Director of Policy

Job summary

Develop and execute advocacy and government relations initiatives aligned with Polytechnics Canada’s strategic objectives, while building relationships with government officials and external stakeholders. Lead the policy team, produce policy and communications materials, monitor emerging issues, and support partnerships and risk-mitigation efforts.

Job details

Polytechnics Canada At Polytechnics Canada, we are proud promoters of the polytechnic education model. As the voice of 13 leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics and institutes of technology, we advocate for federal action in areas that overlap with member capacity and interest, highlighting how and where they offer solutions to critical national challenges. Polytechnic education is technical, hands-on and applied. Polytechnic institutions allow students to learn alongside industry professionals, to industry standards, using industry equipment. Businesses and organizations partner with polytechnics to solve their challenges through applied research. The Polytechnics Canada team is a small group of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals working in a fast-paced office environment. We are seeking a motivated senior leader who, like us, has high standards for quality work, is able to multi-task and has a great sense of humour. Director of Policy Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Policy is responsible for developing and skillfully executing a range of advocacy and government relations initiatives in alignment with Polytechnics Canada’s strategic objectives. This hands-on role will manage relationships with key government officials, contribute to policy development and organize outreach with internal and external stakeholders. As our ideal candidate, you will have strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills with solid experience in advocacy and public policy. Skills & Attributes Post-secondary education in political science or a related field At least 5 years of experience in a policy and/or government relations role, ideally with knowledge of the post-secondary sector Ability to draft and edit persuasive content Ability to manage projects and timelines Experience leading a team Self-disciplined and detail-oriented Strong organizational and time management skills Strong interpersonal and communication skills Key Responsibilities Identify opportunities to advance the mission, vision and profile of Polytechnics Canada Develop and support partnerships with like-minded organizations and/or those with overlapping interests Author strategic communications documents, policy briefs and op-eds Provide team leadership, using good judgment and respecting confidentiality Stay abreast of current and emerging policy issues of interest to Polytechnics Canada and its members Identify organizational risks and participate in developing/implementing risk-mitigation strategies In collaboration with the CEO, oversee and task policy team to ensure effective execution of the Polytechnics Canada strategic mandate Ensure ongoing connections to key external contacts Identify opportunities to deepen/broaden research and policy positions whether possible with internal resources or requiring outside contractors Benefits Dental care Extended health care RRSP match Employee Assistance Program Pay: $100,000 - $120,000 per year Education: Bachelor's Degree Work Location: Ottawa, in person Job Type: Permanent, full-time

What you’ll do

Develop and execute advocacy and government relations initiatives aligned with Polytechnics Canada’s strategic objectives, while building relationships with government officials and external stakeholders. Lead the policy team, produce policy and communications materials, monitor emerging issues, and support partnerships and risk-mitigation efforts.

Requirements

A bachelor’s degree in political science or a related field and at least five years of experience in policy and/or government relations are required; knowledge of the post-secondary sector is an asset. Candidates should bring team leadership experience, strong writing and communication skills, project and timeline management abilities, sound judgment, and attention to detail.

Benefits

• Dental Care
• Extended Health Care
• RRSP Match
• Employee Assistance Program

Listed skills

• Policy development · Preferred
• Project management · Preferred
• Team Leadership · Preferred
• Risk Management · Preferred
• Organization · Preferred
• Time management · Preferred
• interpersonal communication · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Advocacy
• Government Relations
• Public Policy
• Policy Development
• Persuasive Writing
• Editing
• Project Management
• Team Leadership
• Strategic Communications
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Partnership Development
• Risk Management
• Organization
• Time Management
• Interpersonal Communication

Job areas

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Education