Government Relations & Policy Officer

SOCIETY OF UNITED PROFESSIONALS

Job Posting

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS & POLICY OFFICER

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Government Relations & Policy Officer is responsible for advancing the union’s public policy and advocacy priorities, ensuring that members’ voices are heard at all levels of government. This role combines policy development, campaign design, and government relations activities, with a focus on analyzing legislation, building strategic relationships, and coordinating advocacy initiatives.

The position supports elected leaders and staff in shaping policy positions and executing campaigns that align with the Union’s mission, values, and strategic objectives.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Reporting to the Manager, Central Functions, the job is government facing and has primary responsibility for proposing, developing and documenting policy positions on behalf of the Society.

This is a permanent, unionized position. The job is based on a 35-hour week, Monday to Friday, with a regular requirement for evening and weekend work. The position also requires the ability to travel, including internationally.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Labour Studies, or a related field (or equivalent education and experience)
• At least 7–10 years of directly related experience, including policy development, advocacy, campaigns, and strategic planning.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Demonstrated ability to interpret, draft, and analyze complex policy and legislative documents (including correspondence, briefs, proposals, policy papers and governance documents).
• Proven experience in areas relevant to the union’s sectors of expertise (e.g., energy, labour, economic policy).
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to persuade, influence, and clearly convey complex ideas.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and meet tight deadlines with minimal supervision.
• Political acuity, relationship-building skills, and experience working with elected officials.
• Well-developed interpersonal communication skills, mainly through writing, to persuade and influence opinions and respond to challenges.
• Commitment to confidentiality, equity, inclusion, and workers’ rights.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Build and sustain strong relationships with government representatives, community partners, and advocacy organizations.
• Represent the union in meetings with government officials, regulatory agencies, and industry associations.
• Prepare and deliver submissions, testimony, and presentations to government bodies and committees.
• Support member engagement in government relations activities such as lobby days, rallies, and consultations.
• Propose, develop, and document policy positions on behalf of the union, including those related to energy, labour, and economic issues.
• Monitor and analyze legislation, regulations, and policy proposals at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels
• Draft policy briefs, position papers, and internal governance documents for review by elected leadership.
• Work with communications to translate complex legislative and policy issues and design campaigns that connect policy issues to member interests and coalition partners.
• Provide strategic updates and reports to the Executive Board and Council.
• Coordinate strategic planning initiatives under the direction of elected leadership.
• Support peer mentoring programs for elected leaders.
• Work cooperatively with other staff, external relations staff in particular, to assist elected officials in meeting the Society’s strategic priorities.
• Backup and support other Central Functions team members during absences or peak activity periods.
• Assist with regulatory submissions as required.

Apply to this position by email to recruiting@thesociety.ca no later than January 31, 2026.