Job Description

Posted on: Sep 12, 2025
Posted by: Rural Municipalities of Alberta
Summary
The Position
Working in RMA's agile Policy and Advocacy Department, the policy advisor has a unique opportunity to flex their creative muscles in leading the development of solutions to complex policy issues impacting Alberta's rural municipalities. While much of the policy advisor's work is in a team environment, they are expected to take ownership of their work, both internally with colleagues and the RMA Board of Directors, and externally with members, stakeholders, and provincial and federal decision-makers.
Reporting to the Manager of Policy and Research, the policy advisor serves an important role in representing the interests of RMA and its members. The policy advisor represents RMA through participation in government consultations, on government and stakeholder committees, through the creation of formal submissions and informal correspondence with external stakeholders, and in other ways. The policy advisor role is a unique combination of internal policy analysis work and external advocacy work. If you are interested in policies impacting rural municipalities, this role is for you!
Compensation

• Commensurate on experience, post-secondary education (bachelor and master level degrees) and determined according to the current RMA salary grid $75,000-$90,000
• Includes a comprehensive benefits package plus Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) pension, after applicable waiting periods.

The RMA is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant that meets the qualifications above is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and those already legally entitled to work in Canada.
We thank all applicants, but due to the high volume of responses expected, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.
Please email resume and cover letter to Janelle Lopushinsky: janelle@rmalberta.com
Key Responsibilities
Roles and Responsibilities
The key responsibilities for this position are as follows:

• Developing positions and advocacy approaches on issues related to rural municipal governance, service delivery, finances, infrastructure, and other municipal-related issues.
• Solutions-focused analysis of federal and provincial legislation, regulations, and policy through a rural municipal lens.
• Representing RMA and its members on committees, working groups, or in consultations led by government or other stakeholders.
• Researching and drafting internal and external resources such as briefings and requests for decisions (RFDs), submissions to government and other key stakeholders, reports and position papers, and others.
• Providing informed advice for consideration by the Board of Directors that reflects the interests of Alberta's rural municipalities.
• Managing all aspects of project-based initiatives. Supporting RMA's Strategic Direction by:

• Ensuring the rural municipal perspective is integrated into research, analysis, and position development.
• Contributing to the preparation and implementation of the strategic and operational plan for the ERA department.
• Supporting the development of an internal advocacy strategy to identify, implement and monitor advocacy objectives.
• Reporting results and disseminating information to members.
• Acting as lead administrator and researcher for RMA committees.
• Contributing to the planning and execution of RMA's two annual conventions by contributing to agenda development and organizing workshops.

• Contributing to thought leadership on issues of importance to RMA and its members.
• Under the guidance of the Manager of Policy and Research, develop and maintain strong working relationships with members and key stakeholders.

Requirements
Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Comfort working collaboratively in a professional team environment, including partnering with colleagues on specific projects.
• Ability to take a solutions-oriented approach to complex policy problems.
• Willingness to propose creative or "outside the box" solutions to complex issues.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Outstanding critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, self-motivated, and self-directed.
• Excels in managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment while able to quickly analyze problems to reach a conclusion.

Qualifications

• A post-secondary degree is required. Related disciplines include political science, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, and economics, however, applicants with other degrees are encouraged to apply.
• At least two years of professional experience in a policy or government relations position is required.
• Familiarity with issues related to municipal governance and operations or rural issues are an asset.
• A graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Municipal experience or demonstrated familiarity with municipalities is an asset.
• Experience working in the non-profit sector is an asset.

Skills Required