Manager of External Relations

Are you a strategic and collaborative leader with a passion for building relationships and advancing community priorities? The City is seeking an experienced professional to join our leadership team as Manager of External Relations. This key role provides strategic leadership in building strong relationships with Indigenous Nations, all levels of government, business and community partners, and external agencies, while advancing initiatives that support the City’s strategic priorities and long‑term success.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, the Manager of External Relations leads the City's external relations portfolio, including intergovernmental relations, Indigenous relations and reconciliation, strategic partnerships, business and economic development, tourism and government advocacy.

The Manager of External Relations develops and maintains relationships with Indigenous Nations, senior levels of government, businesses, community organizations, and external agencies to advance Council's strategic priorities. The position provides strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership and Council, develops and coordinates advocacy initiatives, and represents the City on a wide range of corporate matters.

Key Responsibilities

Leads the City's Intergovernmental relations, Indigenous relations and reconciliation, business and economic development, tourism, and strategic partnerships portfolios.

Develops and implements strategies that support Council priorities and strengthen relationships with external partners.

Builds and maintains strategic relationships and represents the City in negotiations and discussions with Indigenous Nations, all levels of government, Crown corporations, regulated utilities, business organizations, community partners, and other external agencies.

Coordinates the City's advocacy initiatives through organizations including LMLGA, UBCM, FCM, Metro Vancouver, and other government associations.

Prepares Council reports, briefing notes, correspondence, presentations, and other strategic communications.

Provides advice and recommendations to the Director of Corporate Services, City Manager’s Office, and Council on matters related to the portfolio.

Leads or supports complex corporate initiatives involving multiple departments and external stakeholders.

Supervises staff within the External Relations portfolio.

Portfolio Responsibilities
The Manager of External Relations provides leadership and oversight for a variety of corporate initiatives and relationships, including:

Intergovernmental Relations

Government Advocacy

Indigenous Relations and Reconciliation

Strategic Partnerships

Business and Economic Development

Tourism

Port and Marine Issues

Fraser Valley Regional Library

Relationships with BC Hydro, FortisBC, and other external agencies

Special projects and initiatives as assigned

Knowledge,

Skills and Abilities

Demonstrated leadership skills, with the ability to provide direction and lead initiatives effectively in a municipal environment.

Sound knowledge of municipal government, public administration, and applicable local government legislation, policies, and processes.

Demonstrated understanding of intergovernmental relations, Indigenous relations, economic development, public policy, and the broader municipal operating environment.

Excellent communication, relationship‑building, collaboration, negotiation, and conflict‑resolution skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.

Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and initiatives from planning through implementation, including managing scope, timelines, resources, and competing priorities.

Ability to provide sound advice and recommendations to senior leadership and elected…