Policy and Advocacy Specialist - Vantage Point

Organizational Overview

Vantage Point’s mission is to promote connected communities by nurturing a strong non-profit sector. We achieve this by delivering high-quality training, resources, and advocacy that builds connection, creativity, and impact in the sector. Our vision is an inclusive community, where non-profits can achieve their fullest potential and drive sustainable change throughout the province and beyond.

Job Summary

As the convener of the BC Non-Profit Network, Vantage Point undertakes non-profit sector research, community engagement, policy development, advocacy, and government relations in collaboration with the network’s Steering Committee. Within Vantage Point’s Engagement and Advocacy Team, the Policy and Advocacy Specialist is responsible for leading policy initiatives, developing evidence-based policy recommendations, and advancing advocacy and government relations efforts on behalf of the BC Non-Profit Network. The successful team member will conduct policy analysis, produce policy briefs and reports, coordinate advocacy campaigns, and support strategic projects such as sector impact studies. This role will work closely with government officials, sector partners, and the BC Non-Profit Network to drive impactful policy change, strengthen sector capacity, and elevate the role of non-profits in shaping public policy.

Commitment to EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion)

Vantage Point is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive team and providing equitable opportunities in our recruitment processes. Individuals with life experience and knowledge of promising practices in EDI are encouraged to apply. Vantage Point is particularly interested in considering applications from Indigenous, Black, Asian, Latinx, Indigequeer, Two-Spirited, and LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, or people who hold otherwise traditionally marginalized identities to reflect the sector we serve and our collective communities.

Role Responsibilities

Policy Development

1. Track and monitor policy changes at the provincial and federal levels, providing updates to the BC Non-Profit Network, Vantage Point team, and stakeholders.
2. Conduct policy research on internal Vantage Point policy files, new and emerging policy areas of interest to the non-profit sector, and priorities identified by the BC Non-Profit Network.
3. Analyze government policies, regulations and legislation, providing concise summaries and actionable recommendations.
4. Engage, consult, and collaborate with the BC Non-Profit Network and sector stakeholders to develop viable policy positions and strategies.
5. Draft and update policy briefs, discussion papers, reports, and recommendations that are evidence-informed and responsive to the policy environment in BC.

Sector Advocacy

1. Support activities to advance specific files as determined by the CEO and Director of Engagement and Advocacy.
2. Support the development and implementation of advocacy campaigns to advance the priorities of the BC Non-Profit Network, including drafting advocacy materials such as letters, toolkits, etc.
3. Engage in targeted outreach and coalition building activities to support sector advocacy.
4. Coordinate lobbying and advocacy activities such as roundtables, consultations, townhalls, and other events.
5. Align policy positions and advocacy strategies across the non-profit sector through environmental scans, stakeholder engagements, and participation in collaborative working groups.

Government Relations

1. Work with the Director of Engagement and Advocacy towards the development and implementation of a government relations plans for Vantage Point and the BC Non-Profit Network.
2. Work alongside the CEO and Director of Engagement and Advocacy to support meetings with elected officials and their staff at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government.
3. Draft briefing notes, talking points, presentations, written submissions, and other materials for government.
4. Ensure adherence to regulations and restrictions relevant to lobbying and advocacy activities.
5. Participate in government consultation processes, including submitting written responses to requests for input on policy development.

Strategic Projects

1. Support or lead research projects that measure the impact of the non-profit sector, such as economic impact studies or sector benchmarking reports.
2. Coordinate with external research partners, academic institutions, and consultants to ensure project goals are met.
3. Communicate the outcomes of sector impact studies through accessible reports and presentations.

Other

1. Develop and deliver presentations on policy issues, advocacy strategies, and sector impact to various audiences, including government officials, non-profits, and community stakeholders.
2. Provide subject matter expertise in the development of training and capacity building opportunities for non-profits.
3. Draft updates, blogs, and communications pieces for the greater Vantage Point community.
4. Provide thought leadership and support with the development and execution of the annual BC Non-profit Leadership Conference (known as BOSS).
5. Co-lead internal meetings with other Vantage Point teams to discuss trends in the non-profit sector and support growth and development of Vantage Point’s overall programs and services.
6. Supervise students, interns and other project-based team members, on occasion.
7. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Competencies

1. Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, law, political science, or a related area, or equivalent professional experience.
2. At least 2 years of demonstrated professional experience in policy development, advocacy or government relations.
3. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to present and explain policy to a wide variety of audiences in an interesting and organized manner.
4. High aptitude for technology, including Microsoft Office Suite.
5. Strong project management skills and the ability to advance multiple priorities in a dynamic, fluid environment.
6. Fun, caring colleague who is committed to relationship building and is a team player.
7. Solid organizational skills with a keen eye for detail.
8. Experience in and passion for BC’s non-profit community is an asset.
9. Commitment to and personal alignment with Vantage Point’s mission, vision and values.
10. Ability to travel for in-person events and activities.

Reports to: Director of Engagement and Advocacy

Works With:

1. Engagement and Advocacy Coordinator
2. Research and Knowledge Mobilization Specialist
3. Operations and Communications Manager
4. Marketing and Communications Coordinator
5. CEO
6. BC Non-Profit Network Steering Committee
7. All staff team

This is a full-time, term position (35 hours/weekly) with extended health benefits, including enrolment in the Municipal Pension Plan, and flexible work weeks. The term of the position is for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The position is in job range G, according to our People Policies, which has a hiring range of $66,600 - $74,000 depending on experience. Vantage Point’s main offices are situated on the unceded and stolen lands of the Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish), Səl̓ílwətaʔ (Tsleil-Waututh), and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) nations. We offer programs and services to non-profits across the lands of over 200 distinct First Nations. All staff members work in a hybrid format. A minimum of two days per week in person at our Vancouver office is expected for this position. Travel across BC (maximum 20%) and occasionally across Canada are required for this role.