Policy and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator

Organizational & Position Overview

The Nova Scotia Federation of Agriculture (NSFA) represents the interests of Nova Scotia's agricultural community. Today its members account for well over 90% of all agricultural production in Nova Scotia and brings together farm businesses representing all aspects of primary agriculture in the province. The NSFA tackles policy issues that impact the competitive and sustainable nature of the industry and takes an active role in supporting registered farms through delivery of programs and services.

Working with the Director of Policy and Advocacy, the Policy and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator (PSRC) is responsible for conducting policy research, gathering member input on key issues, coordinating information sessions, and facilitating meaningful engagement with stakeholders to ensure policy positions reflect industry needs. The coordinator also supports policy-related committees, working groups, and roundtables, ensuring seamless communication, organization, and engagement.

We are looking for an individual who is a strong communicator and a proven relationship builder who is skilled at fostering trust and collaboration with stakeholders, industry partners, and rural communities. The ideal candidate will have policy research and stakeholder engagement experience, ideally within agriculture, natural resources, or rural development.

The NSFA prides itself in providing an enthusiastic work environment and is a tight-knit supportive group encouraging collaboration and sharing of ideas. The NSFA strives to provide meaningful experience through career development and team-building activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate in the Policy & Advocacy Team to support the execution of the organization's strategic plan and activities.
• Analyze industry trends, stakeholder feedback, and conduct research on agricultural policy, legislation, and regulatory issues to support evidence-based decision-making and to assess potential impacts on the sector.
• Develop surveys and other data collection mechanisms to gather member input on policy topics, industry concerns and organizational evaluation.
• Support and maintain relationships with members, commodity groups, and industry partners by communicating and developing resources, updates, and reports on policy matters.
• Prepare policy-related communications for newsletters, reports, and presentations and review and update policy related content on websites and resources managed by NSFA.
• Represent the organization at industry events, conferences, and meetings to strengthen engagement and collaboration.
• Provide administrative support to policy-related committees, working groups, and roundtables, including preparing documents and note-taking.
• Facilitate discussions with members to gather insights, identify challenges, and ensure policy positions reflect industry needs.
• Organize and coordinate policy-related information sessions for members to increase awareness and understanding of key issues.
• Manage policy-related projects including budgets and expenditures and ensuring effective coordination, implementation, and evaluation.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in political science, public policy, agriculture, communications, or a related field.
• Experience in policy research, stakeholder engagement, or industry relations, preferably in an agricultural or resource-based sector.
• Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesize complex information concisely.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in developing policy-related materials.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including farmers, commodity groups, and industry partners.
• An understanding of the machinery of government and a strong sense of political acumen.
• Experience in developing surveys and engagement tools to collect stakeholder input.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Knowledge of agricultural policy and industry issues in Nova Scotia is an asset.

Compensation

• Starting annual salary between $55,000-$60,000
• 3 weeks vacation plus winter Holiday closure
• Employer-paid health and dental benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Hybrid work option pending position requirements

This position is anticipated to be a one-year term.

Applications

Email resume and cover letter to [email protected] quoting "Policy and Stakeholder Relations Coordinator" by March 23rd, 2025