{"id":47519,"date":"2026-09-14T10:44:06","date_gmt":"2026-09-14T14:44:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/job\/vice-president-policy-and-public-affairs\/"},"modified":"2026-10-14T00:25:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-14T04:25:05","slug":"vice-president-policy-and-public-affairs","status":"expired","type":"job_listing","link":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/?post_type=job_listing&p=47519","title":{"rendered":"Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

About the job<\/h2>\n<\/div>\n

What we\u2019re looking for: <\/strong>The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs to provide executive leadership across the organization\u2019s policy, government relations, communications and public affairs functions. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative leadership style to advance CIP\u2019s national priorities and support the continued implementation of our Strategic Plan. A full description of the role is provided below.<\/p>\n

What we do:<\/strong> CIP is a member-based organization that works on behalf of planning professionals and students across Canada. Our members work on many important issues, from planning new communities and public spaces to expanding public transit and bike paths (and much more!). As such, our organization is involved in conversations on how to support aspiring planners on their career journey, as well as policy issues related to climate change, healthy communities, housing, and what it means to support reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in our communities.<\/p>\n

Who we are: <\/strong>CIP is strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace and strives to maintain a collaborative work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for all employees.<\/p>\n

Where we are: <\/strong>Due to the collaborative nature of this role, the Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs will be a hybrid employee and is expected to be in CIP\u2019s downtown Ottawa office, a minimum of two (2) days per week.<\/p>\n

CIP respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. CIP values the ongoing stewardship of all First Nations, Inuit, and M\u00e9tis peoples.<\/p>\n

What we\u2019re offering:<\/strong> Compensation for this position is $125,000 – $135,000\/year, commensurate with experience, plus the following enhancements:<\/p>\n

\u2022 A comprehensive benefits package (Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD, and Employee and Family Assistance Program) \u2013 all premiums paid by CIP except for LTD (LTD premium to be paid by employee)<\/p>\n

\u2022 An RRSP contribution matching program \u2013 up to 5% of gross salary<\/p>\n

\u2022 Generous vacation entitlement \u2013 20 paid days\/year, plus additional non-statutory holidays<\/p>\n

\u2022 Generous personal leave (for illness, family emergencies, etc.) \u2013 up to 20 paid days\/year<\/p>\n

\u2022 Professional development opportunities<\/p>\n

\u2022 Hybrid office work environment, with flex-time option as per CIP policy<\/p>\n

How to apply: <\/strong>If you are interested in working collaboratively with the CIP team plus partners across the country, we\u2019d love to hear from you. Applicants are asked to submit a single PDF document to controller@cip-icu.ca which includes:<\/p>\n

\u2022 A cover letter addressing the qualifications, experience and competencies required for the position, explaining why you are well suited to the role<\/p>\n

\u2022 A detailed resume, including a summary of relevant knowledge and workplace experience<\/p>\n

We thank all who apply; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No follow-up emails or phone calls, please.<\/p>\n

CIP is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. CIP welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.<\/p>\n

Position Summary<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization\u2019s policy agenda while leading integrated communications, brand, and public affairs strategies. This role ensures alignment between policy development, government relations, and communications to strengthen the organization\u2019s influence, visibility, and impact.<\/p>\n

The Vice President provides strategic oversight across policy, advocacy, government relations, media engagement, and communications, ensuring a unified voice that advances organizational priorities and supports the Strategic Plan. The role directly oversees the Senior Manager of Communications and Manager of Policy and Government Relations, providing leadership, direction, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and impact.<\/p>\n

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer<\/p>\n

Also works closely with: Senior Leadership Team, Management Team, Government Stakeholders, PTIAs, Board, Industry Partners<\/p>\n

Connection to Strategic Plan<\/strong><\/p>\n

This role is critical to advancing CIP\u2019s strategic commitments including \u201cIntegrated Action on Complex Issues,\u201d \u201cMore Equitable Planning, Together\u201d, and \u201dCareer Support for Life.\u201d This includes strengthening CIP\u2019s advocacy and policy leadership, supporting reconciliation and enhancing member value through effective communications, thought leadership, and engagement.<\/p>\n

By integrating policy, communications, and government relations, the Vice President, ensures that CIP is a strong, credible and influential voice at the national level.<\/p>\n

Key Responsibilities:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Impact<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Provide strategic leadership across policy, communications, and government relations functions to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Regularly advise the CEO and senior leadership team on policy positioning, communications strategy, and reputational risk.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Contribute to organizational strategy, budgeting, and risk management processes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Establish integrated planning processes that align policy, advocacy, and communications activities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Ensure consistency of messaging and positioning across all organizational outputs.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Monitor the external environment to identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Represent CIP on select external engagements, including government, media, and partner forums as requested by the CEO.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.<\/p>\n

Policy Development and Government Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lead the development and continued implementation of national policy priorities aligned with the Strategic Plan.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Oversee and guide the Manager of Policy and Government Relations in executing advocacy strategies and policy initiatives.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Working with the CEO, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to both build and maintain relationships with federal government stakeholders, including MPs, political staff, departmental officials and relevant agencies.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting the sector and provide strategic advice.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Oversee the preparation of briefing materials, submissions, and presentations to support executive-level engagement with government.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Ensure compliance with lobbying requirements and reporting obligations.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Monitor PTIA and key interest-holder (national and international) policy development<\/p>\n

Strategic Communications and Public Affairs<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Oversee the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy aligned with policy priorities and organizational goals.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Lead public affairs efforts, including media relations, stakeholder communications, and issue management.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Provide direction to the Senior Manager of Communications on branding, digital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Anticipate reputational risks and develop proactive and reactive communications strategies<\/p>\n

\u2022 Lead the development of high-quality content, including policy briefs, reports, campaigns, media materials, and digital content.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Ensure consistent, high-quality messaging across all communications channels and alignment with policy positions.<\/p>\n

Stakeholder and External Relations<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Working with the CEO, build and maintain strategic relationships with government, partners, industry associations, and stakeholders.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Represent CIP on select consultations, committees, conferences, and public forums as requested by the CEO.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Collaborate with partners to advance shared policy and advocacy goals. Support marketing and partnership initiatives to enhance organizational reach and revenue opportunities<\/p>\n

Project and Program Leadership<\/p>\n

\u2022 Identify and lead strategic policy and communications initiatives and funding opportunities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Oversee project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, including budgets and reporting.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Ensure effective coordination across teams, contractors, and volunteers.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of initiatives.<\/p>\n

Team Leadership and Administration<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Lead, mentor, and manage policy and communications teams, ensuring clear objectives, accountability, and professional development.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Build a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Oversee workflows, resource allocation, and performance management aligned with organizational goals.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Support HR policies, staff development, and compliance with relevant legislation.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Prepare reports and updates for the CEO and the Board of Directors.<\/p>\n

Qualifications and Experience:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).<\/p>\n

\u2022 10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in public policy, communications, government relations, public affairs, or advocacy.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Professional planning designation or equivalent experience within the planning profession will be considered a definite asset<\/p>\n

\u2022 Strong understanding of Canadian federal and provincial policy and legislative processes.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Proven experience leading integrated communications and brand strategies.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Exceptional writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Strong analytical, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.<\/p>\n

\u2022 Bilingualism (English\/French) is preferred.<\/p>\n

Competencies:<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2022 Strategic thinking and enterprise leadership<\/p>\n

\u2022 Political acuity and government relations<\/p>\n

\u2022 Strategic communications and public affairs leadership<\/p>\n

\u2022 Stakeholder engagement and external relations<\/p>\n

\u2022 Program and portfolio oversight<\/p>\n

\u2022 Adaptability, analytical thinking and decision-making<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":121,"featured_media":37471,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_promoted":"","_job_location":"Ottawa, ON","_application":"controller@cip-icu.ca","_company_name":"Canadian Institute of Planners","_company_website":"","_company_tagline":"","_company_twitter":"","_company_video":"","_filled":0,"_featured":0,"_remote_position":0,"_job_salary":"","_job_salary_currency":"","_job_salary_unit":""},"job-categories":[250],"job-types":[258],"job_listing_tag":[],"class_list":["post-47519","job_listing","type-job_listing","status-expired","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","job-type-temps-plein"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings\/47519","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-listings"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/job_listing"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/121"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37471"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=47519"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"job_listing_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-categories?post=47519"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job-types?post=47519"},{"taxonomy":"job_listing_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cip-icu.ca\/fr\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/job_listing_tag?post=47519"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}