Public Affairs Manager

Location: Ottawa, ON (Hybrid – 3 days/week in office)

About CBTU

Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU) is the national voice for more 600,000 skilled trades construction workers, representing 14 international unions and over 60 trades and occupations that collectively generate approximately 6% of Canada’s GDP. CBTU works to ensure the priorities of skilled trades workers are effectively represented in federal public policy, legislative processes, and national workforce strategies.

The Opportunity

CBTU is seeking a strategic, relationship-driven Public Affairs Manager to lead federal government relations and advance CBTU’s legislative agenda. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role is ideal for a proactive, politically astute professional who excels in a fast-paced environment, manages multiple files with confidence, and builds strong relationships across political offices, federal departments, affiliates, and industry partners.

You will manage two direct reports, collaborate with a highly engaged team, and help shape policy outcomes that impact construction workers across Canada.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Lead CBTU’s federal government relations strategy, identifying opportunities to advance key policy priorities.
• Engage effectively with political offices and senior public servants in departments such as Labour, Natural Resources, ESDC, Finance, ISED, and Transport.
• Track legislative and regulatory developments and provide timely strategic advice to senior leadership.
• Prepare submissions, briefing notes, presentations, and correspondence for federal decision-makers.
• Support appearances before parliamentary committees and national consultations.

Stakeholder Engagement & Communications

• Build trusted relationships with parliamentarians, officials, affiliates, and industry partners.
• Represent CBTU at meetings, events, and consultations, serving as a key point of contact in Ottawa.
• Work collaboratively with the communications team to develop aligned advocacy and messaging strategies.

Team Leadership & Organizational Support

• Manage two direct reports (Communications Associate and Senior Communications Advisor).
• Ensure compliance with Lobbying Act reporting requirements and maintain accurate internal tracking systems.
• Support planning and coordination of the CBTU Annual Conference, including the plenary program.

Qualifications & Attributes

• Experience in government relations at the manager or director level, engaging both political and civil service stakeholders.
• Knowledge of the construction industry and familiarity with issues such as project labour agreements, apprenticeships, infrastructure policy, and workforce development.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to manage multiple high-priority files while maintaining strong attention to detail.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Outgoing, approachable, and effective at building trust at all levels—from senior officials to board members, affiliates, and rank and file members.
• Comfortable “managing up” and working directly with the CEO.
• Demonstrated experience supervising or mentoring staff.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general office technology.
• Based in Ottawa and able to travel up to 20%.

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package. Hybrid work model with 3 days/week in-office presence. Note this is an Ottawa-based position.

How to Apply

Please submit your resume, cover letter, and compensation expectations to:

Jack Shand, FCMC - The Portage Group

Deadline: December 30, 2025

Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all aspects of the selection process. We thank all applicants; those chosen for interview will be contacted.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Non-profit Organizations