Government Relations Specialist

About Credit Union Central of Manitoba

Credit Union of Manitoba (CUCM) is the trade association and service provider for the province's 15 autonomous credit unions. CUCM's purpose is to provide strategic leadership for credit unions, and to deliver high-value solutions that help each credit union achieve its vision.

The position

CUCM is strengthening how it engages government on behalf of Manitoba's credit union system. The Government Relations Specialist leads this work directly, building and maintaining relationships with government offices, anticipating issues before they arrive, and opening the door for CUCM's leadership to advance the priorities of the system.

This is a relationship driven, proactive role, not an administrative one. The person in it does not wait to be asked. They are consistently building connections, tracking what is happening across government, and creating opportunities for CUCM to be heard on the issues that matter to Manitoba credit unions. Success in this role looks like momentum, doors opening, meetings taking place, issues surfaced early, not paperwork completed.

Reporting to the VP, Operations and Engagement, the Specialist also works closely with the CEO and executive team, who carry out the most senior relationships, and acts as the engine that keeps those relationships active, informed, and moving forward between senior touchpoints.

Key responsibilities

Government relationship management

• Build and maintain working relationships with ministers' offices, political staff, and senior officials across relevant provincial ministries, with depth in Finance and the credit union regulators.
• Maintain regular contact with staffers and political offices, including proactive outreach that keeps CUCM's priorities visible between formal meetings.
• Track changes in government, including staff turnover, cabinet shuffles, and shifting political priorities, and adjust CUCM's approach accordingly.

Issue anticipation and strategy

• Anticipate emerging government priorities, policy changes, and issues that may affect the credit union system, and bring them forward before they become urgent.
• Work with CUCM's leadership to determine CUCM's position on emerging issues and develop a plan to advance that position with government.
• Flag issues early enough that CUCM can shape the conversation rather than react to a decision already made.

Meeting preparation and support

• Prepare CUCM's CEO and executive team for government meetings, including pre-alignment with staffers, briefing materials, clear objectives, and anticipated questions.
• Debrief meetings promptly and translate outcomes into next steps and follow up actions.
• Determine who from CUCM should attend a given engagement, whether that is the CEO, a VP, or a credit union CEO, and coordinate their involvement.

CCUA and cross provincial coordination

• Maintain an active working relationship with CCUA's government relations and policy teams to stay current on federal advocacy and lobbying activities relevant to Manitoba.
• Seek out intelligence on how other provinces are approaching similar issues, to avoid duplicating work and to bring proven approaches into the Manitoba context.
• Coordinate CUCM's participation in national committees and forums relevant to the Manitoba system.

System engagement

• Reactivate and lead the Manitoba Credit Union Advocacy Working Group, on a regular meeting cadence, using it to incubate positions, share updates, and mobilize the system where needed.
• Bring external speakers and subject matter experts to the working group on relevant topics as they arise.
• Represent CUCM at government-facing events and drive outreach and preparation required to make them successful.

Intelligence and positioning

• Work with CUCM's research function to ensure government relations activity is grounded in current, relevant intelligence about the sector and the province.
• Contribute to the development of policy positions and submissions, ensuring they reflect both the political landscape and the practical realities facing Manitoba credit unions.

The person

• 5 to 7 years of experience in government relations, political staff work, public policy, or a caucus role, with direct exposure to how government operates.
• Direct experience working within, or in close partnership with, a minister's office, a legislature, a caucus, or a government relations function, where you gained a working understanding of political timing, protocol, and decision making.
• A demonstrated track record of initiating relationships and opportunities rather than only maintaining ones that were handed to you. You can point to specific examples of securing a meeting, opening a door, or advancing an issue without waiting to be asked.
• Comfort operating as the primary point of contact with government, with the confidence to open conversations, pursue opportunities, and represent CUCM's interests directly and persistently.
• Strong judgment and the ability to read a room, understand what a given moment calls for, and act on it without waiting for direction.
• Experience preparing senior leaders for high-stakes meetings, including briefing materials and clear framing of objectives.
• An understanding of, or strong interest in, the credit union system and the financial services regulatory environment in Manitoba.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex issues into clear, actionable positions.
• A degree in political science or a related field is an asset.

What success looks like

• Government offices know who to call, and CUCM knows what is coming before it arrives.
• CUCM's leadership walks into government meetings well prepared, with a clear ask and a clear plan.
• The advocacy working group is active, and credit unions are engaged in shaping CUCM's positions.
• CUCM has real visibility into what other provinces and the federal government are doing, through an effective working relationship with CCUA.
• CUCM is seen by government as a proactive, credible partner on the issues affecting Manitoba's credit union system.

What we offer

We offer an excellent total compensation and benefits package including an incentive pay program, defined contribution pension plan, an extensive community service program, training and development opportunities, and a hybrid work environment that engages and enables our employees to serve our members.

The salary will relate to qualifications and experience.

We are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment where your unique background, perspectives and talent are valued.

CUCM welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request during the assessment and selection process.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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