Every WestJet journey has the potential to enrich lives; a career with us is no exception. 

WestJet arrived on the Canadian airline scene in 1996 and changed the industry for the better. We made air travel more affordable for Canadians and now were going global. 

Join us, this is where your career story takes off.

Overview of the role

WestJet is seeking a Manager, External Affairs to support our corporate and external affairs strategy. Reporting to the Head of External Affairs, this role will help drive WestJet’s advocacy efforts, manage partnerships and sponsorships, and provide critical policy research and stakeholder engagement support.

The successful candidate will play a key role in representing WestJet’s interests at the federal and provincial levels, crafting policy and advocacy materials, supporting government and stakeholder relationships, and ensuring seamless execution of sponsorship and partnership initiatives.

This position will work closely with the Senior Manager, External Affairs and will require strategic thinking, strong communication skills, and an understanding of government relations and regulatory affairs. This role presents an exciting opportunity to contribute to WestJet’s external relations strategy while developing key partnerships and shaping the airline’s public and regulatory engagement.

Key Deliverables

• Oversee the review, day-to-day engagement, and execution of sponsorship and partnership initiatives to align with WestJet’s strategic priorities.
• Provide in-depth policy analysis, briefing materials, and research to support WestJet’s advocacy and government relations strategy.
• Represent WestJet’s interests in federal-level advocacy and, as needed, engage with provinces, other key partners and stakeholders to advance external affairs objectives.
• Support and help execute strategic events, market announcements, inaugurals, and partner-driven initiatives that align with WestJet’s corporate strategy.
• Draft policy positions, speeches, presentations, and other internal and external advocacy materials with the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.
• Strategic collaboration & influence: Work closely with WestJet leadership, communications teams, and government relations stakeholders to enhance the airline’s priorities and engagement efforts.
• Support engagement with industry association partners.

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Relations, Communications, Economics, Business, or a related field.
• 6-8 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, policy analysis, or stakeholder engagement.
• Superior writing and research skills with experience crafting briefing materials, press releases, and advocacy documents.
• Strong ability to adapt writing style and tone to suit various audiences, from government officials and industry leaders to media, internal teams, and the public.
• Proven ability to convey complex issues to various external audiences.
• Familiarity with government structures and legislative functions and systems throughout Canada
• Excellent public speaking experience, comfortable acting as a WestJet ambassador and spokesperson.
• Proven negotiation and relationship-building skills with experience engaging government officials, regulatory bodies, and industry groups.
• Business and industry acumen, and/or an understanding of aviation sector dynamics and regulatory challenges.
• A strategic and consultative approach to public affairs/communications planning and ability to work as an advisor to senior leadership teams.
• French language proficiency is an asset.
• Ability to travel up to 25 for advocacy meetings, events, and stakeholder engagement.

The benefits of being a WestJetter:  

WestJet provides all WestJetters with a competitive total rewards package.  On top of that, we offer:   

• A fun and friendly culture with colleagues who work together to win  
• Travel privileges for you and your family, effective from your start date
• Savings and Benefit programs that are flexible to meet your specific needs  

Think we are a fit?  Apply now!  

About WestJet Group of Companies  

Together with WestJets regional airline, WestJet Encore, we offer scheduled service to more than 100 destinations in North America, Central America, the Caribbean and Europe and to more than 175 destinations in over 20 countries through our airline partnerships.   

Our Safety Promise  

At WestJet, the safety and security of our people and our guests is a core value and at the heart of what we do. As safety and security is a shared responsibility, it is expected that you will use safe work practices to ensure your well-being and the safety of others.  

WestJet recognizes that the use of Alcohol and Drugs can adversely impact a safe work environment and the well-being of others including guests, suppliers and the public, as well as place WestJets operations at risk. All roles that are identified as safety sensitive are required to pass a Pre-Employment Alcohol and Drug Test as per WestJets Alcohol and Drug Policy.   

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion 

We embrace what makes us each unique, and what makes us uniquely WestJet – and that is our people. WestJet is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates our differences by way of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As an equal opportunity employer, we want to you bring your full self to work and feel appreciated for your contributions.

At WestJet, we welcome unique skills, experiences, and backgrounds - if you’re passionate and excited about this role, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single qualification in the posting. We are committed to inclusivity, equity, and accessibility in the selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruiting process, please let our Talent Acquisition team know.

We thank all applicants for their interest in WestJet; however, only those candidates who are selected will be contacted.

For more information about everything WestJet, please visit WestJet.com.  

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