The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

With over 2,000 members including Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada’s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.

FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada’s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

The Government Relations (GR) Advisor works within an integrated unit of experts in government relations, communications, and public policy to represent and advance the interests of cities and communities to the federal government.  Key responsibilities include: developing government relations plans and advocacy strategies; taking initiative to plan, coordinate, and execute events related to FCM’s political engagement in collaboration with the Manager, Outreach & Engagement team and senior leadership, including meetings of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, FCM’s Advocacy Days, and FCM’s Annual Conference; building and maintaining strategic relationships with federal elected officials and their staff; and monitoring and assessing the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal political environments.

The work at FCM includes FCM becoming an even more member-driven organization that balances the realization of its goals with a people-centered approach. The incumbent embodies FCM’s commitment to being a healthy, diverse, inclusive and anti-racist organization. The Advisor,  will maintain the highest level of confidentiality, professionalism and exercise good judgment including the ability to escalate to management when help is required and being able to meet deadlines as set out by their direct manager within a fast-paced corporate environment.

• Develop and execute issue-specific and member-focused advocacy plans within FCM’s overall advocacy strategy.
• Provide leadership on work related to political events including meetings of the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, FCM’s Advocacy Days and Annual Conference, and other events including federal budgets, FCM national campaigns and media opportunities.
• Continually monitor and assess the federal, provincial/territorial and municipal political environments related to FCM’s strategic priorities.
• Build and leverage a network of relationships with the federal government, Members of Parliament, external stakeholders & FCM member municipalities.
• Provide timely, well-supported and expert advice and recommendations to the Manager, Directors, CEO and National Board of Directors on political events, and emerging political issues or opportunities for municipal governments.
• Contribute political guidance for deliverables such as memos, strategic updates, member briefings, key messages on specific files, and other communications products.
• Support other key projects as identified by the Manager and Director.  

• A combination of professional and lived experience and/or post-secondary education in politics, public administration, economics, political science, urban planning, communications or a related discipline; equivalent advanced education or training may also be considered.
• Requires 3-5 years experience designing and leading extensive advocacy and/or public relations activities on a national scale, and/or professional work experience in a political environment.
• Proven understanding of federal politics, the functions of government, interest groups, and public decision-making in Canada, as well as an understanding of the interests of municipal governments and intergovernmental issues.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to effectively organize, process, and communicate information in a fast-moving work environment. 
• Requires a well-developed network of contacts in government, lobbying, and interest groups. 
  Excellent writing, oral presentation, and organizational ability.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and judgment, with a high degree of initiative and versatility; and the ability to exercise tact, discretion, and judgment at all times.
• Strong ability to think critically and strategize within a political environment.
• Capacity to work in a self-directed manner and demonstrated ability to work well within a team setting.
• Excellent knowledge of FCM and current national priorities including infrastructure, housing, transit, etc. 
• Demonstrated cultural competency in working with a diversity of communities. 
• Able to manage multiple priorities and adapt in a quickly changing, fast-paced environment.  

• Bilingualism (English and French) is required.