Chief of Protocol

Requisition ID: 45598

Organization

Located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam Indian Band), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), Vancouver has a commitment to becoming a City of Reconciliation. Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable and environmentally sustainable cities. Named among Canada's Top 100 Employers, BC's Top Employers, and Canada's Greenest Employers, the City of Vancouver seeks colleagues who can help shape and embody our core commitments to sustainability, reconciliation, equity and outstanding quality of life for all residents.

Consider joining our committed team of staff and being part of an innovative, inclusive and engaging workplace. Working at the City of Vancouver and within the public service can be a rewarding career where you play a key role in ensuring impartial and equitable access to services, upholding ethical governance, and addressing the needs of citizens with integrity and dedication.

Main Purpose and Function

The Chief of Protocol is responsible for managing the City of Vancouver’s Protocol Program, which includes planning and managing annual Council events, ceremonies and awards, and managing the overall coordination of official visits, study tours, delegations, and international relationships. This position is also responsible for administering the City’s Flag Policy, gifting to visiting dignitaries, illumination program, and wedding program.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

Directs all aspects of the City of Vancouver’s external relations program, including related policy development and management, servicing protocol needs, the production and management of civic and hospitality events, official visits, corporate professional courtesies, event related responsibilities, project coordination, awards, support for international partnerships, the City’s micro-wedding ceremony program, City Hall and Burrard Bridge illumination and flag program.
Formulates and implements corporate policies, standards and procedures on all matters of related to the mandate of the City’s Protocol Program.
Provides professional protocol related advice to the Mayor, Members of Council, and City departments, agencies, boards and commissions, particularly on issues of political and cultural sensitivity.
Manages special projects as required, including serving as a liaison between the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Vancouver Host Committee and the BC Consular Corps; coordinating with key stakeholders to oversee relationships, manage incoming inquiries, and ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information to the BC Consular Corps.
Liaises and coordinates with Mayor and Council, City officials and external stakeholders and organizations on matters related to the City’s Protocol Program.
Oversees the communications component of Protocol events and works in consultation with the corporate communications department on communications related issues.
Designs and implements complex external relations activities such as ceremonies, international visits, and major events, providing protocol oversite, including the preparation and monitoring of the budget assigned to the event/activity and liaising with all relevant stakeholders.
Establishes and maintains key contacts with other governments, agencies, boards and commissions on the local, national and international level.
Demonstrates commitment to the organizational values, principles, and have the ability to forge effective partnerships with various stakeholders.
Develops the program budget and being accountable for the annual budget for the Protocol program.
Develops and implements program performance measurements.
Works with volunteer committees and Advisory Committees to Council to plan the theme, scope, and program content of Council’s annual events
Manages and supervises four staff, responsible for hiring, performance review/coaching, identification of training, discipline (up to an including recommendation for discharge if required) and the authorization of work schedules including overtime and vacation.
Works as part of the City Clerk’s Office leadership team to deal with ongoing issues and decisions required to provide synergies within the City Clerk’s Office.
Administers provisions of applicable collective agreements; acts as management’s representative in the Step 1 grievance process and represents the employer at arbitration as required.
Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications
Education and Experience:

MA with a political science or international relations focus; MPA; or a Masters in another discipline with a communications, public relations, or intergovernmental affairs emphasis.
At least 10 years of progressive experience, preferable in the public sector, coordinating, planning and managing external relationships involving senior officials at all levels of government and internationally, the diplomatic corps, the community and business groups.
Experience developing and executing matters of protocol and public relations.
Experience working with other levels of government.
Experience in situations requiring a high degree of tact, sound judgement and sensitivity in dealing with political and protocol-oriented relations.
Experience dealing with multilingual and multi-ethnic communities.
Experience with hiring and managing consultants and contractors.
Experience with negotiating and consulting with volunteers, community groups, business groups and non-profits to align community expectations with the City’s goals and objectives for events.
Broad management and supervisory skills gained through several years of progressively responsible positions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Extensive knowledge of government relations, protocol and public relations, international relations practices in protocol and event organizations, and related issues.

Considerable knowledge of the function and organization of the public sector in Canada

Considerable knowledge of other cultures, practices within the local community and internationally.

Considerable knowledge and experience with incorporating equity, diversity and inclusion principles into all aspects of work.

Knowledge of languages in addition to English.

Well-developed human relations skills

Ability to communicate, negotiate persuasively and effectively, and forge effective internal and external relations.

Excellent oral and written communications skills with experience of presenting to large and diverse audiences, along with experience dealing effectively with the media, and writing reports and speaking notes for senior management and elected officials.

Ability to think strategically to be proactive in planning a successful protocol program.

Ability to deal effectively with a diversity of cultures, ethnicities and religions ensuring sensitivity and respectful relationships.

Ability to take initiative, plan, organize, set goals and outcomes, create processes, accomplish and measure objectives and results.

Project management skills with the ability to plan and execute complex events, visits and delegations involving senior officials from the City, representatives from other governments, the community and the business sector.

Ability to achieve results independently, and effectively plan, manage and supervise the work of others ensuring that performance is successfully managed and staff is developed in line with requirements.

Ability to lead and facilitate meetings, groups and team, including managing controversial subject matters.

Ability to use technology and computer based applications, as appropriate, to solve business needs and to be personally effective.

Business Unit/Department: Office of the City Manager (1010)

Affiliation: Exempt

Employment Type: Temporary Full Time

Position Start Date: March 2026

Position End Date: December 2026

Salary Information: Pay Grade RNG-091: $114,465 to $143,092 per annum

Application Close: March 4, 2026

At the City of Vancouver, we are committed to recruiting a diverse workforce that represents the community we so proudly serve. Indigenous peoples, people of colour, 2SLGBTQ+ persons including all genders and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Accommodations will be provided upon request during the selection process. Learn more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

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