At CN, everyday brings new and exciting challenges. You can expect an interesting environment where you’re part of making sure our business is running optimally and safely―helping keep the economy on track. We provide the kind of paid training and opportunities that long-term careers are built on and we recognize hard workers who strive to make a difference. You will be able to thrive in our close-knit, safety-focused culture working together as ONE TEAM. The careers we offer are meaningful because the work we do matters. Join us!

Job Summary

The Manager Public Affairs is responsible for identifying, informing and solving complex community issues, and fostering positive relationships with local communities, as well as municipal, provincial and federal officials. The role works in a fast-paced environment either in a team or autonomously. The incumbent provides expertise for the whole region, as needed and supports the Senior Manager in delivering on the team’s overall mandate. The position is part of CN’s Stakeholder Relations Function, 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 mayors, councillors, provincial and federal elected officials, political staff, community leaders, organizations, and chambers of commerce

·       Manage internal development of CN’s public affairs position and approach to address issues, including working across departments and functions as ONE TEAM and seeking the appropriate approval

·       Manage issues with local communities (e.g. 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

·       Prepare all aspects of communications, including planning events, drafting materials (e.g. speaking remarks, scenarios, memos, presentations) for public appearances of Senior Executives and colleagues from other business units

·       Provide advice on community sponsorships and donations and act as the public face of CN at sponsored virtual and in-person events

·       Actively use a digital platform to reach, record and monitor engagements with stakeholders

·       Act as secretary of CN’s B.C. Community Board, which oversees donations to local initiatives across the province

 

Working Conditions

The role has standard working conditions with a regular workweek from Monday to Friday. The incumbent must be available to work shifts and weekends when necessary. The role requires being available on-call 24/7 to respond to critical incidences. The role requires minimal  local travel, mostly within the province.

Requirements Experience

Public Affairs

·       Between 7 to 10 years of communications, public relations, politics or stakeholder engagement experience

o    Experience in project management and change management*

*Any experience for these above would be considered as an asset

Education/Certification/Designation

·       Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Law, or equivalent

·       Valid Driver’s License

Competencies

·       Collaborates with key internal stakeholders to enable productive engagements with stakeholders

·       Inspires others with impactful communications and adapts to the audience

·       Deals with pressure and change by staying calm to quickly adapt to changes

·       Initiates and drives organizational changes to enable business transformation

·       Shares timely information within and across functions to get things done effectively

·       Makes informed and timely decisions to get things done

·       Display a strong autonomy and the ability to take calculated risks in decision making

Technical Skills/Knowledge

 

·       Very strong writing and presentation skills

·       General Microsoft computer skills

 

About CN

 CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the Southern tip of the U.S. through a 19,500 mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. At CN, we work as ONE TEAM, focused on safety, sustainability and our customers, providing operational and supply chain excellence to deliver results.