At Karis Disability Services what you do matters.  Since 1965, our team has come alongside people with developmental disabilities, and their families, to celebrate each person’s unique gifts as we promote communities where everybody belongs.  Driven by our values which are firmly rooted in the Christian faith, together we serve more than 1,500 people each year across Ontario and Saskatchewan, supporting them wholistically - body, mind, soul and spirit.  Believing each person is made in the image of God, we welcome everybody to find the personalized supports they need to thrive.  Beyond Canada, our global work impacts over 300,000 people across 70 communities in six countries. Learn more about Karis Disability Services at www.karis.org [http://www.karis.org].

At Karis Disability Services, advocacy isn’t just policy, it’s about people. Help us turn policy into meaningful impact.

Full Time / Permanent

Government Relations Specialist

40 hours/week

Waterloo, Ontario

Karis Disability Services is seeking a strategic and relationship-driven Government Relations Specialist to lead our advocacy efforts and strengthen our engagement with all levels of government across Canada.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role will serve as a key advisor to the Organizational Leadership Team, ensuring our voice is effectively represented in public policy discussions and decision-making processes. The successful candidate will champion initiatives that align with our Values, Vision, Mission, and Faith Foundation while advancing priorities within the developmental services sector.

The Government Relations Specialist embraces the Christian Faith Foundation of the organization; ensures the Christian ethos and the Values, Vision and Mission permeate their job responsibilities; and personally commits to the expectations as outlined in the Statement of Faith.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Government Engagement

• Develop and execute comprehensive government relations and advocacy strategies.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and provide strategic insights.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, political staff, and public servants.
• Identify opportunities to influence public policy, funding models, and legislative frameworks.
• Prepare high-impact advocacy materials such as briefing notes, policy submissions, and presentations.
• Represent Karis Disability Services in government meetings, consultations, and public forums.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying and transparency requirements.

Sectoral Collaboration & Leadership

• Represent the organization in sector associations, coalitions, and committees.
• Collaborate with peer organizations to align advocacy strategies and policy positions.
• Monitor sector-wide initiatives and emerging issues.
• Contribute to research, consultations, and collective advocacy efforts within the developmental services sector.

Organizational Leadership Support

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on political trends and advocacy timing.
• Support leaders in preparing for meetings with government officials and stakeholders.
• Contribute insights to organizational planning and policy positioning.
• Participate in faith-based practices, including prayer or reflections, as appropriate.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or policy advocacy.
• Experience in the developmental services or social services sector is an asset.
• Knowledge of Ontario and Saskatchewan government systems and municipal governance structures.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to influence decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Excellent writing skills with experience developing advocacy materials.
• Strategic thinker with strong political awareness and judgment.
• Ability to translate complex policy issues into actionable insights.
• Commitment to inclusion and the rights of people with developmental disabilities.
• Travel required, including overnight travel (up to 25% of the time).

Why Should You Apply?

• Live out our shared values, help others, and find purpose in your work every day.
• Receive competitive wages.
• Find support through a Comprehensive Benefits Plan, an Employee and Family Assistance Plan and 4 weeks of vacation.

Application Deadline: Friday, July 10th, at Noon

Apply with a cover letter and résumé by Friday, July 10th at Noon, to the attention of the Chief Executive Officer via the Apply Now feature.

Start Date: August 31, 2026

Salary Range: $79,747 - $91,644

At Karis Disability Services we strive to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. We remain dedicated to meeting all provincial human rights, accessibility, and employment standards. We seek to provide accessibility through all stages of the hiring process for all applicants with disabilities, consistent with our Accessibility Policies and the AODA. Please let us know if you require accommodation, and we will work with you to meet your accessibility needs.