Political Action Officer

Canadian Association of University Teachers • Ottawa, ON

18h • CA$0 - CA$126,224 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is seeking to fill the regular, full-time position of Political Action Officer. CAUT is a progressive labour and professional organization representing over 75,000 faculty, librarians, researchers, academics, and general staff at public universities and colleges. It promotes the economic and political interests of its members, advances the standards of the profession, and seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada. Reporting to the Director of Political Action and Communications, and under the coordination of the Senior Political Action Officer, this position is responsible for representing and advancing CAUT’s priorities with the federal government through direct advocacy and campaigns. Key responsibilities include planning, developing and executing government relations and campaigns strategies.

Requirements

• Completion of post-secondary education degree in political science, public policy, industrial relations, or relevant field.
• A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a similar capacity, including extensive work in policy, government relations, or political action.
• Significant experience in labour and/or social justice movements.
• Considerable experience in developing campaign strategies, projects, and plans.
• Ability to work in both official languages at an advanced level is required; consideration will be given to candidates with advanced English and intermediate French in the absence of fully qualified bilingual candidates.
• Minimum of five years of experience designing and leading extensive advocacy on a national scale and/or professional work experience in a political environment.
• Excellent knowledge of the Canadian political environment, including parliamentary processes, government decision-making, and public policy development.
• Effective communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to a range of audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with internal and external contacts, founded on credibility and trust.
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and with tact as part of a team.
• Ability to work independently in consultation with the Senior Officer while exhibiting a high degree of initiative and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated planning, time management, and project-management skills to effectively balance competing priorities and deadlines.
• Strong research and analytical capabilities.
• High degree of professional ethics and integrity.
• Understanding of and commitment to CAUT’s policies, practices and procedures and alignment with CAUT’s values and objectives, including social justice, equity, and human rights.

Nice To Haves

• Professional experience in an association, trade union, and/or not-for-profit organization preferred.
• Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for the purposes of campaigning is an asset

Responsibilities

• Work in consultation with the Senior Political Action Officer to execute the operational priorities and work plans for all policy, government relations, and campaigns initiatives in support of CAUT’s priorities.
• Monitor, analyze and interpret political, legislative and policy developments affecting CAUT members, and identify opportunities and actions to advance CAUT’s interests.
• Engage in direct lobby activities with Members of Parliament and Senators.
• Develop and coordinate campaigns that influence policy outcomes.
• Build and leverage a network of relationships with the federal government, Members of Parliament, external stakeholders, and solidarity partners.
• Work with CAUT organizing officers to engage provincial, federated, and member associations in advocacy efforts.
• Engage members and supporters in campaign efforts.
• Coordinate, write and edit policy and campaign materials, including briefs, submissions, speaking notes, correspondence, articles, and advocacy materials.
• Work with CAUT education officers to develop training programs on political action, including lobby training, online toolkit materials, webinars, and conference workshops.
• Bring ideas, energy, and a strong sense of political judgment to ensure continuous improvement and impact.
• Contribute to the maintenance of advocacy tracking systems, including lobbying records and stakeholder engagement tools.

Benefits

• Five (5) weeks of vacation per year
• Sick and personal days
• Summer hours (Fridays off in July and ½ Fridays off in August)
• Winter holiday closure between December 22 and January 1 annually
• Extended health and dental benefits
• Disability and life insurance
• Employee and family assistance
• Defined contribution pension plan with 11.5% employer contributions after six (6) months of employment
• Various employer paid learning and development opportunities

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree