Job Description

Date Posted:

August 18, 2025

Position Title:

Policy Analyst, Government Relations

Location:

YMCA Regional Development Centre - Canada West


Flexible Work Location in Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB)


Remote, home based office based


Possibility of travel for in-person meeting or event

Term:

Permanent, Full-time

Hours:

35 hours per week

Start Date:

As soon as possible

Salary:

$50,000 - $60,000 annual plus benefits

Reports To:

General Manager, Government Relations

Why Work for the Y?

The YMCA was established over 170 years ago as a charity dedicated to the health of both individuals and communities. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life. Through YMCA financial assistance programs, the YMCA is accessible to all.
As of January 2023, there will be 34 YMCAs and 3 YMCA-YWCAs in Canada that offer programs and services tailored to each community's needs. All Associations are members of YMCA Canada, which works to strengthen associations and advocates on their behalf, regionally, nationally and internationally. Working with the YMCA enables you to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and in the health of communities, across Western Canada.

Situation:

The Canada West Regional Development Centre (RDC) is an integral part of the service delivery system of YMCA Canada. The RDC focuses on overall health, governance, leadership, fiscal sustainability and growth of YMCAs within Western Canada. Government relations (GR) is a critical function of the RDC. Through GR, we support the YMCAs in Western Canada to build capacity, relationships and collective strength to influence public policy, government strategies, and investments in order to create healthier communities and achieve our mission.

The RDC Government Relations team includes a Policy Analyst, a Director, a General Manager, and the VP of the RDC.

Together, the GR team provides value to YMCAs in the following ways

:

Supports YMCAs, builds capacity, and facilitates collaboration among YMCAs in each province to be successful in government relations and advocacy. Supports the relationship stewardship with civil servants and elected officials in priority ministries. Facilitates the development and implementation of collective provincial YMCA GR strategies. Develops compelling position papers and policy options to support YMCA's advocacy efforts; includes research, writing concise briefing notes, and leading collaborative internal decision-making. Monitors and analyzes government policies and legislation for risks/opportunities; provides context to YMCA CEOs through briefs on issues relevant to the YMCA. Provides advice to YMCA CEOs about GR, policy development, and advocacy strategies. Works closely with YMCA Canada and external stakeholders to align and amplify shared national, provincial, and local priorities. While GR priorities will adapt over time and depend on YMCA priorities, Early Learning and Child Care is a core program for the YMCAs in Canada, requiring dedicated GR support.

Nature & Scope:

The

Policy Analyst, Government Relations,

is responsible for supporting government relations and advocacy efforts as part of the GR team for the 11 YMCAs in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. The Policy Analyst is an important member of the GR Team and has knowledge and interest in government processes. The Policy Analyst monitors and analyzes changes to provincial legislation, regulations and policies, conducts research on issues related to YMCA advocacy efforts, and collects/compiles data to inform YMCA GR strategies. They support the development of policy recommendations, position papers, consultation submissions, presentations, and reporting. The Policy Analyst reports to the General Manager who provides support and strategic leadership to the GR team.

Major Responsibilities:

Monitors, analyzes, and interprets developments in provincial government policy, legislation and regulations for opportunities/risks in support of YMCA's mission. Sources of information may include government policy documents, provincial health orders, legislation/regulations, media, and legislative debates. Conducts research, collects/compiles data to support YMCA GR strategies and thought leadership. Writes and edits briefs, policy documents, position papers, reports, and other resources. Supports the preparation for meetings with YMCAs, government and other stakeholders. Maintains a database of government meetings, key contacts, and outcomes. Supports virtual and in-person policy/community forums. Writes regular GR briefs (approximately 1 time per week) for YMCAs in Canada West.

Qualifications/Experience:

University degree in public policy, communications, or in a related field. Exceptional communication and knowledge translation skills: good writer with the ability to consolidate information and put it into context. An understanding of public policy development and provincial government processes. Ability to communicate professionally with senior leaders, including CEOs. Demonstrated ability to conduct thorough research in: government policies, and legislation; and issues relevant to YMCAs and the communities we serve. Interest and passion in making the connection between government policy and the mission of not-for-profit, charitable community organizations. Enjoys working independently, and remotely, within a small team. Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and change. Experience working with the non-profit and charitable sector is an asset. Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office and applications such as OneDrive and SharePoint. Preference given to candidates living in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, or British Columbia. Successful candidates will be required to provide a current and satisfactory Criminal Records Check/Vulnerable Sector Search issued no later than six (6) months preceding your start date.


YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our Human Resources department.

About YMCA BC:

YMCA BC is a charity dedicated to strengthening the foundations of community, by nurturing the potential of children, teens & young adults, promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering a sense of social responsibility and delivering lasting personal & social change to grow in spirit, mind, and body.

Since January 2023, YMCA of Northern British Columbia, YMCA-YWCA of Kamloops and YMCA of Greater Vancouver are officially one association, with one mission to strengthen our impact for communities across British Columbia. We are YMCA BC - Even Stronger Together. This transition marks a new chapter in our long-standing history of building communities, transforming lives, and connecting people of all ages, stages, backgrounds and abilities, to unique opportunities to learn, grow, and reach their potential.

YMCA BC provides services in health, fitness & aquatics, child care, camping, employment & community services to over 150,000 participants annually.

Competencies:

In addition to bringing a commitment to YMCA vision and values, the candidate should possess the following competencies:

Leading Self

Evolve in Professional Capability - Commit to being better Achieve Excellence and Authenticity - Show up with the best version of you

Leading Others

Develop the Potential in Others - Help people grow and lead Create a Culture of Connection - Build bridges between people and partners

Leading Mission

Think and Act Strategically - Make good decisions and act on them Make an Intentional Impact - Advance the strength and cause of the Y

Application Process:

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

Application deadline:

Until filled, consideration of candidates will begin immediately Thank you for your interest and application.