Director, Government Relations (British Columbia)

Santis Health; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Santis Health is seeking a Director for its Government Relations Practice in British Columbia. The successful candidate will provide leadership in developing strategic government affairs plans, managing client accounts, and guiding a project team. The role requires strong interpersonal skills, extensive experience in government relations, and a degree in a relevant field. This position offers an opportunity to significantly influence health public policy and drive business growth within a leading consultancy.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of relevant work experience in government relations.
• Post-graduate qualifications beneficial.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government affairs and public policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee client accounts with strategic government affairs plans.
• Manage project teams while ensuring client deliverables meet budget and timeline.
• Cultivate relationships with health care clients.

Skills

Communication

Project Management

Problem Solving

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Education

Degree in political science, public policy, economics, communications or a related field

Job description

Position Overview:

Santis Health, a leading public affairs, communications and strategy consultancy focusing on the health care sector, has an opportunity for a Director with our Government Relations Practice. Based in British Columbia, this role requires an ambitious, self-motivated individual with a proven track record of building a practice and a strong leadership presence. As a key leader in the Santis Government Affairs Practice, the Director will help to build out Santis’ offerings in British Columbia.

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and oversee client accounts, developing and executing high-impact strategic government affairs plans.
• Manage a project team, providing leadership, mentorship, and guidance to direct reports.
• Ensure seamless execution of client deliverables by overseeing budgets, forecasting, resource allocation, and timelines.
• Drive business growth by implementing a business plan.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with health care clients.
• Provide strategic counsel on health public policy development, government and stakeholder engagement.
• Build trust and credibility with clients and senior leadership through expert guidance and proactive problem-solving.
• Lead business development initiatives, including strategy development and proposal writing.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in a leadership position in building a practice and winning and delivering exceptional government affairs offerings.
• Degree in political science, public policy, economics, communications or a related field (or equivalent experience); post-graduate qualifications are beneficial.
• Minimum of 7 to 10 years of relevant work experience directly in the government or in a government relations role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of government affairs, public policy and politics in British Columbia, and across Canada.
• Strong project management skills, including budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning.
• Exceptional communication and presentation abilities.
• Flexible schedule for some evening/weekend work.

Required Skills:

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills (including PowerPoint / G-Suite proficiency).
• Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients, projects, and competing deadlines.
• Strong prioritization, time management, and problem-solving abilities, particularly on complex and sensitive issues
• Ability to independently drive client projects forward while proactively identifying and addressing needs.
• Attention to detail and a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Professionalism and the ability to build and maintain strong client relationships.

About Santis Health Inc:

Santis Health is a health care and life sciences consulting firm that provides a wide range of strategy, communications, and government affairs services to clients across Canada. Clients of Santis Health include some of Canada’s largest companies – from Pfizer, Medtronic and Roche to Shopper’s Drug Mart and LifeLabs – national health organizations like the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), the Canadian Partnership Against Cancer (CPAC) and the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) and multiple hospitals, community organizations, and patient groups. To learn more, please visit: www.santishealth.caSantis Health is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that is safe and respectful. Our aim is to ensure all employees and job applicants are given equal and equitable opportunity, and that our organization represents a diverse array of expertise, skills and backgrounds. We are committed to fair employment practices that do not discriminate on the basis of age, gender, disability, socio-economic status, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, national origin, religious beliefs, political beliefs, sex and sexual orientation, and other dimensions that are intrinsic to who we are as individuals.If you are interested in becoming the newest team member of Santis Health and believe you have the qualifications listed in the job description, please submit both your cover letter and resume, in one PDF document, by email to [e-mail]