Program Manager, Policy and Government Relations

The Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada is recruiting for a full time (35 hours per week), indefinite position of Program Manager, Policy and Government Relations starting as soon as possible. This existing vacancy is located at our Ottawa office and will follow a hybrid work model (1-2 days/week in the office).

The mission of the Co-operative Housing Federation of Canada (CHF Canada) is to inspire, represent and serve our members in a united co-operative housing movement. There is significant unmet demand for affordable and co-operative housing, and we want more people to experience the security, vibrancy and resiliency of co-operative living. We work with federal, provincial/territorial and municipal governments to support existing co-ops, and to develop more co-op housing, so we can continue to lead the way in creating inclusive, accessible, diverse and sustainable communities.

Our movement is resourceful, passionate, and dedicated to a future with more co-operative housing.

Reporting to the Director, Public Affairs and Policy, this Program Manager, along with another Program Manager, Policy and Government Relations out of the Toronto office, plays a key role in developing and implementing CHF Canada’s external policy and government relations program in support of the growth and successful operation of the non-profit co-operative housing sector in Canada.

The Program Manager undertakes policy, research and analysis to maintain CHF Canada as the voice for co-operative housing, and one that enables CHF Canada to act legitimately and authoritatively as a voice for co-operative housing solutions. The Program Manager also engages and supports CHF Canada’s work with members and external stakeholders, including representing CHF Canada with federal elected officials and public servants.

The Program Manager is central to developing and implementing CHF Canada’s government relations program. This includes representing CHF Canada at meetings, and liaising with Parliamentarians, political staff, and relevant federal officials and their counterparts at the provincial/territorial level of government. The Program Manager monitors political developments and identifies opportunities and potential challenges for co-operative housing resulting from those developments.

The Program Manager leads CHF Canada’s engagement in regular Parliamentary activities (budget analysis, drafting pre-budget submission, SFT analysis, etc.), as well as in more occasional Parliamentary and electoral activities (develop and implement election campaign strategies, platform analysis, etc.). The Program Manager ensures this work is complementary to similar work at the provincial levels, and support that work as required.

The Program Manager works with the Manager, Communications and Marketing, to support CHF Canada’s engagement with media and other public-facing events.

The Program Manager helps to ensure activities are compliant with relevant lobbying regulations, and that reports are filed on time and accurately.

The Program Managers work at the federal level in some provinces, at the municipal level in Ontario, and occasionally elsewhere, with areas of responsibility divided between the two Program Managers as needed.

The Program Manager conducts research and analysis concerning key policy developments in co-operative housing, with a focus on federal developments, but also with respect to provinces/territories and among other external stakeholders with an interest in housing policy and/or Canada’s co operative movement.

The Program Manager prepares appropriate responses, including internal documents such as briefing notes, membership communications etc., as well as responses meant for external consumption, such as policy briefs or submissions.

The Program Manager plays a lead role in liaising with key stakeholders as assigned, especially those that are national organizations.

Employee benefits include employer paid premiums for Group Benefits (health, dental, life insurance, AD&D), paid personal emergency leave, pension, an annual wellness amount and a one-time hybrid allowance payment.

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