THE ORGANIZATION
Our client, Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. (Al-Pac), is the largest single-line kraft pulp producer in North America, with an average annual production of 640,000 tonnes of high-quality pulp.

Al-Pac is a leader in their industry since beginning operations in 1993, from their quality products, mill operations and responsible forest management practices, to the way the company grows and develops their team members and works with local communities. Al-Pac is continuously exploring new and innovative ideas, while delivering premium products with a commitment to strong environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility.

Vision: to be a good neighbour with $1 billion in diversified revenue by 2031.

Purpose: as stewards of the resources entrusted to us, we make a positive impact where we work and live.

Strategy: diversify revenues through investment in complementary industries creating a diversified business hub that is differentiated by environmental stewardship, social impact, and strong governance.

Values: Al-Pac is a values-based organization. Our values shape our culture and ensure that our decisions support our vision, purpose, and strategy:

• Inclusion: we leverage diverse perspectives to make the best decisions.
• Collaboration: we partner with others across the organization and work together to accomplish shared objectives.
• Achievement: we drive results.
• Growth: we champion a culture of learning and innovation. 

For further information about Al-Pac, please visit their website at www.alpac.ca.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Reporting to the Director, Indigenous & Stakeholder Relations and Sustainability, the Manager, Government & Community Relations is responsible for the planning and implementation of government and community relations strategies in support of cross-functional and enterprise-wide objectives. This includes leading strategic engagement and advocacy with governments at the federal, provincial, and municipal level, working with forest sector industry associations, and collaborating with other internal business areas and subject matter experts to identify and respond to government relations matters. The Manager also leads the Government & Community Relations business function to coordinate local community relations activities, and progress and support Al-Pac’s community engagement efforts. In doing so, the Manager will work closely with other business areas. The Supervisor will have two direct reports and will manage service contracts as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

People Leadership & Operational Excellence

• Lead the Government & Community Relations business function in accordance with Al-Pac policies, processes, and best practices.
• Inspire and motivate team members to achieve objectives, fostering a culture of health, safety and well-being, growth, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear work plans, annual goals, key performance indicators (KPIs), and performance and development plans for direct reports to drive accountability and performance.
• Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient workflow, timely task completion, and proactive problem-solving.
• Monitor and report on the performance of the Government & Community Relations business function, set clear objectives and KPIs, optimize resource allocation and ensure team accountability in achieving performance objectives.
• Ensure compliance with regulations, and internal policies and standards.
• Lead continuous improvement and change initiatives aimed at implementing and refining processes to improve effectiveness and efficiency and meet organizational objectives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.
• Ensure adherence to Al-Pac’s safety program and compliance with applicable safety legislation.

Government Relations

Lead strategic engagement and advocacy with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, in collaboration with the Director.

Develop and implement government relations strategies that align with Al-Pac’s cross-functional and enterprise-wide objectives, working with internal teams and subject matter experts.

Build and maintain effective networks and relationships.

Prepare and deliver materials, including briefings, position papers, correspondence, and speaking points, for both internal and external audiences.

Provide informed recommendations on policy positions by analyzing and understanding key business and policy trends impacting Al-Pac and the forest sector.

Deliver timely analyses and summaries of legislative, regulatory, and policy developments.

Represent Al-Pac at events, meetings, industry associations, and other government relations activities.

Offer guidance and best practice advice to internal stakeholders on government relations matters.

Community Relations & Community Engagement

Engage and collaborate effectively with internal stakeholders to develop effective community engagement plans and activities.

Build effective working relationships with external stakeholders to progress Al-Pac’s engagement with local communities.

Collaborate with other business areas to coordinate and/or support community engagement activities.

Manage Al-Pac’s Community Investment Program in accordance with company policies, procedures, program guidelines and other governance requirements.

Apply a continuous improvement approach to evaluating the effectiveness of Al-Pac community investment activities and programs against the company’s business objectives.

Data Analysis, Reporting & Compliance

Prepare documents, reports, presentations, and information packages by researching, gathering, and analyzing data using various tools and applications.

Ensure all work adheres to organizational policies, procedures, program guidelines, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Comply with and provide guidance to internal stakeholders on compliance with government policies, standards, ethics, and codes of conduct related to government relations activities.

Support the preparation of reports to meet lobbyist regulation compliance requirements.

THE INDIVIDUAL
Given the pivotal role this individual will be expected to play in achieving the strategic objectives of the company and in supporting the success of the organization, it is essential that the successful candidate possess the following core competencies, experience, and attributes:

Education

• Post-secondary degree, preferably in Political Science, Business, Public Policy, Public Administration, other social sciences or a related field is required.

Experience 

• Minimum 7 years’ professional experience in a corporate setting, preferably in the forestry or natural resource development sectors is required.
• Established networks and relationships with government representatives.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• In-depth understanding of governments, and legislative and regulatory processes at the federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• Solid understanding of the current political climate and issues impacting the forest and forest products manufacturing sector across all levels of government.
• Familiarity with industry-specific issues, regulations and trends.
• Knowledge of community engagement drivers and best practices in the resource development sector. 
• Strong knowledge of regulation, ethics and standards related to lobbying and other government relations activities.
• Ability to engage with stakeholders and the public with professionalism, tact, discretion, good judgement and trust.
• Clear and effective verbal, written and presentation communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong computer skills to develop and support business processes.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and manage private, sensitive, and confidential information appropriately.
• Skilled at persuasion and gaining the support and commitment of others to influence outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and organizational savvy to build positive working relationships.
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize, and manage activities efficiently to meet business objectives.
• Ability to understand and interpret policies, procedures, laws, and regulations with appropriate guidance.
• Skilled in applying project management expertise to develop and implement project plans, set milestones, manage timelines, and allocate resources.
• The ability to develop and implement strategic action plans to achieve objectives, including timelines and resource requirements.

SCOPE & ACCOUNTABILITY

Supervision (people) – direct reports include a team of one Advisor and one Coordinator between the Al-Pac mill site and St. Albert office; manages service contracts as required.

The Manager works closely with the Director, ISRS.

COMPETENCIES

Builds Effective Teams – building strong-identity teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals.

Collaborates – building partnerships and working collaboratively with others to meet shared objectives.

Decision Quality – making good and timely decisions that keep the organization moving forward.

Develops Talent – developing people to meet both their career goals and the organization’s goals.

Ensures Accountability – holding self and others accountable to meet commitments.

Instils Trust – gaining the confidence and trust of others through honesty, integrity and authenticity.

Interpersonal Savvy – relating openly and comfortably with diverse groups of people.

Nimble Learning – actively learning through experimentation when tackling new problems, using both successes and failures as learning fodder.

Optimize Work Processes – knowing the most effective and efficient processes to get things done, with a focus on continuous improvement.

COMPENSATION
An excellent compensation package awaits the successful candidate.

LOCATION
St. Albert, Alberta

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Al-Pac professional staff work Monday to Thursday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This role is hybrid eligible in accordance with Al-Pac’s Hybrid Work Arrangement Program.

This position involves some travel, including to Al-Pac’s mill site location and throughout the company’s operating area.

HOW TO APPLY
For the opportunity to join Alberta-Pacific Forest Industries Inc. in the role of Manager, Government & Community Relations, please email your resume to DreamBig@profoundtalent.com referencing Position ID # AYCH-873861.

Should you have an inquiry regarding this position, please contact Max Frank at 587-200-0114 ext. 102. For further information on ProFound Talent Inc. please visit: www.profoundtalent.com.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

ProFound Talent is a woman owned and operated business, recognized and certified by Women Business Enterprise (WBE). We pride ourselves in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives in our recruitment processes and in our work environment, where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals to which you may confidentially share your accommodation needs at time of application. We will adjust our processes to ensure you have an inclusive, fair, and respectful experience that allows you to represent yourself in your unique and most authentic way. 

* We thank all applicants for your submissions, however only candidates being considered for this role will be contacted. *