Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs

Policy and Public Affairs

What we’re looking for: The Canadian Institute of Planners (CIP) is seeking an experienced and strategic Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs to provide executive leadership across the organization’s policy, government relations, communications and public affairs functions. The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, strong relationship-building skills and a collaborative leadership style to advance CIP’s national priorities and support the continued implementation of our Strategic Plan. A full description of the role is provided below.

What we do:

CIP is a member-based organization that works on behalf of planning professionals and students across Canada. Our members work on many important issues, from planning new communities and public spaces to expanding public transit and bike paths (and much more!). As such, our organization is involved in conversations on how to support aspiring planners on their career journey, as well as policy issues related to climate change, healthy communities, housing, and what it means to support reconciliation and equity, diversity and inclusion in our communities.

Who we are:

CIP is strongly committed to a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace and strives to maintain a collaborative work environment that fosters personal and professional growth for all employees.

Where we are:

Due to the collaborative nature of this role, the Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs will be a hybrid employee and is expected to be in CIP’s downtown Ottawa office, a minimum of two (2) days per week.

CIP respectfully acknowledges that our office is located on the unceded territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation. CIP values the ongoing stewardship of all First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

What we’re offering:

Compensation for this position is $125,000 - $135,000/year, commensurate with experience, plus the following enhancements:

• A comprehensive benefits package (Extended Health, Dental, Life Insurance, AD&D, LTD, and Employee and Family Assistance Program) – all premiums paid by CIP except for LTD (LTD premium to be paid by employee)
• An RRSP contribution matching program – up to 5% of gross salary
• Generous vacation entitlement – 20 paid days/year, plus additional non-statutory holidays
• Generous personal leave (for illness, family emergencies, etc.) – up to 20 paid days/year
• Professional development opportunities
• Hybrid office work environment, with flex-time option as per CIP policy

CIP is strongly committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. CIP welcomes applications from those who will contribute to the diversity of our community. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Position Summary

The Vice President, Policy and Public Affairs is a senior leadership role responsible for advancing the organization’s policy agenda while leading integrated communications, brand, and public affairs strategies. This role ensures alignment between policy development, government relations, and communications to strengthen the organization’s influence, visibility, and impact.

The Vice President provides strategic oversight across policy, advocacy, government relations, media engagement, and communications, ensuring a unified voice that advances organizational priorities and supports the Strategic Plan. The role directly oversees the Senior Manager of Communications and Manager of Policy and Government Relations, providing leadership, direction, and performance management to ensure high-quality execution and impact.

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Also works closely with: Senior Leadership Team, Management Team, Government Stakeholders, PTIAs, Board, Industry Partners

Connection to Strategic Plan

This role is critical to advancing CIP’s strategic commitments including “Integrated Action on Complex Issues,” “More Equitable Planning, Together” and “Career Support for Life.” This includes strengthening CIP’s advocacy and policy leadership, supporting reconciliation and enhancing member value through effective communications, thought leadership, and engagement.

By integrating policy, communications, and government relations, the Vice President, ensures that CIP is a strong, credible and influential voice at the national level.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Organizational Impact

• Provide strategic leadership across policy, communications, and government relations functions to ensure alignment with organizational priorities.
• Regularly advise the CEO and senior leadership team on policy positioning, communications strategy, and reputational risk.
• Contribute to organizational strategy, budgeting, and risk management processes.
• Establish integrated planning processes that align policy, advocacy, and communications activities.
• Ensure consistency of messaging and positioning across all organizational outputs.
• Monitor the external environment to identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities.
• Represent CIP on select external engagements, including government, media, and partner forums as requested by the CEO.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within the team.

Policy Development and Government Relations

• Lead the development and continued implementation of national policy priorities aligned with the Strategic Plan.
• Oversee and guide the Manager of Policy and Government Relations in executing advocacy strategies and policy initiatives.
• Working with the CEO, develop and implement a comprehensive strategy to both build and maintain relationships with federal government stakeholders, including MPs, political staff, departmental officials and relevant agencies.
• Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and policy developments impacting the sector and provide strategic advice.
• Oversee the preparation of briefing materials, submissions, and presentations to support executive-level engagement with government.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying requirements and reporting obligations.
• Monitor PTIA and key interest-holder (national and international) policy development

Strategic Communications and Public Affairs

• Oversee the development and execution of an integrated communications strategy aligned with policy priorities and organizational goals.
• Lead public affairs efforts, including media relations, stakeholder communications, and issue management.
• Provide direction to the Senior Manager of Communications on branding, digital strategy, stakeholder engagement, and communications planning.
• Anticipate reputational risks and develop proactive and reactive communications strategies
• Lead the development of high-quality content, including policy briefs, reports, campaigns, media materials, and digital content.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality messaging across all communications channels and alignment with policy positions.

Stakeholder and External Relations

• Working with the CEO, build and maintain strategic relationships with government, partners, industry associations, and stakeholders.
• Represent CIP on select consultations, committees, conferences, and public forums as requested by the CEO.
• Collaborate with partners to advance shared policy and advocacy goals. Support marketing and partnership initiatives to enhance organizational reach and revenue opportunities

Project and Program Leadership

• Identify and lead strategic policy and communications initiatives and funding opportunities.
• Oversee project planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation, including budgets and reporting.
• Ensure effective coordination across teams, contractors, and volunteers.
• Establish performance metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of initiatives.

Team Leadership and Administration

• Lead, mentor, and manage policy and communications teams, ensuring clear objectives, accountability, and professional development.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative, and inclusive team culture.
• Oversee workflows, resource allocation, and performance management aligned with organizational goals.
• Support HR policies, staff development, and compliance with relevant legislation.
• Prepare reports and updates for the CEO and the Board of Directors.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 10+ years of progressively senior leadership experience in public policy, communications, government relations, public affairs, or advocacy.
• Professional planning designation or equivalent experience within the planning profession will be considered a definite asset
• Strong understanding of Canadian federal and provincial policy and legislative processes.
• Proven experience leading integrated communications and brand strategies.
• Exceptional writing, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical, strategic and problem‑solving abilities.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is preferred.

Competencies

• Strategic thinking and enterprise leadership
• Political acuity and government relations
• Strategic communications and public affairs leadership
• Stakeholder engagement and external relations
• Program and portfolio oversight
• Analytical thinking and decision-making
• Adaptability, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Collaboration and influence
• People leadership and development