Manager Partnerships and Public Affairs

U15 Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A Canadian advocacy organization is seeking a Manager, Partnerships & Public Affairs in Ottawa. This role involves coordinating stakeholder engagement, supporting communications, and managing government relations. Ideal candidates will hold an undergraduate degree, possess strong research and communication skills, and have experience in public affairs or similar roles. This position offers a chance to influence research and public policy while working in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in coordination- and writing-intensive roles.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Knowledge of Canada’s higher education and research landscape.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate meetings, roundtables, and events.
• Monitor and summarize media coverage.
• Support government relations activities.
• Maintain contact records for outreach and advocacy.

Skills

Strong research skills

Analytical skills

Writing skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Government relations

Bilingualism (English/French)

Education

Undergraduate degree in public policy or related field

Graduate degree (optional)

Job description

U15 Canada represents Canada’s leading research universities. We advance research, innovation, and higher education through evidence-informed advocacy, strong partnerships, and effective engagement with government and sector leaders.

The Manager, Partnerships & Public Affairs plays a key role in keeping our stakeholder engagement, communications, and government relations work running smoothly—through strong coordination, clear writing, and reliable research support.

What you’ll do

Stakeholder engagement & partnerships

• Coordinate meetings, roundtables, and events (scheduling, agendas, materials, logistics, follow-up)
• Maintain contact records (engagement history, priorities) to support outreach and advocacy
• Support U15-chaired committees/working groups (prep, minutes/records of decision, action-item tracking)
• Provide coordination support for international partner engagement, including the Global Research-Intensive Universities Network (committees, delegations, working groups)

Communications & government relations

• Monitor and summarize media coverage in research, innovation, and higher education
• Support producing social media content
• Track Parliamentary and committee activity relevant to U15 priorities
• Coordinate government relations activities (meeting logistics, correspondence, briefing materials, document management) and support the U15 Government Relations and Communications Tables

What you bring

• Undergraduate degree in public policy, public administration, political science, communications, or a related field (graduate degree is an asset)
• Strong research, data, analytical, and writing skills—able to synthesize complex information into clear, decision-ready products
• 2+ years in coordination- and writing-intensive roles (public affairs, communications, stakeholder engagement, government relations, or similar)
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines with strong attention to detail
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and a collaborative, proactive working style
• Knowledge of Canada’s higher education, research, and innovation landscape is an asset
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset

Why this role

You’ll support work at the intersection of research, innovation, and public policy—helping strengthen relationships and deliver well-run engagement that advances U15 Canada’s impact.

To apply

via LinkedIn or by email to [e-mail]. Applications must be submitted by January 26.

Location/work model

In-person in the Ottawa office

While we appreciate all applications, please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

U15 Canada is committed to an inclusive hiring process. If you require accommodations at any stage, please let us know.