Senior Manager, Government Relations

Highlights of the job

We are seeking an experienced leader to take on the Senior Manager, Government Relations position in Edmonton, AB.

The successful candidate will be accountable for ensuring the effective provision of government relations services across EPCOR’s Canadian footprint, through a combination of team, cross-functional, and contracted resources.

The Senior Manager is responsible for leading the teams responsible for: monitoring multiple levels of government actions and relationships; developing and implementing proactive and reactive government relations strategies; leading risk mitigation related to policy, legislation and regulation; and collaborating on the development of proposals for legislation, regulation, and partnerships that support EPCOR’s customers and advance the company’s objectives.

The Senior Manager, Government Relations is accountable to the Director, Sustainability and Public Affairs, and operates within the context and prescribed limits established by the SVP, Sustainability, General Council & Corporate Secretary.

What you’d be responsible for

• Develop and deliver EPCOR’s government relations strategy, aligned to the Long Term Plan and reflective of the political, policy and regulatory context in each Canadian jurisdiction where EPCOR operates.
• Represent EPCOR to senior government officials (elected and non-elected, municipal, provincial and federal), ensuring the company is a trusted advisor that leverages its expertise to bring forward win-win solutions for policymakers.
• Ensure the company and its leaders develop and maintain positive and actionable relationships with elected officials, political staff, and the public service.
• Collaborate with EPCOR’s U.S. Government Relations team to develop and implement common strategies and reporting across our North American footprint.
• Develop and implement budgets and resourcing plans, ensuring the company has the financial and human resources needed to achieve the government relations strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate cross functionally within EPCOR to achieve efficiency and integration. Identify opportunities to implement profile building or advocacy strategies in communications that support EPCOR’s public affairs objectives.
• Advise and support EPCOR’s businesses in their interactions with legislators, elected regulators, and representatives of the company’s shareholder.
• Ensure the team is effective in monitoring the external political environment, providing reporting and information sharing internally, measuring team and business performance, and achieving continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Lead collaboration with the broader team, including assigning resources to meet Business Unit and Corporate needs, and ensuring there are strong processes to document collaboration and execution.
• Ensure the team is effective in its delivery of services to the offices of elected officials related to constituent inquiries and issues.
• Support strong Shareholder relations through the identification and resolution of issues, briefings and information presentations, and orientations for Councilors and staff members on EPCOR’s businesses and processes.
• Ensure the team and the company are compliant with all applicable legislation and regulation related to lobbying, donations and related political activities, including leadership of processes that ensure internal education and reporting.

What’s required to be successful

• Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized North American post-secondary institution. A degree in in one of the following fields is considered an asset: Political Science, Public Administration, Business, Communications, or related fields.
• Graduate Degree in Government Policy, Business Administration, or Communications is considered an asset.
• 10 years of government relations experience is the primary relevant work experience, which can include service inside government or public sector organizations.
• Experience in matrixed or collaborative work teams in complex organizations, with proven success of leading a cross functional team.
• Understanding of government policy and political dynamics, regulatory frameworks, and the utility sector is desired.
• Experience with budgets, financial reporting, strategy development, performance reporting, and communications strategy and content development.
• Understanding and experience with privacy legislation and access to information legislation is desired.
• Advanced written and verbal communication tailored to diverse audiences, including reporting to C-Suite and Board levels.
• Acts with competence and respect and is trusted by others; can be relied upon to follow through on promises and commitments.
• Strong consulting skills - ability to facilitate understanding and buy-in required.

Other important facts about this job

Jurisdiction: MGMT

Hours of work: 80 hours bi-weekly

Application deadline: January 29, 2024

Internal Applicants, please ensure that you are using your “@epcor.com” email address.

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Please note the following information:

• A requirement of working for EPCOR is that you are at least 18 years of age, successfully attained a high school diploma (GED, or equivalent level of secondary education) and legally entitled to work in Canada. (A copy of a valid work permit may be required.)
• If you are considered for the position, clearance on all applicable background checks (which may include criminal, identity, educational, and/or credit) and professional reference checks is required. Some EPCOR positions require an enhanced level of background assessment, which is dictated by law. These positions require advanced criminal record checks that must also be conducted from time to time after commencement of employment.
• A technical/practical assessment may be administered during the selection process and this exercise will be used as a part of the selection criterion.