Government Relations Officer - First Nations Government Portfolio

POSITION:                 Government Relations Officer - First Nations Government Portfolio STATUS:                    Permanent; Full-Time with benefits SHIFT:                        35 hours per week LOCATION:                Provincial Office in Vancouver, BC (Remote anywhere in B.C. or 2 days/week in Provincial Office if based in Lower Mainland) CLASSIFICATION:    Exempt            WAGE:                        Salaried                                                           CLOSING DATE:       Open Until Filled     We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision and values.   The BC SPCA is committed to a future when diversity, equity, and reconciliation are meaningfully embedded in all aspects of its work and within the communities we serve. The First Nations Government portfolio is a distinct and relationship-centered component of the BC SPCA Government Relations team, grounded in building meaningful partnerships with Indigenous communities in BC and functioning as a key internal advisor on First Nations government matters impacting the BC SPCA.   Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply for this role and self-identify. Pursuant to section 42 of the BC Human Rights Code, where candidates meet the qualifications for the role, priority consideration will be given to individuals who identify as Indigenous.     About the Position: The Government Relations Officer coordinates and engages in strategic government relations activities and assists senior management in fostering strong relationships with government officials and staff. The position also contributes to the creation of government relations strategies in alignment with the Society’s strategic plan and long-term vision. The overall goal is to ensure consistent and tactical communication to advance the BC SPCA’s strategic plan goals, to influence change at various levels of government, and mitigate risks to the BC SPCA’s reputation and programs. This position also develops and assists with the coordination of public engagement campaigns to support policy initiatives.   Some specific duties: Contribute to the creation and ongoing review of a BC SPCA government relations strategy consistent with the BC SPCA’s strategic plan and long-term vision, as related to relevant specific portfolio area (noted below). Prepare official correspondence to elected officials, political staff, and public servants. Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and other supporting documents, based on political and policy research; conduct policy and background research where appropriate. Plan and coordinate government meetings, related events, invitations, and travel. Maintain data and contacts for government officials, recording relevant information about their activities and logging BC SPCA contact with them. Ensure government relations-related documentation is kept up-to-date and filed in centralized sources. Organize and coordinate logistics for BC SPCA representation at various government and related meetings, committees, events, task forces, and working groups. Coordinate and collaborate with internal colleagues to ensure well-informed and strategic communication with government and other interested parties. Support public engagement of initiatives identified through the root cause framework. Implement campaign strategies and activities in coordination with Provincial Office departments and regional staff and volunteers, carrying out regular monitoring, evaluation, and reporting. Serve as a liaison and resource to regional staff and volunteers to coordinate engagement of government officials. Monitor and track media coverage relevant to BC SPCA campaigns and advocacy initiatives in the portfolio area.   First Nations Government Portfolio:   First Nations government strategy, advocacy and engagement. Support communities in developing and implementing recommended best practices in progressive animal welfare bylaws. Liaise regularly with BC SPCA Regional Managers to understand current animal control activities in regions. Support staff presentations to First Nations governments (scheduling, creating presentations, training and in-person delivery). Facilitate key Emergency Response relationships with First Nations governments as required.   General Duties (30%):   Provide input into budget planning related to government relations and advocacy initiatives. Monitor and track portfolio-specific government relations spending. Collaborate with the internal Training & Development Specialist on creating and maintaining learning and development material for use by staff. Prepare online and print communication pieces on animal welfare issues to support the BC SPCA’s animal welfare science/standards and advocacy initiatives. Ensure campaign information is featured in BC SPCA communication tools (e.g. magazine, newsletters). Liaise with internal expertise and external agencies such as design and print companies, to produce campaign materials (e.g., graphic design, printing, online). Respond to advocacy and government relations questions from staff, volunteers and supporters. Provide updates/information to staff, volunteers, and the Board of Directors on government relations initiatives via submissions to staff and volunteer newsletters and other internal communication, as well as presenting at BC SPCA All Staff meetings and other meetings as required. Serve as a media representative for relevant issues. Contribute to the working of the Campaigns and Government Relations Forum as required. Participate as a member of other BC SPCA internal committees/forums, as required. Contribute to the growth of a culture of health and safety and volunteerism. Actively seek opportunities to involve volunteers in work in the portfolio and collaborate with Volunteer Resources on implementation. Provide coverage for other portfolios during periods of absence or high workload, as required. Demonstrate a commitment to BC SPCA values, work-life balance, and principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation. Other duties as assigned.     Qualifications you need to have:   University certificate or degree in political science, public administration/relations, communications, social sciences or related field plus 3-5 years’ related experience specific to the assigned portfolio; or a combination of education and experience acceptable to the employer. Related experience includes, but is not limited to: developing and enhancing relationships both internally and externally working with government officials, political staff and civil servants and understanding BC’s political structure in depth as well as the structure of the level of government in the assigned portfolio working in a not-for-profit organization working in Municipal Animal Services executing campaigns and initiatives to engage other interested parties advocating for others Highly developed communication, research and writing skills, with a keen sense for detail and genuine desire/ability to work with a diverse range of parties in a positive and respectful manner. Proficiency in content management web platforms and the use of social media for public engagement and advocacy purposes. Demonstrated ability to plan and carry out projects, achieving the desired results. Passion for animal welfare and an ability to grasp complicated public policy issues related to animal use sectors to advise senior management on government’s point of view. Sound judgement and problem-solving skills. Demonstrated ability to organize work, meet priorities and to work with demanding work within demanding work schedules. Excellent communication, interpersonal and customer service skills. Working knowledge of concepts of equity, diversity, inclusion and reconciliation (in the case of the First Nations portfolio, an advance knowledge is required); ability to relate respectfully to a diverse audience.  Strong computer skills; high proficiency with Microsoft Office (particularly Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook). Ability to exercise a high level of professionalism and discretion with confidential and sensitive information. Must have a valid BC Class 5 Driver's License. Able to travel and do some weekend and evening work, as necessary. Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, values and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.   How to apply:   If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply https://spca.bc.ca/about-us/careers/   We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.    The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN 11881 9036 RR0001