Job Description
The incumbent supports CN's U.S. public policy and business objectives by developing and executing strategic advocacy initiatives at the federal level. The role monitors legislative and regulatory developments, builds and maintains relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and key stakeholders, and advances CN's positions on issues impacting the rail industry. The incumbent provides subject-matter expertise on government relations, public policy, and the federal legislative process, develops advocacy strategies, and coordinates cross-functional engagement with internal and external partners. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting CN's overall U.S. government affairs agenda and works closely with the Director and broader Public and Government Affairs team to deliver on departmental priorities.
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Fridays with occasional weekends for activities such as sponsored community events or stakeholder meetings. The role requires minimal travel (up to 20%) to within Canada and the United States (U.S.). The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines, with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management.Requirements
*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)
*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)
Senior Manager Federal Public & Government Affairs-Temporary Contract
Req Id:
944
Job Location:
Ottawa - ON
Business Unit:
Stakeholders & Strategy
Highest Level Division:
Government Affairs
Posting Start Date:
9/28/26
Posting End Date:
10-12-26
French/English Bilingual Requirement:
No
Hiring Salary Range: $ 136400 - 179000
This range represents the hiring range. Salaries are determined individually depending on skills and experience. You will also be eligible to an annual bonus, employee share investment program (ESIP), Pension, Benefits and other perks.
At CN, we are committed to our pursuit of excellence. We take pride in delivering work of the highest standard, continually innovating to shape the railroad of the future. As responsible railroaders, we make the right decisions every time, putting safety first, acting with unwavering integrity, and holding ourselves accountable for our actions. We believe in succeeding together—by fostering inclusivity and collaboration, we sustainably deliver exceptional results for our customers.
Join us today and get your career moving!
Job Summary
The incumbent supports CN's U.S. public policy and business objectives by developing and executing strategic advocacy initiatives at the federal level. The role monitors legislative and regulatory developments, builds and maintains relationships with Members of Congress, congressional staff, federal agencies, and key stakeholders, and advances CN's positions on issues impacting the rail industry. The incumbent provides subject-matter expertise on government relations, public policy, and the federal legislative process, develops advocacy strategies, and coordinates cross-functional engagement with internal and external partners. The incumbent plays a key role in supporting CN's overall U.S. government affairs agenda and works closely with the Director and broader Public and Government Affairs team to deliver on departmental priorities.
Main Responsibilities
- Develop positive relationships, seek endorsements and support from stakeholders, including federal elected officials, political staff, community leaders, organizations, and industry associations
- Contribute to internal development of CN's government affairs position and approach to issues, working across departments and seeking support for government affairs initiatives
- Provide direct advocacy to government and deploy fact-based arguments to educate key federal stakeholders, and other audiences, to ensure CN is known as a credible industry leader on issues and public policies affecting the railway industry
- Act as a trusted advisor to CN colleagues on Government Affairs matters by providing expertise on strategic projects
- Develop an understanding of the rail industry and network internally among various CN departments to be better enabled to respond to issues
- Monitor, analyze, and respond to current and potential policy and legislative or regulatory actions at the federal level related to the railway industry and CN
- Monitor and coordinate participation in government consultations relevant to the railway industry and CN
- Actively use a digital platform to reach, record and monitor engagements with stakeholders
- Represent CN on industry and community groups and committees
Working Conditions
The role has standard working conditions in an office environment with a regular workweek from Monday to Fridays with occasional weekends for activities such as sponsored community events or stakeholder meetings. The role requires minimal travel (up to 20%) to within Canada and the United States (U.S.). The role involves managing priorities and delivering work within established timelines, with support from the team to ensure sustainable and effective workload management.Requirements
Experience
- Between 7 to 10 years of communications, public relations, government, political or stakeholder engagement experience
- Experience building government relations plans and strategies
- Previous lobby experience*
- Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience will be considered
*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)
Education/Certification/Designation
- Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Law, or equivalent
- Candidates with equivalent practical experience, education, or training will be considered
Competencies
- We Care About Each Other
- We Strive for Excellence
- We Succeed Together
- We Lead Responsibly
- Negotiation
- Influence
- Customer service
- Compliance
- Political acumen
Technical Skills/Knowledge
- Knowledge of U.S. Legislative and regulatory systems and procedures
- Ability to register and engage in federal lobbying activities in compliance with all applicable U.S. lobbying disclosure and ethics requirements.
- General Microsoft computer skills
*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)
Additional Information (If Any)
About CN
CN is a premium railroad that sustainably generates value for our customers, shareholders, employees, and stakeholders with an unwavering commitment to safety and service. 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. CN's network connects Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through an 18,800-mile rail network. CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN powers the North American economy and is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.
At CN, we are dedicated to building North America's safest, most inclusive and sustainable railroad, which includes reflecting the communities in which we operate. Research shows that candidates often don't apply unless they feel they fit the job posting at 100%. To all potential applicants, even if you don't meet every job requirement listed in a posting, we still encourage you to apply. If you require an accommodation for the recruitment process (including alternate formats of materials, accessible meeting rooms or other accommodations), please get in touch with our team at cnrecruitment@cn.ca.
As an equal opportunity employer, qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.
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