National Director, Government Relations and Advocacy

JDRF Canada; Montreal, Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading advocacy organization in Canada seeks a National Director, Government Relations and Advocacy to champion essential government relations efforts. Responsibilities include driving advocacy initiatives, engaging with government stakeholders, and developing strategic plans to enhance public funding for type 1 diabetes research. Candidates should have a university degree, significant experience in government relations, and strong communication skills. This remote-first position is ideal for individuals based in Montreal or nearby areas.

Benefits

Health and Wellness Benefits

Professional Development Opportunities

Group RRSP Matching Program

Flexible work arrangement

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of government decision-making processes.
• Proven experience in government advocacy and lobbying.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a stakeholder map for government.
• Create and execute government relations and advocacy plans.
• Prepare briefing notes and reports for government engagement.
• Build relationships with elected and non-elected officials.

Skills

Government advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communication

Bilingual communication (English/French)

Leadership

Education

University degree

7–10 years experience in Government Relations

Job description

Overview

National Director, Government Relations and Advocacy

We’re excited to share that Breakthrough T1D is the evolution of JDRF Canada. We’re the same organization with the same mission to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) — just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star, and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

We’re looking for a strategic, persuasive, and collaborative leader to champion our government relations and advocacy efforts, driving meaningful change for people living with T1D. In this pivotal role, you will lead government relations and advocacy at federal and provincial levels, shaping strategies to secure funding for T1D research and expand public coverage for life-changing devices and treatments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a stakeholder map for federal and provincial governments; proactively build relationships and serve as liaison between Breakthrough T1D and government stakeholders.
• Create and execute annual government relations and advocacy plans.
• Identify opportunities for leadership to advocate for Breakthrough T1D and strengthen its profile within government.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, and speaking points for government engagement.
• Review proposals and provide guidance for grant and program development.
• Draft responses to government inquiries, advocacy documents, and funding proposals; collaborate with Scientific staff to pursue new government funding opportunities.
• Conduct research on policy issues and anticipate information needs.
• Monitor and research federal and provincial legislation and policies; analyze impacts and impact needs.
• Evaluate emerging and long-term opportunities for government engagement.
• Design and implement provincial and federal advocacy and awareness days.
• Build and nurture relationships with elected and non-elected officials, including Health Canada and the Federal All-Party Juvenile Diabetes Caucus.
• Collaborate with diabetes organizations and represent Breakthrough T1D at stakeholder meetings.
• Coordinate responses and follow-ups for internal and external inquiries, including urgent matters.
• Identify government relations opportunities aligned with Breakthrough T1D’s mandate; engage staff and volunteers in GR priorities.
• Research and report on policy / regulatory changes affecting funded programs.
• Develop strategies to engage constituents in public policy input, lobbying, and advocacy campaigns.
• Collaborate internally on advocacy tools, marketing content, training, and donor reporting.
• Serve as staff lead for the National GR committee and provincial subcommittees.
• Manage external consultants and collaborate with Breakthrough T1D affiliates to deliver GR programs.
• Lead and coach a small team, balancing immediate priorities with long-term strategies.

Qualifications

• University degree and 7–10 years of progressive experience in Government Relations, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong knowledge of government decision-making processes, including regulatory and legislative structures, gained through roles in Government Relations or as a political staffer.
• Proven experience in government advocacy and lobbying, including developing policy positions and drafting submissions and correspondence.
• Demonstrated success in government relations and stakeholder engagement; ability to influence and build relationships with a solid understanding of outreach strategies.
• Scientific or health-related background is an asset.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; bilingual (English/French) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with volunteers, senior executives, and government relations agencies.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to coach, mentor, and develop staff.
• Ability to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and manage multiple projects without compromising quality or efficiency.

Salary and Location

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $100,000-$125,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location preference: Breakthrough T1D is a remote-first organization with staff located across Canada. Due to the nature of this role, frequent travel to Ottawa, sometimes on short notice, could be expected. Candidates should be based in or near the Greater Toronto Area, Ottawa, Montreal, or surrounding areas. Depending on location of the incumbent, travel may be up to 20% and a valid driver’s license is required.

Application Deadline

Please submit your resume through our careers website by November 2, 2025.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Benefits and Recruitment

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values of Respect, Understanding and Integrity; Perseverance; Collaboration; Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship; and Efficiency, Effectiveness and Accountability. If our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:

• Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).
• Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health, including Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not Myself Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.
• Professional Development: We support career growth with Budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.
• Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer, and more.
• Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.

Recruitment Process and Inclusion

Recruitment Process: We may review applications as they are received and this position will remain posted until it is filled. Our process typically includes an initial introductory phone call, and up to two video interviews over MS Teams with the hiring manager and team members. Some positions may require a skills-based evaluation. We thank all applicants, but only those selected for an introductory phone call will be contacted after submission.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is committed to an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require accommodation measures to ensure you are interviewed fairly. Information relating to accommodation requests will be treated confidentially.

Required Skills and Experience

Required Skills

Required Experience