ABOUT MANITOBA SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION

Manitoba School Boards Association (MSBA) is the collective voice of Manitoba’s public school boards, representing democratically elected trustees who govern public education across the province. MSBA advocates for strong public education, effective governance, and equitable outcomes for students and communities.

The Association supports its members through advocacy, policy development, research, communications, professional development, labour relations and human resources services, enterprise risk management and employee benefits, while fostering constructive relationships with governments, education partners, Indigenous communities, and the broader public. MSBA is committed to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation in Manitoba’s public education system.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR, ADVOCACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

Reporting to the Executive Director and serving as a member of the MSBA Senior Leadership Team, the Director, Advocacy and Public Affairs provides strategic leadership and oversight for the Association’s advocacy, public affairs, and communications functions.

The Director operates with a high degree of autonomy and is responsible for advancing MSBA’s advocacy priorities, monitoring legislative and policy developments, leading public communications initiatives, and supporting the governance and policy work of member school boards.

The role serves as the staff lead for the Resolutions & Policy Committee and the Indigenous Education Committee, facilitating their work and ensuring alignment with MSBA’s strategic objectives. The Director also builds and sustains strong relationships with government officials, education partners, Indigenous and newcomer communities, and other key partners in the public, private and non-for-profit sectors.

The Director supervises the Communications Officer and contributes to organizational planning, research, and professional development activities related to education advocacy and public affairs.

KEY LEADERSHIP ACCOUNTABILITIES

Accountability 1: Strategic Advocacy and Policy Leadership

• Lead and implement MSBA’s continuous advocacy strategy, aligned with the Association’s Strategic Plan and informed by the Provincial Executive, Executive Director, and Leadership Team.
• Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, policy, and education system trends; assess impacts and provide strategic advice on risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Prepare high quality advocacy materials, including briefing notes, policy analyses, legislative summaries, speeches, correspondence, and research reports for internal and external audiences.
• Design and oversee advocacy related professional development for elected school boards through regional meetings, annual convention programming, and targeted sessions.
• Lead public opinion research, surveys, and polling initiatives to support evidence based advocacy, including scoping methodology, timelines, and budget requirements.
• Identify and pursue opportunities for MSBA and its members to participate in advocacy relevant events, conferences, committees, task forces, and sector networks.
• Serve as staff lead to the Resolutions & Policy Committee, supporting the development, analysis, amendment, and procedural integrity of member resolutions.
• Research and analyze draft resolutions to inform feasibility, context, and member decision making through regional meetings and annual convention.

Accountability 2: Public Affairs and Communications

• Lead the development and delivery of coherent, respectful, and clear public messaging that promotes democratic governance, school boards, and public education.
• Design and implement public awareness and information campaigns using multi-channel platforms, including digital media, traditional media, advertising, and in person engagement.
• Work with the Communications Officer to optimize MSBA’s social media presence, including content strategy, posting coordination, spotlight features, and public response.
• Prepare public facing materials such as fact sheets, information briefs, editorials, media releases, and advertising content for external dissemination.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, supporting issue triage, messaging recommendations, and coordination with official Association spokespersons.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for all public correspondence and general inquiries received by the Association and direct such correspondence and inquiries to relevant member(s) of the Leadership Team for response.
• Provide public affairs and communications support, as directed, to the Canadian School Boards Association.
• Lead staff support to the Indigenous Education Committee and advance the Association’s Indigenous Education Action Plan through consultation, engagement, and information development.
• Represent MSBA in Indigenous forums and identify opportunities for meaningful participation and collaboration related to Indigenous education.

Accountability 3: Governance, Committees, and Member Support

• Liaise with federal and provincial governments on matters related to public education and school board governance.
• Serve as staff lead to the Resolutions & Policy Committee, supporting resolution development, review, and member decision making.
• Monitor and analyze proposed and enacted legislation, regulation, and public policy affecting education; ensure timely briefings for senior leadership and members.
• Coordinate MSBA engagement with legislative committees, consultations, and key decision makers to influence policy development, outcomes, and implementation.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with elected officials, senior public servants, and sector partners to advance MSBA policies and resolutions.
• Represent MSBA on standing and ad hoc committees, consultation tables, and inter organizational forums, as directed.
• Support government relations activities through data analysis, issue tracking, and preparation of evidence based materials to inform advocacy positions.
• Provide research, analysis, and procedural guidance related to resolutions, governmental policies, and municipal, provincial and federal governance processes.
• Provide direct advisory support to member school boards on governmental policy, legislative, and regulatory matters related to public education.
• Coordinate and compile media articles featuring Association spokespersons, with distribution to all Association members, for engagement, awareness and information.

Accountability 4: Indigenous Education and Reconciliation

• Serve as staff lead to the Indigenous Education Committee and lead implementation of the Indigenous Education Action Plan.
• Engage with Indigenous partners, forums, and committees to advance reconciliation and priorities.
• Ensure MSBA’s advocacy and public affairs work reflects principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation.

Accountability 5: Research, Data, and Analysis

• Monitor media coverage, public data sources, and emerging trends related to education and public policy.
• Lead the development and maintenance of surveys, polling initiatives, statistical databases, and analytical reports to inform advocacy and decision making.
• Translate complex research and data into accessible summaries and visual materials for diverse audiences.

Accountability 6: People Leadership and Organizational Contribution

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, and performance management for the Communications Officer (and future staff as approved).
• Contribute to MSBA’s senior leadership team, organizational planning, and cross departmental collaboration.
• Uphold professional standards, confidentiality, and a respectful, inclusive workplace culture.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

The ideal candidate brings deep experience in advocacy and public affairs, with a strong understanding of public education, school board governance, and provincial and national government systems. They are knowledgeable in legislative, regulatory, and policy frameworks and are skilled at analyzing complex issues and translating them into clear, practical advice that supports strategic decision‑making.

This individual is a confident, self‑directed leader who performs well in a fast‑paced, high‑profile environment. They demonstrate sound judgment, strong prioritization skills, and professionalism when navigating sensitive or politically complex issues. The successful candidate is comfortable working independently while contributing as a trusted member of a senior leadership team.

Exceptional communication skills are essential. The ideal candidate is an accomplished writer who can independently produce high‑quality briefing notes, policy analyses, speeches, media materials, and public‑facing documents. They are equally effective in verbal communication and relationship‑building, engaging confidently with government officials, school board leaders, media, and sector partners.

The role also requires strong people‑leadership and collaboration skills. Experience supervising staff, managing workloads, and fostering a respectful, productive team environment is important. A demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, reconciliation, and working effectively with Indigenous communities is fundamental to success in this role.

Education

• A college or university credential in a related field such as education, political science, public administration, public affairs, public relations, government relations, or communications.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• A minimum of ten (10) years of progressive leadership experience in the public sector, education, non-profit, or related environments.
• Demonstrated experience in advocacy, public affairs, government relations, or policy development.
• Strong knowledge of provincial and national government, legislative, and education systems.
• Proven experience supervising staff and leading work in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous communities and advancing truth and reconciliation.
• Experience in research, analysis, and the preparation of high-quality written materials for senior-level audiences.

Assets

• Oral and written proficiency in French.
• Experience working with elected officials, boards, or member-based organizations.

For the full position profile, please download the PDF: MSBA - Director of Advocacy - Position Profile.pdf

Deadline for Applications: Friday, April 3, 2026

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