Government and Public Relations Coordinator

Reports to: Senior Manager

Job Type: Full Time

Job Level: D

Salary Range: $60,870 to $79,130 (negotiable based on experience)

The Environment Office Saugeen Ojibway Nation prides itself on being an organization that works daily through our Core Values. These values are tied into all that we do. With WISDOM we can teach. With LOVE we can endure, with RESPECT we can work together even when we don’t agree, with BRAVERY we can achieve, with HONESTY we can act with integrity even when no one is watching, with TRUTH we can trust each other and with HUMILITY we can lift each other up. The Environment Office strives daily to work with our competencies along side these values and they are woven into the fabric of how we work.  

Required Experience: 

• Minimum ten (10) years of progressive experience in government relations, public relations or business
• Undergraduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Business, Political Science, or a related field.

Recommended  Experience

• Minimum five (5) years  working within an Indigenous community

Core Competencies:

All staff roles at Environment Saugeen Ojibway Nation require the team members to work through our values to deliver the following Core Competencies

Effective Communication:

Provide and receive information using the most effective/efficient/appropriate medium and technology based on what needs to be communicated and to whom. Effectively use different approaches and technologies for different audiences. Communicate effectively and professionally to proponents, work teams, managers, staff and Joint Council. 

Humility and Curiosity:

Being humble by having a respectful, team-focused attitude that values others input and embraces feedback as an opportunity to grow. Having the willingness to learn, admit mistakes and prioritize team success over individual achievements. 

Being curious and having an eagerness to explore, ask questions and seek deeper understanding of yourself and others. Possess and eagerness for continuous learning with a proactive approach to problem solving and innovation. 

Results:

The ability to work in a results oriented culture by achieving goals and staying focused while maintaining a high level of accountability to results. A drive towards outcomes and achieving timelines by prioritizing tasks effectively, taking ownership of challenges and maintaining momentum even when faced with challenges. 

Achieving objectives efficiently and to a high standard while often looking for ways to exceed expectations. Possess a willingness to adapt and find solutions for continuous improvement and measurable success. 

Operations:

Possessing operational competency by executing daily workflows to ensure maximum efficiency and quality. Focus on process improvement, monitor personal performance metrics and ensure compliance with current processes and procedures. Adept at time management and working with  teams to execute plans smoothly while adapting to change well.  

Conflict Resolution:

Possess the ability to handle conflicts constructively and be a part of a positive and collaborative work environment. This requires active listening skills while hearing all perspectives, staying calm under pressure and using diplomacy to address differences. Requires the ability to openly communicate, diffuse tensions and work on practical solutions that align with the team and the Environment Office goals. Having the ability to effectively communicate challenges , promote mutual understanding and build trust that matters will be handled in a professional and courteous way. 

Team Building:

Fostering a cohesive, motivated and connected team through collaboration, trust, and open communication among team members. The ability to recognize strengths and opportunities within oneself and others and create an environment where everyone feels valued. Effectively team building by personal development and promoting a shared sense of purpose. The ability to work as a collective effort towards a common goal. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments that may impact the organization and provide strategic recommendations and timely briefings to internal stakeholders.
• Leading government reporting and compliance, including submissions to oversight bodies, through internal cross-functional collaboration with regulatory teams.
• Collaborating with the partnerships team to identify and advance government relations and advocacy opportunities.
• Supporting executive and cross-functional teams with policy insights, strategic counsel, and coordinated Public Relations plans.
• Preparing briefing materials, strategic updates, and reports to inform executive decision-making.
• Acts as a member of the middle management team, providing support and insight for the Joint Council and Senior Manager
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies to enhance government relations, promote public policy initiatives, and engage in public relations through partnership-building activities. 
• Assists in the preparation of material to support meetings with government officials and community contacts and preparing correspondence
• Collaborates on digital media presentation, collecting and managing data and media metrics. 
• Maintain external media contact list
• Prepare for media releases and prepare spokesperson materials

Skill Requirements:

• Strong experience executing proactive and reactive media relations campaigns, with a history of securing media coverage and providing media training to spokespeople
• Excellent writing, editing, research and public speaking skills;
• Experience with issues and crisis communications, and ability to handle sensitive communication situations with tact and professionalism;
• A clear and solid understanding of the issues faced by Indigenous Peoples and the SON Territory
• Proficient in Google Suite applications 
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation and government policies
• Demonstrated skills in negotiation, engagement, and relationship building.
• Strong organizational, time management, and attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Demonstrates community focus, accountability, and commitment to environment, health, and safety.
• Willingness to work occasional evenings to support community meetings and events.
• Ability to identify and respond to sensitive community, organizational, and council issues, concerns, and needs
• Experience with coaching and development of management-level employees
• Ability to balance multiple projects and meet deadlines without sacrificing an eye for detail.
• Able to maintain high standards of quality and ability to work with staff in a cordial and tactful manner.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and be respectful of sensitive situations