September 22 2023

National Union of Public and General Employees (“NUPGE”) is a family of 13 Component unions. Taken together, NUPGE is one of the largest unions in Canada. Most of its 425,000 members work to deliver public services of every kind to the citizens of their home provinces. NUPGE also has a large and growing number of members who work in the private sector.

The National Union is different from most unions; it has a federated structure – in effect, it’s a union of unions. Individuals are members of the National Union through their membership in one of NUPGE’s components. The National Union structure is built on the autonomy and identity of components, while providing the benefits of belonging to a National Union. Components elect their own officers, set their dues, hire their staff and do their own bargaining. The National Union provides assistance and co-ordination, and national and international representation.

NUPGE’s mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. Additionally, NUPGE’s mission as a National Union is to:

• monitor provincial and federal labour laws and developments
• analyse restructuring of social programs and public services
• report on and contribute to legislation affecting the workplace
• give its members a national presence through participation in the Canadian Labour Congress and internationally through Public Services International
• develop and share successful bargaining strategies with its component unions
• contribute to a national framework of services and solidarity to benefit all Canadian workers

It is within this context that NUPGE invites applications and nominations for its inaugural Director of Communications, Political Action & Campaigns (“Director”).

Reporting to the President, the Director drives and oversees all communications activities and is accountable for implementing NUPGE’s Strategic Communications Plan that advances NUPGE’s communication with its members and influencers and builds solidarity. As an advisor to senior elected leaders, the Director provides communications and public relations guidance and support, contributing to the union’s effectiveness and influence in achieving its goals. The Director also recommends strategies and tactics to achieve the goals laid out in NUPGE’s Strategic Plan and drives the implementation of board priorities and campaigns. The Director’s work supports NUPGE’s mission of providing its members a national presence and advances the National Union delegations important collective voice in the future of the labour movement.

As the ideal candidate, you are a collaborative, approachable and visionary leader with exceptional written and verbal communications skills, coupled with deep experience in communications, campaigns, and political action. Experience in the labour movement, or a strong understanding of the labour movement is a definite asset. Alignment to NUPGE’s core values of fairness, equality, and justice that lifts up its members, and all working people is required, as is the ability to understand progressive social movements.

You are comfortable operating in a smaller organization and have the experience and ability to build and guide a team. You are a proven relationship builder who can establish strong relationships with a wide range of diverse stakeholders, including media, NUPGE’s members and Components, allies, the Canadian Labour Congress (CLC), and internationally through Public Services International. A post-secondary diploma and/or degree in a related field is an asset, as is bilingualism in French; proficiency in English is required

This role requires candidates to be based in the Ottawa, Ontario area.

To learn more about this impactful leadership opportunity with NUPGE, please submit a comprehensive resume along with a cover letter in confidence to Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) and/or Noshina Choudhary (noshina@griffithgroup.ca).

The office of the NUPGE is on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

We recognize the crimes that have been committed and the harm that has been done and dedicate ourselves as a union to moving forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and striving for justice.

NUPGE is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, and strongly encourages applications from women, members of Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities; Two-Spirit, non-binary, trans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer people; people with disabilities; and members of other equity-deserving groups.

NUPGE and Griffith Group are committed to an inclusive, accessible and welcoming hiring process that provides reasonable accommodation to all applicants. Please advise Sam Walton (sam@griffithgroup.ca) should you require any accommodation to participate in the recruitment and assessment processes.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply; however, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.