Director of Advocacy and Communications

Job Advertisement: Director of Advocacy and Communications

Organization: Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL)
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador
Position Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: $83,000 - $112,000 per year, commensurate with experience and qualifications
Application Deadline: December 6th, 2024

Position Description

Are you driven to make a difference in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador? Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador (MNL) is seeking a dedicated and experienced Director of Advocacy and Communications. In this senior leadership role, you will lead MNL's advocacy efforts, oversee strategic communications, and collaborate with key stakeholders to represent and advance the interests of the province's municipalities.

Working closely with MNL's CEO, Board of Directors, and membership, you will guide MNL's advocacy strategy, analyze and respond to legislative developments, and coordinate member engagement through resolutions and other initiatives. You will also lead the organization's communications strategy, ensuring clear, impactful messaging across digital platforms, media relations, and publications.

This role has been integral to the success of several significant initiatives in recent years. Advocacy efforts led by this position have secured over $7 million in additional funding for the municipal sector in Newfoundland and Labrador in the past two years. The Director has also been a key driver behind the Make Your Mark campaign, which recruits candidates for municipal elections. An early priority for the next Director will be to lead the 2025 Make Your Mark campaign.

In addition to leading advocacy and communications efforts, you will mentor and manage staff, foster partnerships with government officials and external stakeholders, and contribute to special projects that advance MNL's strategic priorities.

Benefits

MNL offers a competitive benefits package, including:

• Pension plan
• Comprehensive health and dental insurance
• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible work policies, including hybrid in-office/remote arrangements

At MNL, we are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that values work-life balance and fosters professional growth.

Key Responsibilities

Advocacy Strategy and Development

• Lead MNL's advocacy efforts, developing strategies that align with organizational goals and reflect the needs of our 275 member municipalities.
• Oversee the creation of policy briefs, position papers, and presentations for MNL's leadership for delivery to provincial and federal officials.
• Monitor and analyze policy developments, legislation, and regulatory changes to evaluate their impact on municipalities, producing summaries and actionable insights.
• Coordinate MNL's resolutions process, facilitating member engagement at regional meetings and the annual convention.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build strong relationships with government officials, community organizations, and other stakeholders to support MNL's advocacy objectives.
• Serve as MNL's representative on external committees and task forces, liaising with government agencies to advance municipal priorities.
• Facilitate clear communication channels with MNL's membership, ensuring advocacy activities are responsive to their evolving needs.

Communications Leadership

• Lead MNL's internal and external communications strategies, including content for reports, publications, and digital channels.
• Act as MNL's spokesperson, crafting and delivering media statements, speeches, and updates on municipal issues.
• Oversee the preparation of the MNL Annual Report, newsletters, and other materials that promote MNL's work and amplify municipal concerns.

Team Development and Support

• Direct the work of policy and communications staff, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities.
• Conduct regular staff evaluations and support a collaborative, mission-driven team environment.
• Ensure staff have the resources and support needed to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to MNL's advocacy efforts.

Special Projects and Initiatives

• Coordinate agendas and briefing materials for meetings with Provincial Cabinet Ministers, NL federal caucus, and other officials.
• Take on additional projects as assigned by the CEO, contributing to MNL's evolving strategic priorities.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field. A graduate degree is considered an asset. Equivalent experience may be considered.
• Experience: Minimum of 7 years in a senior advocacy, communications, or public affairs role, with demonstrated experience engaging with public officials and managing policy initiatives.

Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to distill complex issues into accessible formats.
• Proven track record in policy analysis, strategic planning, and relationship management.
• Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to manage and direct multiple reports, providing clear guidance, support, and feedback.
• Analytical skills to interpret data and communicate insights effectively, supporting evidence-based decision-making in advocacy and communications.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and experience with digital communications tools.

Work Arrangement

The Director of Advocacy and Communications is expected to work 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Travel within Newfoundland and Labrador and occasional out-of-province travel will be required.

To Apply

Please submit your résumé, cover letter, and three references to [email protected].

Application Deadline: December 6th, 2024

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada. MNL is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

Help transform the future of Newfoundland and Labrador's municipalities. Join us at MNL-where communities thrive, and leaders like you make it happen.