external communications strategies and objectives. Monitor outcomes to ensure effectiveness
  • Communicate information regarding the work of CIP to members and other stakeholders to promote awareness about the Institute in order to attract new members and build membership engagement
  • Monitor and maintain the quality of communications materials (i.e. website, e-newsletters, annual report)
  • Monitor media and social media for key issues
  • Support CIP spokespeople in developing media responses and public presentations
  • Communicate regularly with key stakeholders to promote and advance CIP initiatives and positions

Continuous Professional Learning and Professional Practice

  • Acts as a primary resource for planning practice-related issues/questions, with support from Professional Practice Lead
  • Work with the Coordinator, Projects & Partnerships, to manage, coordinate, and administer the members’ educational programs, including delivery of CIP’s Continuous Development Learning  (CPL) webinars
  • Identify new educational sponsors, partners, and membership learning initiatives
  • Manage and oversee the CIP Professional Learning HUB and CIP Resource Library
  • Monitor and report on CPL program effectiveness, including financials

Project Development and Management

  • Identify and advise on strategic opportunities and sources of project funding
  • Prepare proposals and applications to secure external funding
  • Develop and manage implementation, monitoring, and evaluations plans for projects and programs, including work plans, schedules, and budgets to ensure timely completion and deliverables
  • Utilize project management tools (i.e. Basecamp) to coordinate project work flows and teams, including external contractors and volunteers
  • Prepare reports/analyses to meet the provisions of project partnership agreements and/or CIP’s internal project monitoring and reporting requirements

Administration

  • Participate in management meetings and organizational leadership initiatives
  • Contribute to organizational budgeting, strategic planning, and risk management processes
  • Supervise departmental staff and conduct annual performance appraisals against performance targets aligned with the goals/objectives of the CIP Strategic Plan
  • Assist in implementing and promoting human resource policies and compliance with relevant federal and provincial laws
  • Manage and support volunteers, provide orientation and ongoing guidance, ensure compliance with CIP policies, professional code of ethics, and provincial and federal legislation and laws
  • Ensure timely and thorough reporting to CEO and Board of Directors

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following skills and background:

Required

  • University degree (preferably Masters level)
  • Experience in not-for-profit and volunteer management, program management, and association or national organization management
  • Exceptional management skills and the ability to inspire, lead, and motivate a talented staff team and volunteers
  • Excellent oral communication skills, comfortable with public speaking in English and French
  • Strong written and editing skills in English (French, an asset)
  • Superior active listening, analytical, and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent organizational skills with an eye for details and ability to prioritize
  • Ability to develop and successfully maintain an extensive network of strategic relationships (volunteers, partners, etc.)
  • Experience in organizational and public policy research and development, writing, and implementation
  • Strong project management experience, including developing and managing budgets
  • Experience in managing professional communications
  • A high degree of computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, webinar systems)
  • Flexibility in work scheduling, as occasional travel and weekend work is required (including CIP annual conference)
  • Ability to travel and attend evening or weekend work to attend meetings, conferences, and other professional functions 
  • Physical strength – lifting 30+ lbs and the ability to stand long hours (workshops and trade shows)

Preferred

  • Knowledge of planning profession and its practice
  • Experience working in a regulated profession
  • Experience working with and managing volunteers, consultants/suppliers, and stakeholders
  • Experience supervising staff (coaching and/or mentoring experience, an asset)
  • Experience in adult education and/or delivering professional training (i.e. webinars)
  • Cultural competency and anti-racism training

Competencies

  • Excellent judgment and decision-making abilities on communications and policy issues
  • Initiative, creativity, flexibility, and ability to prioritize and organize several assignments at once
  • Detail oriented with ability to anticipate and plan for next steps
  • Self-motivated, with ability to work independently but equally contributing in a team environment
  • Commitment to member satisfaction, with the ability to anticipate challenges and develop appropriate solutions and responses that continue to build rapport and trust
  • Highly ethical, with commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity 
  • Strong consensus-building, consultation, and negotiation skills
  • Effective and diplomatic communication with individuals and groups through presentations, discussions, remarks, and written and verbal communications
  • Commitment to continuous personal and professional learning
  • Knowledge of government decision-making, as well as federal policy-setting and legislative processes in Canada