Location: Alberta or elsewhere in Western Canada
This role is an opportunity to help shape climate and energy policy both in Western Canada and federally. As our Director for Western Canada, you will be a senior member of our team with responsibility for advocating for pro-growth climate policy in Alberta and across Western Canada, while also being a team lead on our work with the Conservative Party of Canada.
At Clean Prosperity, our mission is to help Canada transition to a net-zero emissions economy in a way that is affordable for Canadians and generates economic growth all across the country. Getting the balance right is particularly important in Western Canada, where policy must capitalize on future opportunities in a low-carbon economy while supporting and capitalizing on the expertise and experience of existing sectors, such as oil and gas.
In general, we believe the government’s role should be focused on creating the right incentives for the private sector to decarbonize. We further believe that all jurisdictions should prioritize solutions that are low-cost for the economy, and affordable for households. That’s among the reasons why we support market-based policies such as industrial carbon pricing and investment tax credits for carbon dioxide removal technologies.
We are passionate about what we do and we are looking for a smart, ambitious person to join our team to lead our work in Western Canada.
The role
The Director for Western Canada oversees government relations, stakeholder relations, and media relations in Western Canada, with a particular focus on Alberta. You will also be the lead on engagement with the Conservative Party of Canada (our Director of Policy will be the lead with other federal parties but you will be engaged as needed).
This is a senior role within the organization where you will be expected to drive our overall strategy in Western Canada while also contributing to organization-wide policy objectives.
Key responsibilities
Below is a list of key responsibilities currently envisioned for this role. We are a fast-paced organization with evolving priorities so these responsibilities may change. Over time, we expect the Western Director to take partial ownership over setting their own priorities.
Government relations
- Regularly engage relevant government officials — including elected leaders, political staff and departmental staff — regarding climate and energy policy.
- Draft formal communications to government including submitting feedback as part of government consultations.
- Represent Clean Prosperity at government briefings, hearings, and related events.
- Undertake similar activities to the above with relevant staff from political parties.
Stakeholder relations
- Identify and engage other stakeholders who will be influential on topics related to our policy agenda.
- Attend / present at relevant events such as conferences, forums, and conventions on topics of interest to the organization.
Media relations
- Craft the organization’s overall media strategy and content for Western Canada, in coordination with our communications team.
- Build relationships with members of the media.
- Depending on time and interest, serve as a spokesperson for the organization with media.
Policy research and development
While we have a small policy team to do deeper policy research, you will be required to develop sufficient technical expertise to advise government officials on our climate policy priorities. You may also be asked from time to time to undertake modest research assignments on questions of policy.
Skills and experience needed
- Bachelor’s degree and at least eight years of work experience
- Significant experience (five years minimum, ideally more) in either a policy role within government and/or conducting government relations
- Highly effective communicator who can make compelling presentations to small and large groups, even when the topic is fairly technical
- Superb people skills — you must be able to build relationships quickly, work with people across the political spectrum, and find common ground with those who disagree with you
- Baseline understanding of climate and energy policy (deeper understanding is a bonus) and a belief that Canada should reach net-zero by 2050
- Basic comfort in reviewing policy reports produced by economists (since they conduct a lot of cost effectiveness analysis on climate policy)
- Ability to work independently and effectively — you will be the sole member of our team based in Western Canada (though our Executive Director will travel there occasionally and you will travel east too), so will need to be a self-starter who knows how to get things done and how to adapt in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment
- Willingness to travel as much as once per month anywhere in Canada
Clean Prosperity is committed to diversity in its hiring processes. As such, we welcome applications from members of visible minorities, First Nations, Métis, Inuit, persons with disabilities, persons of all sexual orientations and gender identities, and others with the skills and knowledge to help provide a diverse range of perspectives.
The team
We are a relatively small organization that includes our Executive Director, Director of Policy and Government Relations, Director of Communications, Director of Research, Research Associate, and Operations Manager. We will shortly be hiring a Communications Associate, and may hire several more staff in the coming year.
You will report to the Executive Director but will work closely with all members of our team, especially our Director of Policy and Government Relations who is based in Ottawa.
Location and hours
Since the COVID pandemic, we’ve moved to a remote work environment. Our main office was formerly in Toronto, and most of our team is based in Ontario.
As our representative for Western Canada, we expect you to be based somewhere in Western Canada, with a preference for Edmonton or Calgary given the likelihood that you will be spending a significant share of your time in Alberta.
We will arrange for you to have a workspace at a co-working facility, or you can work remotely from home if that is your preference.
We typically work a standard eight-hour workday but are much more concerned about results and getting things done effectively than when you’re working. Note that due to the nature of your role, there may be a need to work during non-work hours at times, but you will have the flexibility to compensate by taking time off during the workday. Since you are also working with colleagues from Eastern Canada, there would be value in you starting your day on the earlier side (and ending earlier too).
Compensation
We’re seeking a star candidate who can fill a senior role leading our work in Western Canada. While we are a nonprofit, most of our staff come from the private sector and we intend to pay a competitive salary. In addition to your salary, you will also be entitled to benefits. Just as importantly, you’ll be working on something you truly believe in with other passionate people.
How to apply
If interested, please send an email to careers@cleanprosperity.ca with the subject line “Application for Director for Western Canada” that includes:
- Your resume
- A cover letter that explains why you want to work with us, why you’d be a good fit, and where you’d like to physically be located when working for us.