Manager, Government Relations - Alberta

Overview

Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is looking for an energetic individual who “gets it” when it comes to government, community and stakeholder relationships and related communications. In this dynamic role, you will exercise your ability to support the development and implementation of government relations strategies. You are well versed in public policy development and can take an issue, research it, and develop a thorough and accurate briefing note within a tight timeframe. You have a strong understanding of Alberta politics and government, and the ability to cultivate key contacts in relevant government ministries and with external stakeholder organizations across Alberta. Knowledge and experience with the governments in Manitoba and Saskatchewan is definitely an asset, as the Edmonton office is responsible for government relations in those provinces as well.

Your attention to detail will shine as you support the Vice President, Western Canada with the preparation of reports, strategies, and internal and external communications. A keen eye for detail and an ability to introduce process into the work of a fast-paced team environment will allow you to thrive in the role. If you are a true team player who enjoys a fast-paced working environment filled with dynamic files and issues, then IBC may be the place for you.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Monitor government agendas and activities

• Identify risks and anticipate opportunities and issues relevant to the business goals and objectives of IBC and its member companies

• Establish and maintain strong and effective relationships with government officials (elected and non-elected) and key public affairs influencers to enhance awareness and understanding of the property and casualty insurance industry

• Undertake policy analysis when required to determine relevance to the P&C insurance industry

• Assist in the development and execution of coordinated public affairs and issues management plan in coordination with member companies and internal departments

• Represent the association and the P&C insurance industry in government and industry consultations/initiatives/committees and working groups

• Support the Western Region with correspondence, briefing notes for key meetings, and ad hoc presentation materials

• Support the development of agendas and provide minutes for applicable meetings

• Create the first draft of reports for various regional committee and national board meetings

• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the region’s workplace processes in order to effectively manage the response to IBC’s strategic Initiatives

• Support communications efforts through IBC Western’s social media accounts

• Deliver project support to the VP and Director of Government Relations as required

• Participate in IBC’s Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion to provide timely insurance support to communities impacted by disasters. Work collaboratively with insurance companies and local/provincial emergency management staff.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in political studies or a related field

• Minimum 2-5 years in stakeholder or government relations, or in a government/political office

• Excellent interpersonal skills and capability to work effectively within a team structure

• Process-and-detail oriented, with an ability to manage ambiguity

• Ability to work under pressure and against strict deadlines

• Excellent writing and oral communications skills, including research and editing

• Knowledge of and interest in the inner workings of government at all levels. Understand how government policy is developed and how decisions are made

• Experience working with senior level politicians to provide counsel and support

• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate and negotiate cross functionally in a trade association environment, and with external stakeholders and government to achieve results

• Demonstrated ability in building strategy and to think strategically about complex and multi-faceted issues

• Excellent communication skills to effectively reach a broad audience of internal and external customers, guests and other key stakeholders

• Knowledge of the role of the insurance industry in the Canadian economy and financial services

• Strong decision-making skills and the ability to influence

• Understanding of media relations and public relations

• Strong public speaking and presentation skills

• Ability to work additional hours on occasion (evenings and weekends)

• Ability to travel within Canada

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary and a benefits package including an employer pension-matching program.

• Hybrid work environment (Pilot policy requiring two in-office days per month to be reviewed later in the year.)

• Variety of job tasks to help accelerate your professional skills development.

• Working with a top-tier team, full of all-stars and industry leaders.

• Strong and supportive leadership with a focus on your development and growth.

IBC is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Alongside a commitment to excellence, IBC is also committed to building a diverse working environment with hiring practices that encourage diversity in all its forms, including race, gender, sexual orientation, religion and ethnicity, among others.

IBC welcomes and encourages applications from candidates with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. If you require disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process, please contact Medina Kadija at MKadija@ibc.ca. IBC will consult with all applicants who request disability-related accommodation during the recruitment process to ensure that the accommodation provided takes into account the applicant's individual accessibility needs.