Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Communications

If your career has been built at the intersection of policy, partnerships, public affairs, and strategic communications, this role is worth a closer look. We’re looking for someone who knows how to bring people, organizations, and decision-makers together around a shared goal. 

Smart, Savvy + Associates is partnering with a respected, mission-driven nonprofit organization in its search for a Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Communications. 

Reporting to the Executive Director, you'll lead advocacy strategy, government and stakeholder relations, public affairs, communications, and a team of passionate professionals working to create healthier, more connected communities across British Columbia. 

This is a unique opportunity to join an organization with a strong reputation, an engaged membership base, and an ambitious vision for growth. You'll help shape public conversations, build strategic partnerships, guide advocacy campaigns, and ensure communications efforts support meaningful policy and community outcomes. 

What You'll Do 

Lead advocacy and public affairs initiatives 

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies that advance organizational priorities and influence public policy 
• Build and maintain relationships with government officials, community leaders, partner organizations, funders, and other key stakeholders 
• Identify opportunities to strengthen the organization's voice and influence across British Columbia 
• Support the development of campaigns, policy positions, and public engagement initiatives 
• Monitor emerging issues and provide strategic guidance on advocacy opportunities and risks 

Lead communications and organizational visibility 

• Oversee communications strategies that strengthen brand awareness, stakeholder engagement, and organizational credibility 
• Ensure consistent messaging across campaigns, public communications, media relations, and stakeholder outreach 
• Serve as a spokesperson and support media engagement as required 
• Translate complex policy and advocacy issues into clear, compelling communications 
• Support membership growth, engagement, and community participation initiatives 

Lead and develop a high-performing team 

• Provide leadership, coaching, mentorship, and support to a team of communications, community engagement, and policy professionals 
• Establish priorities, goals, and accountability measures that support organizational objectives 
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven culture 
• Work closely with volunteer committees, boards, and community leaders to advance strategic priorities 

Contribute to organizational leadership 

• Participate as a member of the leadership team, helping shape organizational strategy and priorities 
• Support annual planning, budgeting, and resource allocation 
• Contribute to long-term organizational growth and sustainability 
• Help ensure alignment across advocacy, communications, membership, and community engagement initiatives 

What You Bring 

• Experience leading advocacy, public affairs, government relations, communications, or stakeholder engagement initiatives 
• Demonstrated success building relationships with government, community, nonprofit, or public-sector stakeholders 
• Experience leading and developing teams 
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to translate ideas into action 
• Exceptional written, verbal, and public communication skills 
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and competing priorities 
• Strong judgment, political acuity, and relationship-building skills 
• A collaborative leadership style and genuine commitment to community impact 

Nice to Have  

• Experience working in advocacy, transportation, health, environmental, community, or public-interest organizations 
• Experience engaging with municipal, regional, Indigenous, and provincial stakeholders 
• Familiarity with membership-based organizations 
• Personal interest in active transportation, sustainability, or community-building initiatives 

About Our Client 

With thousands of members, tens of thousands of supporters, and a strong network of volunteers and partners, the organization plays an important role in shaping public conversations, advancing community priorities, and supporting positive change at both local and provincial levels. 

The Details  

$72,000–$88,500 salary 
️ 4 weeks vacation plus 10 wellness days 
Employer-paid extended health and dental benefits 
 Flexible hybrid work environment 
Home office setup allowance plus monthly internet support 
 Professional development support 
Transit benefits and bike-share perks 
 Metro Vancouver, BC 

If you're excited by the opportunity to shape public policy conversations, lead meaningful advocacy initiatives, and contribute to healthier, more connected communities, we'd love to hear from you. 

Submit your application through Smart, Savvy + Associates' job board. Every application is reviewed by a human, thoughtfully and with care. 

About Smart, Savvy + Associates  

Smart, Savvy + Associates is a specialized recruitment agency focused on marketing, communications, creative, and fundraising roles. Based in Vancouver, BC, we partner with organizations across Western Canada to help them hire with clarity and confidence. 

We believe diverse teams drive stronger results and are committed to equitable and inclusive recruitment practices. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. If you require accommodation at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know.