Executive Director

British Columbia Seafood Alliance
Location: British Columbia (travel within British Columbia, Ottawa, and other as required)
Reports to: Board of Directors
Type: 220 Day Contract

About the British Columbia Seafood Alliance

The British Columbia Seafood Alliance (BCSA) is the leading commercial fishing organization on Canada’s Pacific Coast. Representing thirty member associations and approximately ninety percent of the value of wild seafood harvested in the province, the Alliance is the unified voice for British Columbia’s seafood sector. Its members include licence holders, vessel owners, operators, and seafood processors who collectively drive the province’s coastal economy.

The BCSA engages directly with all levels of government, Indigenous partners, and stakeholders to promote sustainable, science-based fisheries management, equitable policy, and a competitive business environment for the seafood industry.

Position Summary

The Executive Director is the chief advocate and organizational leader of the British Columbia Seafood Alliance. This individual will serve as the industry’s primary lobbyist and policy strategist, advancing the interests of British Columbia’s wild seafood sector through direct government engagement, legislative advocacy, and strategic coalition-building.

The role requires exceptional skill in navigating complex political landscapes, influencing regulatory and funding decisions, and ensuring that BCSA’s policy positions are heard and respected at both federal and provincial levels.

Key Responsibilities

1) Government Relations, Lobbying, and Policy Advocacy

Goals

• Protect and expand sustainable access to British Columbia’s wild fisheries.

• Influence federal and provincial policy to support a strong, competitive seafood sector.

• Ensure that science-based, data-driven management principles guide all fisheries decisions.

• Advance reconciliation through proactive engagement with Indigenous governments and partners.

Actions

• Serve as the BCSA’s chief lobbyist, maintaining regular, proactive contact with Ministers, Parliamentary committees, senior civil servants, and political staff across Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Global Affairs Canada, and relevant provincial ministries.

• Shape and deliver persuasive policy positions on key legislative, regulatory, and funding issues affecting the seafood industry.

• Prepare policy briefs, testimony, and submissions for legislative and regulatory consultations.

• Build strong working relationships with caucus members, government agencies, and advisory bodies to ensure industry priorities are reflected in decision-making.

• Mobilize member engagement to support coordinated advocacy campaigns.

• Track and analyze emerging policy trends, government mandates, and political developments to anticipate impacts on the sector.

• Strengthen collaboration with Indigenous commercial fishing organizations and coastal communities on shared policy objectives.

2) Trade Policy and Market Access

Goals

• Safeguard and expand international market access for British Columbia seafood.

• Influence federal trade negotiations and regulatory frameworks to align with industry needs.

• Support members in addressing trade barriers, certification requirements, and export challenges.

Actions

• Lobby Global Affairs Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on tariff structures, sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and technical trade measures.

• Represent the industry’s position in national and international trade policy forums.

• Collaborate with the Fisheries Council of Canada and other industry groups on coordinated trade advocacy.

• Provide political intelligence to members regarding upcoming trade agreements and market access developments.

3) Public Representation and Strategic Communications

Goals

• Be the authoritative public voice of British Columbia’s commercial fishing sector.

• Strengthen social licence and public trust through consistent, transparent messaging.

• Enhance the reputation and political influence of the BCSA.

Actions

• Act as spokesperson for the Alliance, providing media commentary and public statements on industry issues.

• Develop and execute communications strategies that advance policy objectives and frame public dialogue on fisheries.

• Represent the BCSA at conferences, summits, and policy roundtables with credibility and influence.

• Build alliances with environmental, recreational, and Indigenous partners to foster balanced dialogue.

4) Regulatory and Legislative Affairs

Goals

• Promote regulatory modernization that supports a safe, sustainable, and competitive industry.

• Influence federal and provincial legislative frameworks impacting fisheries and seafood operations.

• Strengthen industry representation in safety, environmental, and operational standards.

Actions

• Engage directly with regulatory agencies such as WorkSafeBC, Transport Canada, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to advocate for practical policy implementation.

• Oversee the Alliance’s role in delivering the Fish Safe British Columbia program, ensuring alignment with government safety objectives.

• Coordinate legal strategies and policy submissions on access, allocation, and conservation issues.

• Anticipate and influence legislative changes that could affect the sector’s competitiveness.

5) Organizational Leadership and Governance

Goals

• Lead a high-impact, financially stable, and respected organization.

• Ensure transparent governance and accountability to members.

• Maintain credibility with policymakers and industry partners.

Actions

• Guide the Board on strategy, priorities, and advocacy direction.

• Lead financial management, budgeting, and compliance with the BC Societies Act.

• Manage consultants and contractors engaged in lobbying, communications, and policy analysis.

• Retain and grow membership through active consultation and representation.

• Identify and secure external funding opportunities that align with policy and advocacy objectives.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

• Senior-level experience in government relations, political lobbying, or public affairs, ideally within natural resources, environment, or agri-food sectors.

• Proven record of influencing policy and legislation at both federal and provincial levels.

• Deep understanding of Canadian fisheries, trade, and regulatory frameworks.

• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments and build political coalitions.

• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management experience.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public and media engagement.

Assets

• Direct experience lobbying senior government officials or contributing to legislative processes.

• Knowledge of British Columbia’s commercial fisheries and seafood processing sectors.

• Bilingualism (English and French).

• Experience working with Indigenous governments and industry reconciliation initiatives.

Core Competencies

• Political acumen and diplomacy.

• Legislative and policy analysis.

• Persuasive communication and negotiation.

• Stakeholder engagement and consensus-building.

• Strategic leadership and decision-making.

To apply, please submit your resume to this posting or email it directly to Alexandra.Bunardzic@summitsearchgroup.com. Please note only qualified individuals will be contacted.

Summit Search Group is a fair and equitable search firm. We welcome and encourage applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, race, religious beliefs, disability, age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.

Alexandra Bunardzic

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Job ID

ab2019

City

• Vancouver, BC

Industry

• Non-profit
• Public Sector

Position

• Executive