The Mining Association of Canada (MAC) is the national organization of the Canadian mining industry. It comprises companies engaged in mineral exploration, mining, smelting, refining, and semi fabrication. Member companies’ account for the vast majority of Canada’s output of metals and major industrial materials.

The Association’s functions are to promote the interests of the industry nationally and internationally, to work with governments on policies affecting minerals, to inform the public and to promote cooperation between member firms to solve common problems. The MAC works closely with provincial and territorial mining associations across Canada and in other countries.

The Association is governed by a board of directors comprising its prime stakeholders; day-to-day operations and administration are handled by its President and CEO and a staff of 10. MAC is looking to recruit a knowledgeable and dynamic individual in the government affairs and communications area.

Overall accountability to the President and CEO, Board and staff to provide input on a range of government affairs, communications, environmental and media-related matters. The incumbent is seen as a “government relations and communications/media” expert within the MAC staff.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Manage permanent and ad hoc MAC Committees/Task Forces within assigned areas of responsibility including: Government relations and communications
• Systematically analyze, anticipate and manage issues and trends affecting the industry
• Responsible for ensuring MAC compliance with the Lobbyist Registration Act, including filing of monthly reports
• Implement MAC’s Communication Plan and update and adjust as required
• Overall responsibility for MAC publications
• Communications support for Towards Sustainable Mining initiative
• Act as an “expert” by keeping abreast of government relations/communications activities of similar organizations
• Develop and support submissions and briefs for presentation to governments, parliamentary committees, Ministers, assessment boards and other fora, within tight timelines
• Provide advocacy and communications support to MAC’s President & CEO and Vice-Presidents
• As appropriate, act as spokesperson for the MAC and mining industry to the media and the public in areas of direct responsibility and expertise
• Respond to enquiries from the public, media, governments or other sources about issues and matters within the Government Affairs and Communications portfolio, as well as assisting the President and CEO in preparation for responding to such requests
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including service providers and consultants
• Actively participate in MAC office management and the strategic orientation of the Association. Assist in the preparation and coordination of Board meetings, AGM and special events
• Staff responsibility for the Mining Industry Human Resources Council and issues related to human resources and labour
• Provides advocacy and communications support for the Aboriginal Relations file in coordination with colleagues responsible for the TSM initiative and the northern development program

EDUCATION:
• University degree and/or equivalent experience in related to exploration, mining, geology or metallurgy; an advanced degree would be an asset

LANGUAGES:
• Strong English language skills, both written and oral capacities. French would be an asset

EXPERIENCE:
• Demonstrated ability to liaise with a variety of stakeholders including government officials and handle public affairs and media relations
• A good grasp of concepts, policy and regulatory administration at the federal and/or provincial levels of government
• Several years of demonstrated success in providing advocacy and communications support for senior staff
• Previous experience managing publications, developing communications plans, and developing strategic communications messaging
• Knowledge of the mineral industry is an asset

SKILLS:
• Outgoing, with excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively in the public, private, and voluntary sectors
• A leader and decision maker, yet flexible and adaptable to the needs of others
• Dynamic and, media savvy; high-energy and enthusiasm
• A strong communicator both orally and in writing
• Strong skills as an orator, with the ability to wield influence and disseminate organizational messages
• Professional presence and stature to establish credibility quickly, both internally and externally
• Political astuteness and policy sense; ability to deal effectively with senior executives, elected officials and government representatives