Job Description
Position
Manager, Governance
Department
CEO's Office
Classification
Level 7
Salary
Our salaries generally range from $99,470 to $111,650 and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages
Bilingual English and French required
Term
Permanent Full-Time (net-new position)
Location
Hybrid (Ottawa)
Background
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of local governments, representing their interests with the federal government.
With over 2,000 members, including Canada’s largest cities, small urban areas, rural and remote communities, as well as 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents more than 90% of the country’s population. Through its advocacy, funding offers and diverse programs, FCM’s work has a direct impact on Canadians’ quality of life.
At FCM, we are committed to making the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable. We aspire to be deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and inclusive. All leaders in the organization embrace these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.
Major Purpose
Leads and delivers strategic and operational governance advisory services contributing to the continuous improvement of FCM’s governance framework including structures, practices and policies. As governance subject matter expert, influences and supports clients in the development and delivery of highly complex subject matters aligned to FCM’s strategy through the internal decision-making process and to the Board of Directors.
Leads and develops initiatives on process improvements towards achieving good governance and effective decision-making in support of member goals and organizational strategy. Oversees relevant board governance committees and working groups.
Develops corporate legal records and maintains the company’s historical affairs; ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Provides oversight and support for key FCM board committees, including preparing meeting agendas, drafting reports and memos, conducting research, and offering analysis and recommendations as necessary.
Maintains a strong understanding of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), the relationship between the Board of Directors and Executive Committee with GMF and fosters positive connections with the GMF governance team. (
Remains current with Canadian and international best practices and innovative methods for effective not-for-profit boards, integrating these into FCM’s ongoing approach to governance improvement.
Assists in monitoring and reviewing FCM governing documents.
Collaborates with colleagues to promote corporate alignment and cross-departmental cooperation.
Participates in departmental and corporate planning processes within the CEO Office, and spearheads special projects, research, and analysis as assigned by the Director.
Ensures adherence to internal governing documents and relevant legislation.
Influences management to facilitate an integrated, transparent, and accountable decision-making process.
Prepares accurate and reliable meeting minutes and resolutions for complex topics, creating official legal records and documenting the company’s undertakings. Ensures Board of Directors minutes demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.
Responsible for effective project management within assigned areas, such as Board meeting planning.
Manages the process to verify that governing bodies fulfill their mandates and legislated obligations, advising and tracking supporting activities against requirements.
Reviews matters presented to confirm alignment with committee mandates, ensuring committee effectiveness.
Designs and develops presentation materials and speaking notes for Board Committee Chairs to report at Board of Directors meetings.
Acts as the principal point of contact for assigned committees, facilitating communication with Committee Chairs and members on committee-related matters
Monitors and reports on the soundness and effectiveness of governance processes, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements.
Addresses inquiries from internal and external stakeholders about governance practices, providing well-informed responses to further compliance and consistency within the organization.
Advises management and senior leadership on complex issues requiring governance decisions, identifying gaps, significant impacts, alignment with strategy, resources and funding, and critical organizational risks.
Acts as a safeguard for governance integrity, promoting effective and transparent decision-making while highlighting and tracking concerns and trends.
Coaches others in converting intricate issues into straightforward, clear summaries, equipping governing bodies with material conducive to timely and effective decisions.
Oversees meeting action lists and monitors progress toward completion, advising clients on resolving actions and determining proper reporting channels.
Develops presentations about the corporate governance framework and decision-making processes, and delivers training for staff. Coaches leaders and managers in creating suitable and effective materials for decision-making.
Builds relationships and earns trust as a business ally among colleagues and senior leaders.
Tracks emerging trends in corporate governance externally, evaluates their relevance, and makes recommendations.
Benchmarks processes and best practices to shape and improve internal protocols.
Identifies practical solutions to balance organizational needs with governance requirements.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
University degree with a minimum of 7 years' experience in governance, secretariat, project management, not-for-profit sector, or related fields, including providing advice and support to a board or executive management.
Professional governance designation (e.g., GPC.D) is preferred.
Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements for not-for-profit corporations, including the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
In-depth understanding of governance rules and best practices, and familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order.
Strong client management skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key clients and partners including elected officials.
Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
Results-oriented, decisive, and organized, with the ability to meet timelines.
Exceptional leadership and initiative; proactively develops strategies, aligns resources, and delivers results to address future needs.
Knowledge of the Canadian municipal sector.
Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize data and accurately record and summarize real-time discussions.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English and French.
Excellent listening skills and the ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills, including political acumen.
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to interact professionally with internal and external clients at all levels, including Board members and senior management.
Thoroughness and attention to detail.
The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services. FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, ****** orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.
FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
The future of work at FCM includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. The successful candidate is required live within 80kms of downtown Ottawa and be authorized to work in Canada.
For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at www.fcm.ca. Visit the careers section of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is March 16th, 2026, or until the position is filled.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.
Manager, Governance
Department
CEO's Office
Classification
Level 7
Salary
Our salaries generally range from $99,470 to $111,650 and are based on qualifications and experience
Languages
Bilingual English and French required
Term
Permanent Full-Time (net-new position)
Location
Hybrid (Ottawa)
Background
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of local governments, representing their interests with the federal government.
With over 2,000 members, including Canada’s largest cities, small urban areas, rural and remote communities, as well as 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents more than 90% of the country’s population. Through its advocacy, funding offers and diverse programs, FCM’s work has a direct impact on Canadians’ quality of life.
At FCM, we are committed to making the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable. We aspire to be deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and inclusive. All leaders in the organization embrace these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.
Major Purpose
Leads and delivers strategic and operational governance advisory services contributing to the continuous improvement of FCM’s governance framework including structures, practices and policies. As governance subject matter expert, influences and supports clients in the development and delivery of highly complex subject matters aligned to FCM’s strategy through the internal decision-making process and to the Board of Directors.
Leads and develops initiatives on process improvements towards achieving good governance and effective decision-making in support of member goals and organizational strategy. Oversees relevant board governance committees and working groups.
Develops corporate legal records and maintains the company’s historical affairs; ensures compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Provides oversight and support for key FCM board committees, including preparing meeting agendas, drafting reports and memos, conducting research, and offering analysis and recommendations as necessary.
Maintains a strong understanding of the Green Municipal Fund (GMF), the relationship between the Board of Directors and Executive Committee with GMF and fosters positive connections with the GMF governance team. (
Remains current with Canadian and international best practices and innovative methods for effective not-for-profit boards, integrating these into FCM’s ongoing approach to governance improvement.
Assists in monitoring and reviewing FCM governing documents.
Collaborates with colleagues to promote corporate alignment and cross-departmental cooperation.
Participates in departmental and corporate planning processes within the CEO Office, and spearheads special projects, research, and analysis as assigned by the Director.
Ensures adherence to internal governing documents and relevant legislation.
Influences management to facilitate an integrated, transparent, and accountable decision-making process.
Prepares accurate and reliable meeting minutes and resolutions for complex topics, creating official legal records and documenting the company’s undertakings. Ensures Board of Directors minutes demonstrate compliance with legal requirements.
Responsible for effective project management within assigned areas, such as Board meeting planning.
Manages the process to verify that governing bodies fulfill their mandates and legislated obligations, advising and tracking supporting activities against requirements.
Reviews matters presented to confirm alignment with committee mandates, ensuring committee effectiveness.
Designs and develops presentation materials and speaking notes for Board Committee Chairs to report at Board of Directors meetings.
Acts as the principal point of contact for assigned committees, facilitating communication with Committee Chairs and members on committee-related matters
Monitors and reports on the soundness and effectiveness of governance processes, identifies gaps, and recommends improvements.
Addresses inquiries from internal and external stakeholders about governance practices, providing well-informed responses to further compliance and consistency within the organization.
Advises management and senior leadership on complex issues requiring governance decisions, identifying gaps, significant impacts, alignment with strategy, resources and funding, and critical organizational risks.
Acts as a safeguard for governance integrity, promoting effective and transparent decision-making while highlighting and tracking concerns and trends.
Coaches others in converting intricate issues into straightforward, clear summaries, equipping governing bodies with material conducive to timely and effective decisions.
Oversees meeting action lists and monitors progress toward completion, advising clients on resolving actions and determining proper reporting channels.
Develops presentations about the corporate governance framework and decision-making processes, and delivers training for staff. Coaches leaders and managers in creating suitable and effective materials for decision-making.
Builds relationships and earns trust as a business ally among colleagues and senior leaders.
Tracks emerging trends in corporate governance externally, evaluates their relevance, and makes recommendations.
Benchmarks processes and best practices to shape and improve internal protocols.
Identifies practical solutions to balance organizational needs with governance requirements.
Knowledge, Experience and Skills
University degree with a minimum of 7 years' experience in governance, secretariat, project management, not-for-profit sector, or related fields, including providing advice and support to a board or executive management.
Professional governance designation (e.g., GPC.D) is preferred.
Knowledge of regulatory and compliance requirements for not-for-profit corporations, including the Canada Not-for-Profit Corporations Act.
In-depth understanding of governance rules and best practices, and familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order.
Strong client management skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with key clients and partners including elected officials.
Excellent organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple tasks within tight deadlines.
Results-oriented, decisive, and organized, with the ability to meet timelines.
Exceptional leadership and initiative; proactively develops strategies, aligns resources, and delivers results to address future needs.
Knowledge of the Canadian municipal sector.
Demonstrated analytical skills, including the ability to synthesize data and accurately record and summarize real-time discussions.
Excellent communication skills (oral and written) in English and French.
Excellent listening skills and the ability to focus and concentrate for extended periods.
Excellent judgment and decision-making skills, including political acumen.
Excellent interpersonal skills; able to interact professionally with internal and external clients at all levels, including Board members and senior management.
Thoroughness and attention to detail.
The benefits to joining the FCM team include summer hours (Fridays off between July 1st and Labour Day); office facilities located in the ByWard Market, FCM’s commitment to employee development and a competitive range of employee benefits and services. FCM encourages flexible work arrangements to support the wellbeing and productivity of employees.
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities is committed to fostering an organizational culture that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging, where individuals from diverse racial and ethnic identities, nationalities, social economic status, ****** orientation, gender identity/expression and physical and mental abilities can thrive and be fully engaged at their best level.
FCM welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the recruitment and selection process.
The future of work at FCM includes a hybrid work model; therefore, this role will be a combination of virtual and on-site work. The successful candidate is required live within 80kms of downtown Ottawa and be authorized to work in Canada.
For additional information on this posting, or for further information on FCM, access our website at www.fcm.ca. Visit the careers section of our website to apply. The deadline for applications is March 16th, 2026, or until the position is filled.
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will only contact those selected for an interview. All the applications will be kept on file for six months following the hiring.
💡 Quick Summary
Seeking a career-building opportunity? The Manager, Governance position is now open for candidates interested in the Government Job Alert sector. This role in Ottawa offers a professional environment and growth potential.
Requirement Snapshot: Candidates should possess basic communication skills, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work in a team. Experience in Government Job Alert is a plus.