At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!
Job Summary
The Senior Manager, Government Affairs Canada is responsible for managing a range of government relations initiatives to promote the business and policy objectives of CN. The role works at the federal level, identifying, informing, and operationalizing issues along with fostering positive relationships with federal officials. The incumbent provides expertise in government relations and advocacy and has experience with the legislative process and procedure, as well as stakeholder engagement. The incumbent supports the Director and Manager in delivering on the team’s overall mandate.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop positive relationships, seek endorsements and support from stakeholders, including federal elected officials, political staff, community leaders, organizations, and industry associations
- Contribute to internal development of CN’s government affairs position and approach to issues, working across departments and seeking support for government affairs initiatives
- Provide direct advocacy to government and deploy fact-based arguments to educate key federal stakeholders, and other audiences, to ensure CN is known as a credible industry leader on issues and public policies affecting the railway industry
- Act as a trusted advisor to CN colleagues on Government Affairs matters by providing expertise on strategic projects
- Develop an understanding of the rail industry and network internally among various CN departments to be better enabled to respond to issues
- Monitor, analyze, and respond to current and potential policy and legislative or regulatory actions at the federal level related to the railway industry and CN
- Monitor and coordinate participation in government consultations relevant to the railway industry and CN
- Actively use a digital platform to reach, record and monitor engagements with stakeholders
- Represent CN on industry and community groups and committees
Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Fridays with occasional weekends for activities such as sponsored community events or stakeholder meetings. The role participates in CN’s
on-call shift rotation, which requires Public Affairs and Government Affairs team members to be available 24/7 to respond to critical incidents. The role requires minimal travel (up to 20%) to within Canada and the United States (U.S.).. Due to the nature of the role, the incumbent must be able to meet tight deadlines, handle pressure, and stress.
Requirements
Experience
- Between 7 to 10 years of communications, public relations, government, political or stakeholder engagement experience
o Experience building government relations plans and strategies
o Previous lobby experience*
- Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset
Education/Certification/Designation
- Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Law, or equivalent
Competencies
- Demonstrates agility and drives change
- Knows the business and stays current on industry needs
- Applies critical thinking
- Sets direction and inspires others
- Collaborates with others and shares information
- Leads by example for the safety and security of all
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Knowledge of Canadian legislative, regulatory and parliamentary systems and procedures
- Ability to lobby federally in accordance with the Lobby Act
- General Microsoft computer skills
- Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)*
- Any knowledge for any of the above would be considered as an asset
About CN
CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America’s safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates from underrepresented groups often don’t apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. Even if you don’t see yourself in every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please reach out to our team at [email protected].
As an equal employment opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted. Please monitor your email on a regular basis, as communication is primarily made through email.
