Manager, Policy & Advocacy

Canadian Bar Association BC Branch

$80K — $89K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • University degree in political science, public policy, law, communications, or a related field.
  • Minimum of five years in policy development, analysis, or government relations.
  • At least three years of staff supervision experience, including performance management.
  • Understanding of B.C. justice systems and public policy environment.
  • Experience engaging volunteers in member-driven organizations.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills for policy issues.
  • Outstanding writing ability to simplify complex policy concepts.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and mentor a team of 2-3 direct reports.
  • Facilitate 5-10 volunteer committees to develop consensus-driven policy recommendations.
  • Oversee creation of policy positions, submissions, and consultation responses.
  • Navigate policy recommendations through submission approval processes.
  • Establish advocacy priorities and policy directions for the organization.
  • Monitor legislative and regulatory developments affecting members and policies.
  • Lead the development and execution of the quadrennial Agenda for Justice.

Benefits

  • Hybrid work model with at least three days on-site.
  • Collaborative work environment with legal professionals and organizations.
  • Opportunity to influence significant legal and justice policies in B.C.
  • Engagement with diverse stakeholders including government and Indigenous organizations.
Full Job Description
POSITION OVERVIEW

We are seeking a Manager, Policy & Advocacy to join our Association on a full-time basis. This position reports directly to the Association CEO and is responsible for overseeing policy development, advocacy, and government relations activities. This is a hybrid position, with minimum three days per week on-site at our downtown Vancouver office.

The Manager works with groups of volunteer lawyers to identify opportunities for reform, develop evidence-informed policy positions, and advance recommendations through strategic advocacy and engagement. The role oversees a team of 2-3 staff and 10 volunteer committees and works collaboratively with colleagues at CBABC, CBA National and other legal organizations in B.C.

This position combines policy leadership, people management, stakeholder engagement and communications expertise to ensure CBABC remains a respected and influential voice on law reform, justice policy and professional regulation in British Columbia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Manage, coach and support 2-3 direct reports.
  • Support 5-10 volunteer committees and working groups to identify emerging issues, build consensus, and develop member-driven policy recommendations.
  • Oversee the development of CBABC policy positions, submissions, briefing notes and consultation responses on law reform, improvements to justice systems and legal profession regulation.
  • Guide policy recommendations through the CBABC submission approval process.
  • Contribute to setting CBABC policy recommendations and advocacy priorities.
  • Monitor legislative, regulatory, and justice-sector developments and assess impacts on members and CBABC policy recommendations.
  • Manage the development and implementation of the quadrennial Agenda for Justice.
  • Design and execute advocacy and engagement campaigns to advance CBABC policy recommendations and support strategic priorities.
  • Track progress of policy recommendations and report on advocacy activities and outcomes.
  • Research and write submissions for committee review, as well as briefing materials for the President and Chief Executive Officer.
  • Work closely with CBABC Communications to communicate policy positions, advocacy campaigns, and outcomes in clear and accessible language.
  • Contribute to productive relationships with government, the courts, the regulator, legal organizations, Indigenous organizations, and other industry groups.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
  • University graduate in political science, public policy, law, communications or a related field.
  • Five years in policy development, analysis and/or government relations.
  • Three years supervising staff including setting priorities, managing performance and workload planning, and fostering a high-performing team culture.
  • Knowledge of the B.C. justice systems, legal profession and public policy environment.
  • Experience working with volunteers in member-based organizations.
  • Excellent research, decision-making, problem-solving and analytical abilities.
  • Superior writing skills translating complex concepts to straightforward, short positions.
  • Excellence in facilitation, consensus-building, relationship management and project management in an environment of shifting priorities.
  • Committed to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
  • Ability to interact effectively and positively with peers, co-workers and senior leaders.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft 365 tools including Teams, MS Planner, Outlook and Excel.
  • Available for early morning or late afternoon committee meetings as scheduled.

SALARY RANGE

$80,000-$89,000

HOW TO APPLY

Please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected] with the subject line "Application: Manager, Policy & Advocacy" or apply online. Please attach both a cover letter and resume to your online application.

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