Location: Montréal, hybrid

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada (CIAC) is the Association for Canada’s chemistry and plastics sector leaders: innovators, solution providers, and world-class stewardship pioneers. They share their members’ stories with decision-makers at the federal and provincial level to shape public policy that supports innovation, investment, jobs and the environment.

As the founders of Responsible Care®, the chemistry industry’s globally recognized environmental, social and governance initiative, their commitment to its ethic and principles means that we are focused on the betterment of society, the environment, and the economy and that we "do the right thing and are seen to be doing the right thing."

Headquartered in Ottawa, CIAC has regional representation in Quebec, Ontario, and Western Canada.

Context of the role

Initially, this is a transition role with the organization.

Primarily, the Regional Director, Plastics represents the association’s Plastics Division in Quebec and works with CIAC policy experts, member-companies, stakeholders, and elected and government officials. In a secondary capacity, the Regional Director, Plastics will also interact extensively with CIAC’s Regional Director, Quebec. Over time, as exposure to CIAC regional processes and issues increases, it is expected that this position will transition to become CIAC’s Regional Director for Quebec responsible for chemistry and plastics issues as the current Director moves to retirement over the next 18-24 months.

Position Description

Reporting to the Vice-President, Plastics, it is the responsibility of the Regional Director, Plastics to develop and implement government relations strategies related to plastics and to effectively communicate and advocate with elected and government officials. The Regional Director, Plastics will advise CIAC and its members on the implications of proposed legislation, regulation, and other policy initiatives, and provide strategic advice, recommendations, and responses. The Regional Director, Plastics will also lead efforts to broaden the reach and impact of the association as the voice of the chemistry and plastics industry in Quebec.

The Regional Director, Plastics will engage Quebec Plastics Division members and key stakeholders to drive forward greater alignment in developing solutions that enable a circular economy for plastics and to leverage public and private sector funding for investment in solutions that can be commercialized and deployed as infrastructure across the country. While mainly supporting Quebec based activities the Regional Director, Plastics will also engage on Federal and International Plastics initiatives as required.

The Regional Director, Plastics will attend meetings of CIAC’s Quebec Regional Committees (Leadership Groups, Business and Economics, Safety) and begin to build exposure and relationships with the issues and people involved. As circumstances and priorities allow, the Regional Director, Plastics will also shadow the Regional Director, Chemistry to bilateral member meetings and engagements with provincial stakeholders.

As needs and opportunities arise, the Regional Director Plastics may also be requested to provide assistance with CIAC’s federal advocacy efforts, especially on relationships with Québec’s MP’s on relevant Parliamentary Committees.

Ideal Profile

Education and experience

• University degree in political science, public policy, economics, or a related discipline.
• 5 to 10 years’ experience in a leadership role in public policy, public affairs, and/or advocacy communications coupled with a strong understanding of provincial government processes and institutions.
• Knowledge of the chemical and plastics industry (an asset), governments, the public policy formulation process, and the range of issues of concern to the industry and governments.
• Any other combination of education and experience may be considered.

Qualifications

• A solid track record in advocacy with a proven ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with elected and government officials and a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in team building, strategic planning, and organizational management.
• Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of working in a member-driven association and the ability to respond to members needs, and exercise leadership and diplomacy amongst diverse perspectives and prioriti
• Energetic, self-reliant, problem solver, results oriented.
• Experience in developing, implementing, and executing strategic initiatives focused on the key areas of responsibility.
• Proven leadership and strategic thinking skills.
• Experienced and effective public presenter and speaker.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial and federal government structures combined with experience in government or dealing with government, or in public affairs in a related industry.
• A solid understanding of the chemistry sector, its core competitiveness factors and relationship within the economy of Quebec an asset.
• Previous experience within either the broader energy sector or other regulated industry would be an additional benefit.
• A solid reputation as a reliable, principles-based, and effective advocate and relationship builder.
• In-depth knowledge of provincial and federal government structures combined with experience in government or dealing with government, or in public affairs in a related industry.
• Previous experience within either the broader energy sector or other regulated industry would be an additional benefit.
• A solid reputation as a reliable, principles-based and effective advocate and relationship builder.
• Fluency in French and English is essenti

This is a unique opportunity for a dedicated and passionate leader. To apply for this position, please submit your application and related materials to Via Isarta before May 15th, 2024, and state the title of the position in the subject line of your email.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

The Chemistry Industry Association of Canada is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage applications from women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. In keeping with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada requirements, all qualified persons are invited to apply; however, preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

In compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Chemistry Industry Association of Canada provides reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If contacted for an interview, applicants should make any accommodation needs known at that time.