Director, Government Affairs

Starr Underwriting; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking a Director of Government Affairs to liaise with provincial governments and influence public policy. The role involves strategic risk analysis, political representation, and managing lobby requirements, aimed at advancing the company’s goals in the insurance sector.

Qualifications

• 7 to 10 years of related experience in government affairs.
• Strong understanding of the implications for financial services.
• Pre-existing relationships in provincial/federal politics.

Responsibilities

• Develop relationships with politicians and staff to influence public policy.
• Evaluate political risks and prepare action plans.
• Manage lobbying requirements and represent the company in committee meetings.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Strategic thinking

Communication skills

Time management

Political understanding

Education

University degree related to public policy or business

Job description

Reporting to the AVP, Regulatory and Industry Affairs, the Director, Government Affairs will be responsible for acting as a liaison to the political community of governments, particularly provincial governments, and working with management to position Definity to influence public policy on insurance matters. Areas of focus will be 1) developing and maintaining strong networks with politicians and political staff, 2) deeply understanding the implications of political risks and opportunities across all jurisdictions, and 3) representing Definity within industry committees related to public policy and regulation.

What can you expect from this role?

Political Representation

• Develop and liaise with politicians and political staff at the provincial level to influence positively and maintain relations
• Gain breadth and depth of knowledge of public policy and regulatory issues facing Definity
• Prepare action plans to influence government decision-making on insurance public policy, regulatory, and climate issues

Risk & Impact Analysis

• Assess political and reputational risk to the company
• Act as an ambassador to influence the business on embracing a culture that considers political risks and opportunities
• Report on activities to senior management

Industry Representation

• Act as a representative for Definity at industry committees related to insurance public policy, regulatory, and climate issues
• Continually put Definity in a position to influence public policy on insurance matters
• Build internal and external networks at all levels and key external contacts in ways to help advance the organization's goals

Lobby Reporting

• Manage Definity's lobby reporting requirements across the country

What you bring to this role?

• University degree related to public policy or business
• 7 to 10 years of related experience
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to react quickly and maintain poise in difficult situations as well as an ability to work collaboratively
• Self-motivated with proven ability to meet deadlines with grace under pressure
• Able to manage complex situations requiring a well-developed sense of strategy, time management, and business acumen
• Strong understanding of the political environment and the implications for financial services
• Strong acumen in public policy decision-making
• Pre-existing relationships and knowledge of provincial/federal politics and governments
• Excellent communication skills, demonstrating ability to assess/communicate impact of political developments on the business