Director, Federal Programs and Nuclear Energy Strategy

AECL; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 170,000 - 212,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical & dental benefits

Public Service Pension Plan

Vacation & leave

Employee assistance program

Hybrid work model

Year-end holiday PTO

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

AECL is seeking a Director, Federal Programs and Nuclear Energy Strategy to align policy, partnerships, programs and strategy with Government of Canada priorities. You will lead integration efforts with CNL and oversee major federal initiatives across health, environment and energy security.

You will report to the VP of Science, Technology, Commercialization and Corporate Strategy and guide cross‑functional teams, ensuring risk management, stakeholder engagement, and policy compliance across

Qualifications

• Significant experience in public policy, government relations, or federal program management.
• Strong understanding of Canadian policy processes affecting nuclear, science or energy priorities.
• Experience leading complex government-facing programs, initiatives, or partnerships.
• Experience with federal departments, Crown corporations, labs, or regulated industries.
• Ability to develop strategic advice and solutions aligning with government objectives.
• Demonstrated stakeholder relationship building and cross-organizational collaboration.
• Experience navigating complex issues and assessing risk in dynamic environments.
• Nuclear science/tech program experience is an asset; advanced degree is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Shape and advance AECL’s federal programs and nuclear energy strategy.
• Provide strategic leadership for the Federal Programs portfolio and cross-organization initiatives.
• Translate government direction into actionable strategies and manage cross-entity projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with Indigenous communities, federal bodies, CNL, industry, and academia.

Skills

Public policy

Government relations

Stakeholder management

Strategic leadership

Policy analysis

Risk assessment

Education

Bachelor’s degree in engineering/science/public policy

Advanced degree (asset)

Job description

AECL provides support and reasonable accommodations in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities. This includes accommodations that consider an applicant’s accessibility needs. If you have a disability that requires accommodation during our recruitment process, let us know how we can assist you by emailing [e-mail].
EACL exerce ses activités sur des terres et des territoires qui, depuis des temps immémoriaux, ont été les terres traditionnelles des peuples autochtones au Canada. Ensemble avec notre entrepreneur, Laboratoires nucléaires canadiens (LNC), EACL s’engage à faire progresser la réconciliation avec les collectivités des Premières Nations, des Métis et des Inuits par le biais d’une relation renouvelée fondée sur la reconnaissance des droits, la compréhension mutuelle et le respect, ainsi que sur la consultation, une collaboration et un partenariat significatifs.

AECL operates on land and territories that have, since time immemorial, been the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples in Canada. Together with our contractor, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL), AECL is committed to advancing reconciliation with First Nation, Métis, and Inuit communities through a renewed relationship based on recognition of rights, mutual understanding and respect, and meaningful engagement, collaboration, and partnership.

Small Team. Big Impact.

At AECL, your expertise makes a visible difference. As a small and agile organization, individual contributions matter, and your work is closely connected to real-world outcomes that deliver lasting public value and contribute to outcomes that matter to Canada.

Energizing Canada’s Nuclear Future.

Is AECL right for you?

As a federal Crown corporation, Atomic Energy of Canada Limited's (AECL) purpose is to energize nuclear innovation and power a clean, secure, and resilient future. Through strategic investments in science, technology, infrastructure, partnerships, and talent, AECL is helping to enable the next generation of Canadian nuclear leadership, responsibly manage Canada's nuclear legacy, and invest in a stronger nuclear future for Canadians. Since 2015, AECL has been delivering its mandate through a Government-owned, Contractor-operated (GoCo) business model, whereby Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL) manages and operates AECL's sites on its behalf. Working at AECL means contributing to initiatives that support clean energy, scientific innovation, environmental stewardship, and Canada's long-term prosperity.

Who This Role Is Great For

• are energized by shaping federal programs, public policy, and strategic initiatives that contribute to Canada’s long-term nuclear future;
• enjoy building trusted relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities, governments, industry, academia, and international organizations;
• thrive in complex environments where strategic thinking, sound judgment, and collaboration are critical to success; and
• are motivated by work that helps translate scientific research and technological innovation into real-world outcomes that benefit Canadians.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will help shape and advance AECL’s federal programs and strategic contributions to Canada’s evolving nuclear landscape.

We’re looking for a Director, Federal Programs and Nuclear Energy Strategy who can bring together policy, partnerships, programs, and strategy to support government priorities and strengthen AECL’s role as steward of Canada’s nuclear science and technology mission.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Science, Technology, Commercialization and Corporate Strategy, you will provide strategic leadership for AECL’s Federal Programs portfolio, including the integration of CNL as Canada’s premier federal nuclear laboratory, the Federal Nuclear Science and Technology Program, and key Government of Canada Nuclear Energy Strategy initiatives. You will translate government direction into actionable strategies, coordinate complex cross-organizational initiatives, and provide expert advice on opportunities, risks, and emerging priorities.

You will build and maintain strong relationships with Indigenous communities, federal departments and agencies, CNL, industry, academia, and international partners to advance collaborative initiatives that support innovation, research, infrastructure development, and strategic nuclear priorities in the areas of health, clean energy, environment, and safety and security. You will also oversee contract and performance-related activities within assigned program areas and help ensure AECL’s oversight responsibilities are effectively executed.

This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of government policy, science, technology, and strategic leadership while contributing directly to priorities that shape Canada’s nuclear future.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, science, public administration, business, public policy, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Significant experience in public policy, government relations, federal program management, or a comparable technical-policy environment.
• Strong understanding of Government of Canada decision-making processes, federal stakeholder environments, and the policy landscape influencing nuclear, science, technology, or energy priorities.
• Experience leading, governing, evaluating, or overseeing complex government-facing programs, initiatives, agreements, or partnerships.
• Experience working with federal departments, Crown corporations, laboratories, regulated industries, or other government-related organizations.
• Experience developing strategic advice, recommendations, and solutions that support organizational and government objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, influence outcomes, and effectively manage diverse stakeholders and partners.
• Experience navigating complex issues, assessing risk, and providing sound judgment in dynamic and evolving environments.
• Experience related to nuclear science and technology programs, laboratories, energy strategy, infrastructure initiatives, research reactor programs, isotope activities, or government policy processes would be considered an asset.
• An advanced degree in science, engineering, public policy, business, public administration, or another relevant field would be considered an asset.

Salary

What we bring:
The hiring range for this role is between $169,900 and $212,300 based on compensable factors such as qualifications and experience. The full salary range for this role is broader than the hiring range. Employees progress through the salary scale over time in accordance with AECL’s compensation philosophy and procedures.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical and dental benefits through the Government of Canada, providing stability and peace of mind so you can focus on your work and well-being.
• Participation in the Public Service Pension Plan, an indexed, defined-benefit pension plan that supports long-term financial security and helps you plan confidently for retirement.
• Vacation, personal and floating days, recognizing the importance of rest and balance in support of your physical and mental wellbeing.
• A confidential Employee & Family Assistance Program, providing support for you and your family during life’s challenges, so help is available when it’s needed most.
• A flexible hybrid work model, supporting focus and flexibility while maintaining strong in-person collaboration through four days in the office or on-site.
• Paid time off during the year-end holiday period, from December 24 through January 1, giving you dedicated time to rest, recharge, and spend time in ways that matter most to you.
• Performance-based incentives, reflecting the value of meaningful contributions and delivered outcomes.

What You Can Expect

• Location: This role can be based out of AECL’s Chalk River, Ontario or Ottawa office locations.
• Chalk River Commute: If you will be based at AECL’s Chalk River office, personal transportation is required, as there are no local public transit services available.
• Hybrid Work Model: AECL follows a hybrid work approach. On-site presence is required four days per week, Monday to Thursday, to support operational needs and role responsibilities.
• Travel: Some national and international travel will be required.
• Security Clearance: The selected candidate must successfully meet Government of Canada security clearance requirements.
• Application Process: While we sincerely appreciate all applications, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Language Preference: Preference may be given to individuals who are bilingual.

Recruitment Timelines

• Posting closes on September 13, 2026
• Phone screens will be conducted the week of September 14, 2026
• First round of interviews will be in person and scheduled for the week of September 21, 2026
• Second round of interviews will be virtual and scheduled for the week of September 28, 2026

Une petite équipe. Un impact majeur.

Chez EACL, votre expertise fait une différence visible. Dans notre petite organisation agile, chaque contribution compte, et votre travail est directement lié à des résultats qui génèrent une valeur durable pour la société et contribuent