The ACCA is looking for Government Relations Coordinator to enter into a six-month contract with us on a half-time basis beginning in January 2022. Read on to see if the position is right for you!

About Us

The Alberta Community & Co-operative Association (ACCA) is the voice of the co-operative sector in Alberta. We serve our members by proactively advancing the co-op sector, creating connections between members and the wider community, and helping co-operatives innovate and thrive.  The ACCA works in close collaboration with the BC Co-operative Association and Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada (CMC) on federal Government Relations issues.

The Opportunity

 The ACCA is looking for Government Relations Coordinator to enter into a six-month contract with us on a half time basis beginning in January 2022. The contract would have a maximum value of $35,000, plus GST and out of pocket expenses. If successful, this contract might be extended and expanded to a full-time position.

Job Description

Over the last year, the ACCA has developed a comprehensive Government Relations (GR) strategy. This strategy is aimed at positioning ACCA as an organization capable of providing value to member co-operatives in support of their government relations objectives and advocating for priorities that matter to Alberta's co-operative sector as a whole. We’re looking for a talented, motivated, high-energy individual to advance the ACCA GR strategy and provide leadership on this important file.

Specific tasks of the position include:

1. Government Relations and Initiative Support

•  Coordinating government relations and advising the ACCA and its members on how these efforts are progressing
• Developing and maintaining relationships at the municipal, provincial and federal level
• Working with ACCA Government and Stakeholder Relations Committee to advance the Government Relations Strategy
• Managing external outreach, coordinating logistics, and providing protocol guidance to facilitate the participation ACCA staff, Board and members in meeting with elected officials
• Leading planning of ACCA’s annual MLA reception and GR consultations and training at ACCA annual conference, Annual General meeting and member event
• Collaborating with Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada, our federal counterpart on advancing ACCA and ACCA member GR issues of relevance to the Federal Government
• Coordinating GR efforts with external organizational partners
• Advising ACCA staff, board and members GR protocol for engaging government officials, including drafting and managing briefings and correspondence
• Representing the ACCA in meetings, conferences, and events
• Providing member specific GR support at the request of individual ACCA members
• Proactively monitoring political and economic issues relevant to the ACCA and members
• Linking and support BC Co-operative Association GR initiatives where strategically important

2. Writing and Communication

•  Producing letters, briefings, and other documents for government engagement as needed
• Developing invitation letters, managing correspondence/outreach with government officials
• Working with ACCA Communications Department on GR components of ACCA’s communications with the public and with members

3. Administration

• Coordinating to ACCA’s Government and Stakeholder Relations Committee
• Maintaining ACCA GR registry at the Provincial and Federal level
• Handling mail and phone calls; receiving visitors and staff
• Fielding inquiries from ACCA members and partners on GR related matters

About You

The ACCA is a high energy, positive organization that is passionate about advancing the co-operative sector in Alberta. We’re looking to hire someone that fits well with our team, and is equally motivated to work with stakeholders to make positive changes through building strong, collaborative relationships with decision makers. Additionally, the successful candidate will have:

•  A Bachelor's degree, with a Masters degree in Government Affairs, Strategic Communications, Political Science, Business, Law, or related field preferred
• 5 years of experience of related experience, preferably in private sector, government relations, or communications
• Strong familiarity with political affairs and how governments function
• Awareness of best practices in the private sector and non-governmental organizations
• Awareness of national/provincial/regional political and socio-economic trends
• Experience managing relationships with government officials
• Strong understanding of government relations protocol
• Experience in event coordination
• Excellent writing research skills
• High level of judgment
• Ability to work independently, and to collaborate effectively
• Ability to multi-task, meet tight deadlines, and maintain a professional demeanor
• Cultural sensitivity
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience providing admin support and working with senior leadership in an office environment
• Ability to work in a varying schedule including nights, early mornings, weekends, and holidays

 Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and one relevant example of written communications of which they were the prime author to governmentrelations at acca.coop before the application deadline of Wednesday, December 8, 2021, 5:00 pm (MST)

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