Vice-President, Policy & External Relations Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has built a recognized reputation for supporting industry safely building a more prosperous province and country.
It assertively promotes the notion that growing the economy is job #1 for each level of government enabling fiscal flexibility to fund social strength.
It advances progressive public policies and innovative programs that serve the broader public interest including industry workforce development, education and training.
As the primary resource for heavy construction and related industries, the MHCA networks with stakeholders, provides information, engages in public policy advocacy and provides member services.

Vice-President of Policy & External Relations

The MHCA is seeking a Vice-President of Policy & External Relations(VP)to work with and through the President & CEOreporting to the Board of Directorsin providing strategic advice to the Board Chair, the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, in all areas of MHCA, WorkSafely and WorkForce advocacy and program delivery.
The VP will play a pivotal leadership role in amplifying the MHCA's and industry's future through advocacy that supports economic growth; sustainable infrastructure investment; delivery of workplace health and safety services; enhancing career pathways; training and education to attract and retain a talented, diverse workforce.

As part of the leadership team, the Vice-President supports strategic initiatives; public policy advocacy; enhanced external relations; engages with members; each contributing to MHCA's growth, public engagement and profile.
Strong writing and presentation skills are essential, as the Vice-President will be responsible for crafting strategic documents, policy papers and research reports that effectively communicate the MHCA's positions to government, industry, media and the public.
In this capacity, the Vice-President will lead and mentor the MHCA internal executive team, fostering collaboration and accountability to achieve all organizational goals while contributing as an integral member of the team.
Effective advocacy for the MHCA will rely heavily on the Vice-President's strategic engagement experience, communications skills and reputation.

The Vice-President role is critical to the success of these efforts and is instrumental in:

• Collaborating with public and private-sector stakeholders to advance economic growth.
  
• Promoting sustainable investment in core infrastructure.
  
• Championing workplace safety education and safe work practices through the WorkSafely program; Supporting workforce development diversity through its WorkForce program.
  

Position Overview:

Research & Policy

• Collaborate with the President & CEO to research, develop, write and edit high-impact policy materials, including policy briefs, speeches, presentations and advocacy-related documents.
  
• Monitor and analyze municipal, provincial and federal policies related to infrastructure investment, economic growth and workplace safety, ensuring MHCA's advocacy strategies are progressive, and evidence driven.
  
• Track and evaluate economic trends, public budgets including their related impact on the heavy construction sector, to provide informed recommendations to influence MHCA's policy advocacy efforts.
  
• Support the development of the MHCA's WorkSafely Program by contributing policy insights that promote workplace safety and industry best practices.
  
• Support the development of a diverse and talented workforce through its WorkForce program.
  

Writing and Public Engagement

• Lead the preparation and management of all MHCA communication materials, including annual reports, marketing collateral, digital content and thought leadership pieces that elevate MHCA's public profile.
  
• Maintain and enhance MHCA's brand presence through strategic communication campaigns across social media, traditional media and other platforms to ensure the organization's message is clear, compelling and widely disseminated.
  
• Serve as a media spokesperson when required, preparing key messaging and supporting media events with expert insight and timely responses.
  

External, Member and Government Relations

• Develop and manage relationships with key external stakeholders, including government officials, industry partners and advocacy organizations, to support MHCA's policy and public relations objectives.
  
• Serve as a key liaison with municipal, provincial and national decision-makers, advancing MHCA's policy positions and advocating for sustainable infrastructure investment and workplace safety.
  
• Lead MHCA's participation in strategic committees, working groups and initiatives.
  

Public Advocacy

• Where needed, represent MHCA at high-profile industry events, conferences and public forums, delivering compelling presentations that advocate for the organization's priorities and strategic vision.
  
• Advocate for progressive policies related to workforce development at the municipal, provincial and national levels.
  
• Provide executive support to the President & CEO, regularly reporting to the MHCA Chair, Executive Committee and Board of Directors on policy, external relations and communications activities.
  
• Play a key role in MHCA's internal and external outreach efforts by presenting the organization's positions on critical issues in meetings with stakeholders, industry partners and government representatives.
  

Experience Needed:

• Demonstrated experience in guiding and collaborating with a management team at strategic and operational levels.
  
• Exceptional writing and editing abilities, capable of converting complex legal or policy language into clear, concise and effective content.
  
• Proficient in conducting research, analyzing data and composing policy briefs.
  Experience with public budgets and government offices, with ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources.
  
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience in developing and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, including government officials and industry partners.
  
• Experience in advocacy, government affairs and/or media is a key asset.
  
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
  
• Collaborative, strategic thinker with consensus-building leadership skills.
  

About Manitoba Heavy Construction Association

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has built a reputation as the recognized voice for the heavy construction and related industries in Manitoba.
As the primary resource for the industry, MHCA provides information, networking, public policy advocacy, and member services.
Its WorkSafely Program has set an industry standard in workplace safety and health services, emulated by others now developing industry-based safety programs.
Its WorkForce program aims to make the heavy construction industry a top career choice f.