Job Description
*Any requirement marked with (*) will be considered an asset (not mandatory)
Senior Manager Federal Public & Government Affairs-CA
Req Id:
972
Job Location:
Ottawa - ON
Business Unit:
Stakeholders & Strategy
Highest Level Division:
Government Affairs
Posting Start Date:
9/29/26
Posting End Date:
10-13-2026
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 is responsible for managing a range of government relations initiatives to promote the business and policy objectives of CN. The role works at the federal level, identifying, informing, and operationalizing issues along with fostering positive relationships with federal officials. The incumbent provides expertise in government relations and advocacy and has experience with the legislative process and procedure, as well as stakeholder engagement. The incumbent supports the Director and Manager in delivering on the team’s overall mandate.
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
- Responsible for planning and coordinating public engagements, including events and tours on behalf of the Government Affairs team
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.
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 Canadian Legislative and parliamentary systems and procedures
- Ability to lobby federally in accordance with the Lobby Act
- Experience in an advocacy or lobbying capacity*
- General Microsoft computer skills
- Fluently bilingual, both written and verbal (English, French)*
*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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