Government Relations Specialist

Credit Union Central of Manitoba•Winnipeg, MB

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

Credit Union Central of Manitoba (CUCM) is seeking a Government Relations Specialist to lead its engagement with government on behalf of Manitoba's credit union system. This proactive, relationship-driven role involves building and maintaining relationships with government offices, anticipating issues, and creating opportunities for CUCM's leadership to advance the system's priorities. The Specialist will report to the VP, Operations and Engagement, and work closely with the CEO and executive team, acting as the engine to keep senior relationships active and informed.

Requirements

5 to 7 years of experience in government relations, political staff work, public policy, or a caucus role, with direct exposure to how government operates.
Direct experience working within, or in close partnership with, a minister's office, a legislature, a caucus, or a government relations function, where you gained a working understanding of political timing, protocol, and decision making.
A demonstrated track record of initiating relationships and opportunities rather than only maintaining ones that were handed to you. You can point to specific examples of securing a meeting, opening a door, or advancing an issue without waiting to be asked.
Comfort operating as the primary point of contact with government, with the confidence to open conversations, pursue opportunities, and represent CUCM's interests directly and persistently.
Strong judgment and the ability to read a room, understand what a given moment calls for, and act on it without waiting for direction.
Experience preparing senior leaders for high-stakes meetings, including briefing materials and clear framing of objectives.
An understanding of, or strong interest in, the credit union system and the financial services regulatory environment in Manitoba.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, actionable positions.

Nice To Haves

A degree in political science or a related field is an asset.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain working relationships with ministers' offices, political staff, and senior officials across relevant provincial ministries, with depth in Finance and the credit union regulators.
Maintain regular contact with staffers and political offices, including proactive outreach that keeps CUCM's priorities visible between formal meetings.
Track changes in government, including staff turnover, cabinet shuffles, and shifting political priorities, and adjust CUCM's approach accordingly.
Anticipate emerging government priorities, policy changes, and issues that may affect the credit union system, and bring them forward before they become urgent.
Work with CUCM's leadership to determine CUCM's position on emerging issues and develop a plan to advance that position with government.
Flag issues early enough that CUCM can shape the conversation rather than react to a decision already made.
Prepare CUCM's CEO and executive team for government meetings, including pre-alignment with staffers, briefing materials, clear objectives, and anticipated questions.
Debrief meetings promptly and translate outcomes into next steps and follow up actions.
Determine who from CUCM should attend a given engagement, whether that is the CEO, a VP, or a credit union CEO, and coordinate their involvement.
Maintain an active working relationship with CCUA's government relations and policy teams to stay current on federal advocacy and lobbying activities relevant to Manitoba.
Seek out intelligence on how other provinces are approaching similar issues, to avoid duplicating work and to bring proven approaches into the Manitoba context.
Coordinate CUCM's participation in national committees and forums relevant to the Manitoba system.
Reactivate and lead the Manitoba Credit Union Advocacy Working Group, on a regular meeting cadence, using it to incubate positions, share updates, and mobilize the system where needed.
Bring external speakers and subject matter experts to the working group on relevant topics as they arise.
Represent CUCM at government-facing events and drive outreach and preparation required to make them successful.
Work with CUCM's research function to ensure government relations activity is grounded in current, relevant intelligence about the sector and the province.
Contribute to the development of policy positions and submissions, ensuring they reflect both the political landscape and the practical realities facing Manitoba credit unions.