Director, Government Relations

YVR is a community-based organization committed to working with all levels of government in a non-partisan fashion. 

Position overview

We have a permanent, full-time opportunity for a Director, Government Relations. Reporting to the Vice President & Chief External Affairs Officer, the successful candidate will be responsible for helping lead the development and execution of YVR’s government relations strategy in support of the organization’s operational and commercial objectives, and furtherance of our Corporate Strategic Plan. The Director will work across the organization on all facets of federal, provincial, regional, local, US, and international government relations issues.   

Key responsibilities include:

• Development of government relations strategy and tactical planning on organization-wide initiatives in collaboration with subject matter experts and team leads across YVR, ensuring coordinated implementation
• Develop and maintain internal consensus concerning government relations issues matrix and priorities
• Support on-going engagement with industry partners across the Canadian aviation ecosystem, in the development of public policy positions and engagement strategies  
• Work closely with the External Communications team to develop focused communications strategies in support of YVR’s public policy goals  
• Develop and execute events, speaking opportunities and presentations to federal, provincial, regional, municipal governments
• Manage consulting firms for research and business case development to support policy and regulatory changes
• Participate in yearly business planning and budgeting processes, and manage departmental budget
• Develop team members and ensure performance management processes are followed; this includes monitoring work performance, coaching, motivating and supporting developmental activities

Key qualifications include:

• At least 10 years’ experience in (a) senior role(s) working in government, government relations, community relations or communications with management experience, supplemented by a university degree in Communications, Public Administration, Political Science or a related field; or an equivalent combination of training and experience
• Exceptional relationship management skills and ability to develop strong working relationships
• Excellent understanding of the workings of government
• Strong collaboration skills as a participant in complex multi-faceted projects
• Proven critical thinking and decision-making skills
• Ability to manage large projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Strong leadership ability with open-minded, fair, well-honed listening and interpersonal skills
• Demonstrated excellent verbal and written communications and presentation skills 

This position is open to both Airport Authority employees and external applicants.  Previous job performance will be taken into consideration for all internal candidates that apply for this position.

As part of our recruitment process, short-listed candidates may be required to participate in an assessment process.

Salary Range : Salary for this position is competitive and commensurate with experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and are committed to offering a compensation package that reflects your qualifications and experience.

At YVR, your work experience goes beyond the paycheck. We support your personal and professional development, well-being, and a thriving work culture with generous vacation days, extensive health benefits, retirement savings matching, wellness programs, community engagement, commuting support, and continuous learning opportunities. Learn more at https://careers.yvr.ca/benefits.

YVR is more than just an airport. We connect our beautiful province and all it has to offer to the world. We are all leaders and trailblazers for change and innovation, so no matter the department or team you’re a part of, the work you do matters.

At YVR, we are flexible in everything we do. We will work together to find ways to deliver customer excellence that helps us all thrive.

Whatever your background and wherever you’re from, you belong at YVR. If you have any questions about accessibility or require any assistance applying, please reach out at careers@yvr.ca.