Government Relations Associate

Position Summary Reporting to the Director, Trade & Market Engagement, the Government Relations Associate is responsible for supporting the Prince Rupert Port Authority’s (PRPA) external relations work to position the Port of Prince Rupert as a vital trade gateway for Canada, which supports the economic prosperity for communities throughout the Prince Rupert Gateway.

This position provides support for PRPA’s government and stakeholder relations initiatives by proactively providing research and analysis, stakeholder engagement and tracking, and execution of legislative and public relations advocacy initiatives, related to municipal governments, economic development stakeholders, Chambers of Commerce, and community and not-for-profit stakeholders within the Prince Rupert Gateway – Prince Rupert, BC to Edmonton, AB. In addition, the Associate monitors, tracks, research, and writes briefing materials and submissions on relevant issues, decisions and legislation from municipal governments that impact Port of Prince Rupert objectives.

Position Accountabilities

• Assists in representing the Port in public forums, trade and civic functions with municipal elected officials, external agencies, and business and industry stakeholders.
• Plans and participates in PRPA promotional and consultative events, such as receptions, community meetings, press conferences, tours, and visits.
• Supports the planning and execution of tours of Port facilities for municipal government, regional communities, and relevant industry stakeholders.
• Identifies the need for, and assists with design, writing, and production of communications material required for government relations activities.
• Tracks stakeholder engagement and participation in PRPA initiatives within a CRM Tracking System and develops reports for PRPA management and executive staff.
• Works with municipal government officials and associations – NCLGA, UBCM, AUMA, FCM – to support building awareness and advocacy for Port operations and expansion plans.
• Supports the development and execution of initiatives designed to analyze the economic benefits of Port operations and trade, labour force requirements, local competitiveness factors, and other local economic issues relevant to the port communities.
• Assists in creating new sponsorship opportunities, activations and advocacy with community and business stakeholders, such as Chamber of Commerce, economic development agencies and associations, trade and industry associations.
• Coordinates PRPA’s Prince Rupert Gateway engagement which aims to manage vast local stakeholders in promoting Northern BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan as an export economy.
• Collaborates with Communications, Community Relations and Indigenous Relations teams to support the execution of PRPA’s Public Affairs Strategy and initiatives.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Works predominately in an office environment, but with frequent external engagements.
• Regular, full-time position (37.5 hours per week). Regular working hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM with 1 hour lunch break (unpaid).
• At times, work hours may vary for operational reasons. Some evening and weekend work requirements should be anticipated.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS Formal Education

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, public administration, political science, economics, business or related field.

Related Experience

• 2 to 4 years’ related work experience in Government, Maritime and/or Transportation industry.
• Experience in proactively engaging and building relationships with government officials, advocacy organizations and/or business professionals.
• Experience in event management, tradeshows, and sponsorship activation.

Other Requirements

• Experience with stakeholder engagement tracking and reporting and use of Customer Management System (CRM) tools.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise, accurate and completed briefing analyses, reports, submissions, correspondence, records, and other written material.
• Superior judgement and tact in dealing with sensitive issues and confidential information.
• Strong analytical, problem solving with the ability to exercise independent judgement.
• Strong writing, organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Effective communicator, working well in a team environment and able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with all employees and external parties.
• Enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Thrives in a high-paced environment.
• Proficient in MS Office, especially Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Demonstrates commitment to the Port's Vision and Mission.
• Able to obtain security clearance under Transport Canada's Security Clearance Program.
• Possess valid Class 5 Driver’s License.

The base salary range for this role is $77,689 - $97,112. This position is eligible for a performance-based variable incentive targeted at 10% of the base salary.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Belonging are at the heart of PRPA’s culture and play a vital role in our growth strategy. We are committed to ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging and can contribute to their maximum potential. Our differences are the reason great things happen here. If you are an applicant in need of accommodation or special assistance throughout the interview process, please submit a request by email to [email protected].

Individuals of Indigenous descent are strongly encouraged to apply.