Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Communications

Smart, Savvy + Associates•Vancouver, BC

2d•CA$72,000 - CA$88,500•Hybrid

About The Position

This role is for someone whose career has been built at the intersection of policy, partnerships, public affairs, and strategic communications. The organization is a respected, mission-driven nonprofit seeking a Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Communications. Reporting to the Executive Director, the successful candidate will lead advocacy strategy, government and stakeholder relations, public affairs, communications, and manage a team. This is an opportunity to join an organization with a strong reputation, an engaged membership base, and an ambitious vision for growth. The role involves shaping public conversations, building strategic partnerships, guiding advocacy campaigns, and ensuring communications efforts support policy and community outcomes.

Requirements

Experience leading advocacy, public affairs, government relations, communications, or stakeholder engagement initiatives
Demonstrated success building relationships with government, community, nonprofit, or public-sector stakeholders
Experience leading and developing teams
Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate ideas into action
Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills
Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and competing priorities
Strong judgment, political acuity, and relationship-building skills
A collaborative leadership style and genuine commitment to community impact

Nice To Haves

Experience working in advocacy, transportation, health, environmental, community, or public-interest organizations
Experience engaging with municipal, regional, Indigenous, and provincial stakeholders
Familiarity with membership-based organizations
Personal interest in active transportation, sustainability, or community-building initiatives

Responsibilities

Lead advocacy and public affairs initiatives
Develop and execute advocacy strategies that advance organizational priorities and influence public policy
Build and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, partner organizations, funders, and other key stakeholders
Identify opportunities to strengthen the organization's voice and influence across British Columbia
Support the development of campaigns, policy positions, and public engagement initiatives
Monitor emerging issues and provide strategic guidance on advocacy opportunities and risks
Lead communications and organizational visibility
Oversee communications strategies that strengthen brand awareness, stakeholder engagement, and organizational credibility
Ensure consistent messaging across campaigns, public communications, media relations, and stakeholder outreach
Serve as a spokesperson and support media engagement as required
Translate complex policy and advocacy issues into clear, compelling communications
Support membership growth, engagement, and community participation initiatives
Lead and develop a high-performing team
Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and support to a team of communications, community engagement, and policy professionals
Establish priorities, goals, and accountability measures that support organizational objectives
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture
Work closely with volunteer committees, boards, and community leaders to advance strategic priorities
Contribute to organizational leadership
Participate as a member of the leadership team, helping shape organizational strategy and priorities
Support annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation
Contribute to long-term organizational growth and sustainability
Help ensure alignment across advocacy, communications, membership, and community engagement initiatives