Director, Policy and Public Affairs

Director, Policy and Public Affairs

The Canadian Council for Public-Private Partnerships (CCPPP) is inviting applications for the position of Director, Policy and Public Affairs.
Our ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of how public infrastructure is delivered in Canada and government decision-making.

We are seeking a strategic thinker, with an eagerness and curiosity to work collaboratively with the Director, Strategic Communications and Director, Events and Member Services, to draw connections between the Council's mandate, policy priorities, advocacy and thought leadership initiatives and the market needs.

As a member of the management team, the Director will act as an ambassador for the organization and will speak and network on its behalf.
The Director will regularly provide reports and updates to the President and CEO and the Board of Directors on key activities and metrics.

The Director should be a highly effective communicator who can make compelling presentations to small and large groups, even when the topic is technical in nature.
Experience in writing, shaping and shepherding research and policy development with diverse stakeholders is key to this role.

This is a full-time, permanent position working remotely in the Greater Toronto or Ottawa area with the occasional need for in-person meetings and flexibility for evening meetings or events as needed.
Occasional travel will be required.

ABOUT US

Established in 1993, CCPPP is a national not-for-profit non-partisan, member-based organization with broad and unique representation from across the public and private sectors.
Our members represent the leading construction, engineering, legal, and advisory firms; banks and financiers; and operators and facilities maintenance firms working hard to build Canada's much needed public infrastructure as well as the public sector owners.

The Council's vision is to shape the future of Canada's infrastructure and services by delivering value to Canadians through Public-Private Partnerships (P3s).

The Council does this through:

• Convening both public and private market participants to discuss leading practices and harness lessons learned and adapting the model as needed;
• Advocating for the use of public-private partnership models, where appropriate to build a sustained pipeline of projects across the country; and
• Conducting research to support evidence-based decision making and demonstrate the benefits of the model.
  

ABOUT THE JOB

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director will be responsible for leading a range of initiatives to support our policy and public affairs activities and providing high quality services to our members.
The position involves actively networking and managing relationships with stakeholders, industry professionals, and potential partners.

Key duties and responsibilities include:

1.
Policy Development and Research

• Develop, as a subject-matter expert, strategies to support policy development and advance Canada's P3 model, including the development of research initiatives to support this work as well as the Council's advocacy activities.
  
• Engage with the broader infrastructure and P3 communities, both domestically and internationally to support the development of leading practices and harness lessons learned.
  
• Manage the Council's policy committees and advisory groups such as the Policy Network, Municipal Engagement Advisory Group, and other sub-groups as required.
  
• In collaboration with the Communications Team, monitor infrastructure projects, policies, and initiatives across Canada at the municipal, provincial, territorial, and federal levels, as well as within Indigenous communities, and develop strategies to respond and/or engage as needed.
  
• Collaborate on and contribute to the Council's policy thought leadership events, including Canada's Infrastructure Conference, ensuring that key issues and opportunities are addressed to bring value to our members and expand the Council's brand identity and credibility.
  
• Work with the Director of Strategic Communications to leverage policy, research, and advocacy opportunities for public affairs initiatives, including media engagement, social media, op-eds, and industry speaking engagements.
  
• In collaboration with the Communications Team provide content for the Council's website, social media platforms, and other external communications or submissions as required.
  

2.
Advocacy and Government Relations

• Lead the development of an annual advocacy strategy and supporting tactical plan to guide engagement activities and inform policy direction.
  
• Lead the organization on both proactive and reactive advocacy activities in close collaboration with the management team, Policy Network, and the Board of Directors.
  
• Meet regularly with government officials and other stakeholders to promote members' concerns and influence relevant policies and legislation.
  

3.
Membership Engagement and Support

• Support membership growth by working with the Director of Events and Member Services to promote the organization and encourage new memberships.
  
• Develop strategies and initiatives that enhance the value of membership, including providing thought leadership on key infrastructure issues.
  
• Maintain alignment with national strategies by collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders across the organization.
  

4.
Leadership and Operational Management

• Develop budgets, progress reports, and recommendations related to operational and capacity requirements.
  
• Provide regular briefings and meeting summaries to the CEO, management team, and Board of Directors.
  
• Ensure alignment between policy, research, and advocacy functions with the organization's broader strategic goals.
  

Relevant Skills:

The ideal candidate should possess excellent interpersonal skills to effectively communicate and collaborate with colleagues, members, and stakeholders and:

• Bachelor's degree in economics, public policy, political science, or equivalent experience and/or field.
  
• At least 7 years of experience in public policy, research, and/or politics and advocacy
• Experience in and/or knowledge of the infrastructure and/or project finance and public-private partnerships.
  
• Minimum 2 years of management or senior supervisory experience overseeing direct reports and/or project teams.
  
• Proven project management experience.
  
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  
• Demonstrated ability to excel in high-pressure environment.