Mar 06, 2025
Full time
Reports to: VP, Culture, Communications and Engagement Status: Full Time Schedule: Monday-Friday Additional Requirements: N/A Number of Positions: 1 Start Date: ASAP Internal Application Deadline: March 10, 2025
LifeLabs operates under a Hybrid workforce model. Further details will be provided during the interview stage.
This vacancy is for an existing position.
Purpose of the Role
The National Manager of Public Affairs & Issues Management will be accountable for developing and supporting a public affairs, stakeholder relations and issues management program that advances LifeLabs’ strategic objectives and protects LifeLabs’ reputation with government (Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and other jurisdictions, as necessary) and other stakeholders.
Your responsibilities will include:
Identify and track issues relevant to LifeLabs and broader healthcare sector and other issues impacting LifeLabs customers, products and services
Develop and manage an issues management log to track and monitor active issues and responses for evaluation and reporting to SLT/ELT
Handle high profile, time sensitive and contentious issues and escalated customer complaints by bringing together all relevant internal and external stakeholders to provide strategic issues management, crisis communications and media relations support
Work collaboratively with cross-functional team on business continuity efforts as part of the incident management protocol, mitigating risk to government stakeholders and LifeLabs’ reputation
Build trusted relationships and work collaboratively to manage and influence stakeholders to promote excellence, agility, results and risk management
Handle all issues related to government contracts management and necessary communication to ensure trusted relationships, as required
Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders including senior leadership, government stakeholders and media to develop and implement the most appropriate, inclusive and effective plan for the organization and community
Identify and produce required supporting collateral, such as key messages, written communications, speaking notes, briefing notes, statements, and other products
Work closely with other departments and members of the communications team to integrate proactive media outreach into the communications planning process
Plan press conferences, senior government official visits/tours and receptions, and oversee development of required materials
Monitor and manage issues relating to government and media and develop responses in collaboration with subject matter experts
Develop and monitor evaluation criteria to measure success and impact of government and public affairs efforts
In collaboration with the Government Relations and Contracts Management team, identify and support advocacy efforts with industry leading associations and bodies on behalf of the lab sector and employees
Develop and execute a plan to advance and elevate LifeLabs’ brand and credibility with government stakeholders
Work with the Corporate Communications team to advance high-profile provincial and national media coverage of our products, services and strategies
Support the definition of goals associated with effective Government and Public Affairs to help progress strategic priorities
Support multiple government relations initiatives, supporting both local and program-specific initiatives
What you bring to the role:
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Business, or Political Science, or a related field
A minimum of 4-5 years of experience working in government, issues management, corporate communications, public relations, or media
Strong government and public relations acumen, including deep knowledge of various levels of government
Demonstrated issues management and problem-solving skills with a high degree of political acuity
Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships
Excellent writing and editing skills; experience translating technical and sensitive or confidential information for various audiences
Experience developing and implementing government relations, issues management and media relations plans
Proven experience building and maintaining brand presence to help achieve an organizational vision
Strong time management skills with minimal need for oversight
Strong attention to detail
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Project management skills
Results-oriented and client-focused with a commitment to excellence