National Political Action Officer/Advisor

UNION of NATIONAL DEFENCE EMPLOYEES (UNDE)
(a component of the Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC))
PERMANENT POSITION AVAILABLE POSITION EXCLUDED – BAND 12
National Political Action Officer/Advisor

Join UNDE – Where Your Passion Meets Impact
At UNDE, we empower our team members to drive meaningful change in the labour movement. As part of our dynamic organization, you’ll have the opportunity to work on high-impact political campaigns, influence policy at all levels, and grow within a supportive, forward-thinking union. Discover a career that not only values your expertise but also fuels your commitment to social justice and workers’ rights.

UNDE is fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment is at the heart of everything it is doing. Located in Ottawa—a renowned Public Service town—we pride ourselves on attracting top talent by offering the following exceptional conditions that truly put our employees first:

·       Enjoy a healthy work/life balance with a four-day, 32-hour work week.
·       Benefit from annual cost-of-living increases that keep your earnings competitive and a fully indexed defined benefit pension upon retirement.
·       We value your experience by recognizing prior public service or PSAC membership in our vacation leave entitlements, and we further sweeten the deal with a vacation bonus equivalent to one week’s salary.

At UNDE, you’re not just joining a team; you’re stepping into a career that respects, rewards, and supports your professional journey.

The Union of National Defence Employees is committed to achieving and maintaining a representative workforce that ensures the full participation and advancement of traditionally under-represented groups. As such applications are encouraged from equity groups including women, racially visible persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, and two-spirited (2SLGBTQIA+) persons.

Location of the Position: UNDE National Headquarters in Ottawa, Ontario

Purpose of the Position
Under the direction of the UNDE National President, you will be responsible for coordinating national political action campaigns. Your role will lead the development of innovative political strategies and ensure the timely, effective delivery of campaigns across regions—shaping policy and amplifying the voice of our members.

Condition of Employment
·       Travel and evening/weekend work is required.
·       The position may require security clearance.

Linguistic Profile
·       The linguistic profile of this position is Bilingual Essential (English/French).

Statement of Responsibilities
·       Campaign Coordination: Develop and deliver political action campaigns by establishing clear objectives, crafting compelling messages, managing budgets, and creating educational and communication tools.

·       Analysis & Recommendations: Monitor and analyze campaign performance, offering strategic insights and recommendations to the National President.

·       Material Development: Produce campaign materials (briefs, leaflets, lobby kits, etc.) that align with UNDE’s strategic goals.

·       Team Leadership: Manage the work of UNDE Communication Officer and provide leadership and support to local and regional campaign teams, fostering collaboration and ensuring active staff participation.

·       Strategic Planning: Formulate operational goals and measurement tools; monitor performance, report on results, and evaluate outcomes.

·       Stakeholder Engagement: Work with national and regional political parties to clarify positions on key issues and facilitate effective political action.

·       Budget Management: Develop, monitor, and evaluate the national campaign budget in accordance with accepted practices.

·       Advisory Support: Offer expert advice and support to the UNDE National President and National Executive in implementing campaign plans and objectives.

·       Educational Outreach: In collaboration with the UNDE Communications and Training Committee (COMTRA), develop and deliver appropriate education tools.

Essential Qualifications

Education

·       A combination of formal education and 5 years of relevant experience in labour relations, union practices, and political campaigns.

Experience

·       Demonstrated experience with, and understanding of market research, such as polling data and focus groups that can be translated into communications messages.

·       Experience coordinating and managing/supervising teams and directing campaign initiatives.

Knowledge
·       Thorough knowledge of national, provincial, and municipal politics.
·       Knowledge of union principles and social justice issues.
·       Strong knowledge in communications, media relations, political action, and campaign strategies.
·       Strong understanding of a variety of leading edge economic, sociopolitical, and labour issues.
·       Knowledge of adult education or popular education principles.

Abilities
·       Ability to interpret, adapt and explain complex information.
·       Ability to contribute to planning and priority setting.
·       Ability to understand and respond strategically to operational issues with innovative solutions and develop and monitor long and short-term goals.
·       Ability to build trust and inspire collaboration among team members.
·       Effective time management and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure while remaining focused on the goals.
·       Well-developed communication, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
·       Ability in facilitating group discussions.
·       Ability to develop and deliver training sessions based on adult education or popular education theories.
·       High political acuity with a deep respect for workers and union values.
·       Ability to communicate both effectively orally and writing English and in French.

Personal Suitability
·       Self-confidence
·       Action-oriented
·       Tenacity
·       Excellent judgement
·       Diplomacy
·       Proactive
·       Flexibility
·       Highly motivated

Qualifications considered as an asset
·       Thorough knowledge of the UNDE policies, bylaws and objectives.

Terms and Conditions of Employment
·       While this position is excluded from the bargaining unit, terms and conditions of employment follow the collective agreement negotiated between UNDE and the Alliance Employees Union (AEU), Unit 14.

Annual Salary: $133,804 to $145,995 (effective January 1, 2025)

Benefits Include:
·       Bilingual Bonus- $1,500/yr.
·       Stress Allowance
·       Group Pension Plan
·       Insurance Benefit Program- Life, Dental, Medical (including Vision Care)
·       4-day work week
·       Vacation Leave
·       Sick Leave
·       Personal/Family-Related Leave
·       Recognition of Public Service Annual Leave Entitlement
·       Flexible Work Arrangements
·       Paid Parking or Bus Pass

NOTE:
Intent of Selection Process

Staffing of 1 (One) indeterminate position.

How to Apply

Please follow these guidelines if you are applying for the position:

1.     The applicant must submit a letter of intent explaining how they meet the qualifications with an updated resume.

2.     Applicants must clearly indicate, in their letter or resume, their second official language as well as their linguistic proficiency in that language using one of the following: no knowledge, beginner, intermediate or advanced.

3.     Please confirm in your email whether you are an employee or a member of the PSAC family and, if so, to which part of the PSAC you work for or which Component or DCL you belong.

4.     All applications must be submitted by email to the following email address: staffing@thedelfigroup.com. Please specify, “UNDE – Indeterminate National Political Action Officer.”

5.     Applications will be accepted until the end of business on June 27, 2025 (5 p.m. eastern)

Failure to follow the above process may result in your application not being considered for the position.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. For accommodation needs or to obtain a copy of documents in an alternate format please email us at: staffing@thedelfigroup.com.

The UNDE would like to thank all candidates in advance for their interest in this position although only those candidates that meet the essential qualifications will be contacted for further assessment.