National Manager, Public Affairs and Issues Management

For over 50 years, LifeLabs has been Canada's leading provider of laboratory diagnostic information and digital health connectivity systems, enabling patients and healthcare practitioners to diagnose, treat, monitor and prevent disease. We are passionate about empowering healthier Canadians through accessible, accurate, and innovative diagnostic services.

We are committed innovators, operating Canada's first commercial genetics lab, and the country's largest online patient portal, with more than 8 million Canadians receiving their results online. More than 112 million laboratory tests come through LifeLabs' laboratories annually, and our team of more than 6,000 passionate, caring, and diverse professionals works together as one to provide high quality testing and results that Canadians can trust.

We know that behind every lab requisition, sample being tested, or investment in technology is an individual and their family counting on us. At LifeLabs, you can make a meaningful impact on Canadians' lives every day.

Our teams are at the heart of everything we do. We are proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Best Employers, reflecting our deep commitment to our core values of caring, agility, teamwork, and a customer-centered approach. As part of this commitment, LifeLabs prioritizes the ongoing development of our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program to better serve the needs of our diverse workforce and the communities we serve. We continue to take steps to challenge ourselves to act with courage and integrity, and to create an environment where people can be their true selves.

These values are not just words on a page, they guide our actions and decisions every day and have come to define our team culture.

Reports to: VP, Culture, Communications and Engagement
Status: Full Time

Schedule: Monday-Friday
Additional Requirements: N/A
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: ASAP
Internal Application Deadline: March 10, 2025

LifeLabs operates under a Hybrid workforce model. Further details will be provided during the interview stage.

This vacancy is for an existing position.

Purpose of the Role

The National Manager of Public Affairs & Issues Management will be accountable for developing and supporting a public affairs, stakeholder relations and issues management program that advances LifeLabs' strategic objectives and protects LifeLabs' reputation with government (Ontario, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and other jurisdictions, as necessary) and other stakeholders.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Identify and track issues relevant to LifeLabs and broader healthcare sector and other issues impacting LifeLabs customers, products and services
• Develop and manage an issues management log to track and monitor active issues and responses for evaluation and reporting to SLT/ELT
• Handle high profile, time sensitive and contentious issues and escalated customer complaints by bringing together all relevant internal and external stakeholders to provide strategic issues management, crisis communications and media relations support
• Work collaboratively with cross-functional team on business continuity efforts as part of the incident management protocol, mitigating risk to government stakeholders and LifeLabs' reputation
• Build trusted relationships and work collaboratively to manage and influence stakeholders to promote excellence, agility, results and risk management
• Handle all issues related to government contracts management and necessary communication to ensure trusted relationships, as required
• Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders including senior leadership, government stakeholders and media to develop and implement the most appropriate, inclusive and effective plan for the organization and community
• Identify and produce required supporting collateral, such as key messages, written communications, speaking notes, briefing notes, statements, and other products
• Work closely with other departments and members of the communications team to integrate proactive media outreach into the communications planning process
• Plan press conferences, senior government official visits/tours and receptions, and oversee development of required materials
• Monitor and manage issues relating to government and media and develop responses in collaboration with subject matter experts
• Develop and monitor evaluation criteria to measure success and impact of government and public affairs efforts
• In collaboration with the Government Relations and Contracts Management team, identify and support advocacy efforts with industry leading associations and bodies on behalf of the lab sector and employees
• Develop and execute a plan to advance and elevate LifeLabs' brand and credibility with government stakeholders
• Work with the Corporate Communications team to advance high-profile provincial and national media coverage of our products, services and strategies
• Support the definition of goals associated with effective Government and Public Affairs to help progress strategic priorities
• Support multiple government relations initiatives, supporting both local and program-specific initiatives

What you bring to the role:

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Business, or Political Science, or a related field
• A minimum of 4-5 years of experience working in government, issues management, corporate communications, public relations, or media
• Strong government and public relations acumen, including deep knowledge of various levels of government
• Demonstrated issues management and problem-solving skills with a high degree of political acuity
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain relationships
• Excellent writing and editing skills; experience translating technical and sensitive or confidential information for various audiences
• Experience developing and implementing government relations, issues management and media relations plans
• Proven experience building and maintaining brand presence to help achieve an organizational vision
• Strong time management skills with minimal need for oversight
• Strong attention to detail
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Project management skills
• Results-oriented and client-focused with a commitment to excellence
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LifeLabs' compensation programs are commensurate based on the role, skill, effort, responsibility and working conditions, irrespective of gender, race, ethnicity, beliefs, age or any other personal characteristics. Pay programs are communicated regularly in an accessible and transparent manner.

LifeLabs is also proud to offer resources, opportunities, as well as a collaborative and supportive environment that enables our team members to thrive.

In addition to a competitive compensation package, LifeLabs provides a comprehensive total rewards program, specific to the job position. Your package may include:

• Employee Group Benefits: Competitive coverage for employees and their families to support their overall health and wellness needs, including Extended Health Care, Dental Care, and Life Insurance.
• Retirement Savings Plan
• Vacation and Wellness Days
• Employee Wellness and Giving Programs: Our award winning mental, physical and financial wellness programs aim to address the comprehensive well-being of our team members, including resources like the Employee & Family Assistance Program, financial planning tools, and employee recognition initiatives.
• Professional development and membership reimbursement, access to preferred rates and discount programs, including WorkPerks, Home and Auto Insurance, Costco Membership, etc., and optional health-related benefits.

In accordance with LifeLabs' Accessibility Policy, and the applicable Accessibility Acts within the provinces we operate in, accommodations are available by request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process. For a confidential inquiry or to request an accommodation, please contact your recruiter or email careers@lifelabs.com.

Vaccinations are highly encouraged at LifeLabs'. Vaccinations and/or immunization screening may be mandatory for selected employees if regulated by provincial or regional governments, or through employer-led vaccination policies in the facilities we service. Please ensure you ask if this position requires the successful candidate to be vaccinated or undergo immunization screening.

Ready to empower healthier Canadians? Apply today!