AVP External Affairs

Peoples Trust; Toronto; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Peoples Group seeks an AVP, External Affairs to enhance government relations and industry engagement from its Toronto office. This role requires a seasoned professional with a strong background in public policy, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. The AVP will drive initiatives in government strategy, lobbyist compliance and facilitate interactions with internal stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have over 7 years of relevant experience and possess exceptional communication skills.

Benefits

Hybrid work environment

Competitive salaries

Profit sharing and RRSP matching

Generous paid time off

Wellness support in five key areas

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in government or industry relations.
• Experience in financial services or regulated industry preferred.
• Ability to influence and build relationships with executives and policymakers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead government relations strategy aligned with business priorities.
• Build relationships with government officials and industry partners.
• Provide regular updates to executives on government relations activities.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy

Master’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Peoples Group needs a strong, targeted relationship with government policymakers to monitor and assess the implications of evolving regulatory requirements and to engage effectively with policymakers, Industry Experts and Organizations on matters that are critical to our strategic priorities. This position leads Peoples Group’s approach to monitoring, assessing, and engaging with government policymakers and industry on issues that may impact the company.

In addition to government relations, this role will serve as an advisor across market, customer, and partner domains, providing insights and direction to support the company’s growth and positioning. The role will also provide chief of staff type functions to the Chief Client Officer, ensuring alignment of client-focused initiatives with broader corporate initiatives and facilitating cross-functional collaboration. The AVP External Affairs will also coordinate customer and partner briefings to internal stakeholders as needed, particularly in response to emerging issues or strategic opportunities.

We are hiring for this position out of our Toronto office. Successful candidates who apply outside of these areas will be expected to relocate and reside in a location that is within a commutable distance.

About the day-to-day

The AVP, External Affairs, plays a central role in shaping and executing Peoples Group’s approach to government relations and industry stakeholder engagement. Key responsibilities include :

• Government Relations Strategy : Develop and lead a long-term strategy for engaging with policymakers, aligned with Peoples Group’s business priorities and risk appetite.
• Stakeholder Engagement : Build and support relationships with government officials, regulators, and industry relationships, including action plans and issue-specific response teams.
• Lobbying Compliance : Oversee registration and reporting requirements under federal and provincial lobbyist regulations and maintain accurate activity logs.
• Internal Reporting : Provide regular updates to the Chief Client Officer, Executive Leadership Team, and Corporate Legal Affairs on government relations activities.
• Industry Advisory Role : Advise on market, customer, and partner trends to support strategic decision-making and business development.
• Customer & Partner Briefings : Deliver timely briefings to internal stakeholders on key customer and partner developments or issues.
• Chief of Staff” type functions to the Chief Client Officer : Support the Chief Client Officer in coordinating strategic initiatives, communications, and cross-functional alignment.

About the qualifications :

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Business Administration, Law, or a related field; a Master’s degree or equivalent experience is preferred.
• Minimum of 7–10 years of experience in government or industry relations, public policy, regulatory affairs, or a related strategic role.
• Proven experience working with or within government institutions, regulatory bodies, or public policy organizations.
• Experience in a financial services or regulated industry is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder engagement, strategic planning, and cross-functional leadership.
• Deep understanding of Canadian federal and provincial legislative and regulatory processes.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to anticipate and interpret policy trends and their business implications.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels, including with senior executives, policymakers, and external partners.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of discretion, integrity, and professionalism in handling sensitive information and external relationships.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and lead cross-functional initiatives.
• Proficiency in preparing executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations

About us

Peoples Group is a boutique financial institution with offices located in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montreal that has been in the Canadian marketplace for over 35 years. Our mission is to exceed our customers' expectations by providing exceptional customer service backed by extensive product knowledge and experience.

Our culture here at Peoples Group is formed by our values : Trustworthy, Creative, Willing. We believe people don't choose a company to work for, they choose a company to join. We prioritize risk-based practices and procedures in order to remain risk intelligent and compliant. We value people, building relationships, and focusing on strengths; we execute with passion.

About the work environment

Peoples Group offers a flexible and hybrid work environment. In this role you will work a combination of in-office and remotely from home. Typically, you'll be working regular business hours, Monday to Friday between 8 : 00am and 4 : 30pm with flexibility around start / end times.

We offer :

• A hybrid work environment, enabling you to balance your personal and professional life seamlessly.
• Competitive salaries, profit sharing, RRSP matching and benefits from day one.
• Generous paid time off to help achieve a healthy work-life balance.
• A strengths-based approach, ensuring we work together more effectively.
• A commitment to your well-being in five key areas : Financial, Physical, Social, Career, and Community.

NOTE : This job posting is for an existing vacancy. Peoples Group is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Please accept our utmost appreciation for your interest; however, only those applicants under consideration will be contacted.

We value and celebrate individuality while fostering an inclusive workplace for everyone. If there's any way we can support or accommodate you during the selection process, please don't hesitate to let us know.