Manager, Public Affairs

Job Summary

The Manager Public Affairs is responsible for identifying, informing and solving complex community issues, and fostering positive relationships with communities in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as municipal, provincial and federal officials. Our successful candidateis able to manage a fast-paced environment, collaborating within a team, or working autonomously. The incumbent provides expertise for the whole region and supports the Senior Manager in delivering on the team’s overall mandate. The position is part of CN’s Stakeholder Relations Division, whose purpose is to grow and support CN’s people, business and reputation.

Main Responsibilities

Public Affairs Management

• Develop positive relationships, seek endorsements and support from stakeholders, including municipal, provincial and federal elected officials, political staff, community leaders, organizations, industry associations and chambers of commerce.
• Manage issues and incidents as required.
• Manage internal development of CN’s public affairs position and approach to issues, working across departments and functions as ONE TEAM and seeking support for public affairs initiatives
• Manage relationships with local communities (on issues like proximity, equipment and infrastructure) and communicate CN’s positions to elected officials and residents
• Act as a trusted advisor to CN colleagues on Public Affairs matters by providing expertise on strategic projects
• Develop an understanding of the rail industry and network internally among various CN departments to be better enabled to respond to issues as they arise.
• Prepare all aspects of communications, including planning events and drafting materials ( speaking remarks, briefing notes, event scenarios, memos, presentations) for public appearances of Senior Executives and colleagues from other business units
• Provide advice on regional sponsorships and donations and act as the public face of CN at sponsored events
• Actively use a digital platform to reach, record and monitor engagements with stakeholders
• Represent CN on industry and community groups and committees, as necessary.

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The successful candidate must be available to work weekends when necessary, for activities like CN-sponsored community events, stakeholder meetings and to respond to incidents. The role also participates in CN’s on-call shift rotation, which requires Public Affairs team members to be available 24 / 7 to respond to critical incidents during their shift. Minimal (up to 20%) local travel is required of the role, mostly within the eastern prairies (Manitoba / Saskatchewan).

Requirements

Experience

Public Affairs

o Experience in project management, change management or the transportation and logistics industry is considered an asset.

Education / Certification / Designation

Competencies

Technical Skills / Knowledge