Director, Federal Public Affairs

Canadian Strategy Group; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Strategy Group is seeking a full-time Director of Federal Public Affairs in Ottawa. This role involves providing strategic advice to clients, developing government relations strategies, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in political affairs and a strong understanding of the Canadian political landscape.

Benefits

Corporate bonus programs

Qualifications

• Minimum of seven years in political affairs or government relations, including three years in leadership.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian political system and legislative processes.
• Proven relationships with government departments and political networks.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on federal government processes.
• Develop and execute government relations strategies.
• Monitor and analyze federal policy and legislation.

Skills

Government Relations

Political Affairs

Stakeholder Engagement

Advocacy

Strategic Communication

Education

Graduate degree in Business Administration, Economics, Law, Political or Social Sciences

Job description

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Reporting to the Partners, Canadian Strategy Group (CSG) is seeking a full-time Director, Federal Public Affairs, to join our growing team. The position will be based in Ottawa.

At CSG, this leader will have the skills, experience and attitude to be an invaluable driver of business success and an inspiring presence for team members and clients. Working alongside the Partners and our public affairs specialists, the Director will bring an entry point to Ottawa for our Western Canadian clients.

We are seeking a leader who can guide advocacy opportunities with government and opposition caucuses, Minister’s offices, PMO, appropriate parliamentary committees and within departments based on client need. Our clients are excited to engage with Canada’s next parliament and need an Ottawa-based navigator.

About CSG

We are a leading public affairs firm in Western Canada, distinguished by our commitment to:

• Going the distance: We get results for our clients, often under the toughest pressures. We are a public affairs partner to our clients for the long haul.
• Authentic advice: We don’t promise the earth. Exaggerating outcomes is for amateurs. If it can be done, we’ll do it. If it can’t—we’ll tell our clients straight. That’s how well we know public affairs.
• Service that unburdens: For us, solving client problems and seizing opportunities for them is what matters. We will look at the issues from all angles and offer comprehensive solutions along every step of the public affairs continuum.

Founded in 2008, and backed by decades of experience, our team delivers results to clients across Canada’s four Western provinces in public affairs, government relations, strategic communications, and issue management. We are committed to working with our clients to influence decisions that improve their future and prosperity.

With offices in Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Victoria and Vancouver, we support clients across diverse industries and mandates, working with decision-makers across all party lines and levels of government. Our team is smart, creative, and curious, and we value working together to solve some of the most interesting and complex issues facing our region.

And our people are one of the best parts of CSG. We love to brainstorm, chat politics, and toast to each other’s wins. We foster a workplace where professional growth, mentorship, and continuous learning are valued and celebrated. CSG offers a fast-paced work environment, but it’s one filled with respect and laughter.

The Role

• Provide strategic advice to clients on navigating federal government processes and advocating for their interests
• Develop and execute federal government relations strategies for clients across various industries
• Build and foster relationships with MPs, political staff, senior bureaucrats and key stakeholders in Ottawa
• Monitor and analyze federal policy, legislation, and regulatory changes impacting our clients
• Arrange, attend and represent clients in meetings with elected and unelected government officials
• Draft briefing materials, backgrounders, presentations and advocacy messaging tailored to client objectives
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of the political/electoral landscape and issues relevant to CSG’s clients
• Collaborate with CSG’s Western Canadian team to bridge federal and provincial advocacy efforts
• Seek opportunities for CSG to expand its brand and awareness with the Government of Canada and cultivate opportunities for business development

Qualifications and Skillset

• Graduate or equivalent degree in Business Administration, Economics, Law, Political or Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in political affairs, government relations or regulatory affairs, including at least three years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian political system, political environment, and legislative and regulatory processes.
• Experience developing and executing complex government relations and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Proven positive existing senior relationships and network with government departments and at the political level that demonstrates expertise in promoting, influencing and shaping public policy.
• Ability to build and maintain senior trusted relationships and effectively influence internal and external stakeholders to advance client interests.
• Experience briefing executives, subject matter experts and external stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a non-partisan manner and establish/maintain credibility and access across a broad sector of stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented executor who can work collaboratively and independently to achieve results.
• Ability to act as a registered lobbyist federally (not under any cooling-off restrictions)

This position is eligible for corporate bonus programs, which will be discussed with the successful candidate.

If this interests you, please submit your resume, cover letter, and salary expectations to [e-mail]. Thank you to all who apply.

We welcome applications from all interested individuals; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Canadian Strategy Group is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Director

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Industries

  Government Relations Services

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