Careers

POLICY ADVISOR
(FULL-TIME POSITION)

Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is a progressive people-oriented association with an excellent reputation as an advocate for Ontario’s 19,000 beef farmers. We are looking for an ambitious, collaborative and detail-oriented individual to join our policy team.

Interested candidates must have post-secondary education in a related field. Candidates with degrees/diplomas in public policy, political science, economics, agriculture or business are particularly well-suited for this role. Candidates and must have excellent written and oral communication skills, highly developed analytical abilities, and a strategic approach to issues with proficiency in relationship-building.

Knowledge of livestock production and the broader agri-food sector is considered a strong asset. Experience working on behalf of and/or reporting to an industry or volunteer board/committee/management group/elected official would also be considered an asset.

Major areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Research and document a variety of issues facing the beef and broader agriculture industry
• Explore policy options and assess how these fit with the positions held by other organizations and with BFO’s existing federal and provincial government priorities
• Prepare position papers, briefing notes and strategy documents for consideration by the BFO Board of Directors and its sub-committees
• Support or act as a staff lead to select BFO committees
• Assist in development and execution of government relations strategies
• Work closely with BFO staff and directors in the development of coherent and strategic messaging
• Monitor federal and provincial legislation
• Act as an industry liaison with federal and provincial governments, elected officials and staff, and other agri-food stakeholders
• Periodic project management duties as required

Qualifications:

• University degree/college diploma in a related field such as public policy, political science, economics, agriculture or business
• Prior experience in communications, policy or issue analysis, agriculture, and/or issues management
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Highly developed analytical abilities
• Ability to strategically approach a variety of interconnected issues
• Advanced computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Ability to multi-task and prioritize activities
• Strong detail orientation and drive for accuracy
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable in a fast-paced environment
• A valid Ontario drivers’ licence

Compensation

Pay Range: $65,000-$80,000 per annum, commensurate with experience

Benefits include health and dental coverage, three weeks’ paid vacation to start, access to the BFO Wellness Program, and the employer matched RRSP program. Employment is based on a standard 37.5-hour work week.

Travel

Some travel will be required, predominantly within the province of Ontario.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility

BFO is committed to advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion in the agriculture sector, which includes ensuring our employment practices are inclusive and accessible. We strongly encourage people from all kinds of diverse backgrounds to apply for this position. Should you require any accommodation measures to fully participate in our application or hiring processes, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

If you are interested in this Policy Advisor position, please submit your resume and cover letter to the attention of Thomas Brandstetter, BFO Manager of Policy and Issues, by email (thomas@ontariobeef.com), no later than 4:00 p.m. on November 29th, 2024.

The Beef Farmers of Ontario wishes to thank you for your interest and advises that only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.