Public Affairs Manager - Canada

Sage; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global AI-powered SaaS company seeks a Public Affairs Manager to lead public policy engagement in Canada. You will develop advocacy strategies, manage relationships with policymakers, and support SMB-focused initiatives. Over 6 years of experience in public affairs and strong networking abilities are essential. The role offers a competitive salary ranging from C$120,000 to C$150,000 and various benefits, including extensive paid time off and health coverage.

Benefits

100% paid health coverage

RRSP contribution match

35 days paid time off

Opportunity to work abroad

Paid parental leave

Annual tuition reimbursement

Qualifications

• Experience in an in-house public affairs role in tech or corporate environment.
• Ability to quickly grasp complex technical and compliance issues.
• Experience advancing public policy positions supporting SMBs or digital policy.

Responsibilities

• Lead engagement with policymakers and public institutions in Canada.
• Build relationships with business organisations and political groups.
• Develop policy projects and advocacy initiatives.

Skills

Networking skills

Communication with impact

Project management

Analytical skills

Organisational skills

Education

6+ years in public affairs or advanced knowledge of Canadian political environment

Job description

Job Description

As Public Affairs Manager at Sage, you’ll join our Global Public Affairs team to lead Sage’s public policy engagement in Canada and strengthen our voice on issues affecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). You’ll develop and execute advocacy strategies at the federal and provincial levels, build and maintain relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders, and provide strategic counsel to internal teams on regulatory, legislative, and political developments, including digital and AI adoption, open banking, and data governance. You’ll represent Sage in external forums, contribute to thought leadership on digital and SMB policy, and support initiatives that promote a competitive and innovative environment for Canada’s entrepreneurs.

Why Sage?

Sage empowers small to medium-sized businesses, the backbone of our economies, to knock down barriers and succeed with AI-powered Accounting & Financial Management software. Knowing that millions of our global customers depend on our solutions motivates us to keep innovating so they keep growing. Sage Copilot is a prime example: https://youtu.be/TaXRflh0Nz4?si=_CVy334Jf-fmYPPI

Support a global AI‑Powered SaaS company recognized for empowering diverse entrepreneurs and small‑to‑medium sized businesses. Drive Sage's mission in Canada to shape policies that support entrepreneurship, innovation, advancements in AI, and climate sustainability. Join a values‑driven company that embodies Doing the Right Thing: Human, Trust, Bold, and Simplify while giving back to communities through Sage Foundation, offering every colleague 40 paid hours annually to volunteer.

Location

Hybrid; 3 days per week from our Toronto office with the ability to travel to Ottawa on a monthly basis.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in an in‑house public affairs role in tech or a corporate environment. Or advanced knowledge of the Canadian political environment, policy development, legislative and regulatory systems, with the ability to quickly grasp complex technical and compliance issues.
• Strong networking skills and the ability to build effective relationships quickly and influence.
• Experience advancing advocacy or public policy positions that support small and medium‑sized businesses (SMBs) or digital/technology policy topics such as AI, consumer‑driven banking, digital identity, or data governance.
• Confidence and competency in managing cross‑functional projects and partnerships, including contracts with external organisations and vendors.
• Proven ability to communicate with impact across a wide range of audiences through compelling writing, video content, and public speaking.
• Proactive, creative mindset, comfortable working in a global, agile environment.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Experience working as part of a global or multinational team, bringing a clear national perspective to global strategy and decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate Sage’s engagement with policymakers, government entities, regulatory authorities, and public institutions across Canada.
• Build and manage relationships with think tanks, business organisations, industry associations, and political groups to advance Sage’s policy priorities.
• Proactively identify opportunities for Sage to participate in relevant policy debates, consultations, and regulatory reviews.
• Design, develop, and deliver policy projects, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives that support Sage’s business objectives.
• Brief and provide strategic counsel to the senior leadership team on key policy developments, trends, and risks.
• Draft high‑quality position papers, consultation responses, and policy materials on priority issues.
• Work collaboratively across Public Affairs, the Canadian leadership team, Strategic Alliances and Global Corporate Affairs to integrate policy insights into PR, social media, marketing communications, and internal communications ensuring clear, consistent messaging.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job‑related knowledge, education, and experience. Certain provinces in Canada require job postings to include a reasonable estimate of the salary range applicable to the role. For this role, in those locations, the target base salary range for new hires is C$120,000 to C$150,000. In addition to base salary, employees will participate in a bonus plan (20%) based on company and individual performance. Our talent acquisition team will provide specific opportunities on our bonus or incentive programs. The range listed is just one component of the Sage total compensation package.

Benefits

• 100% paid premiums for health, dental, and vision coverage
• RRSP contribution match (100% up to 4%)
• 35 days paid time off (11 holidays, 16 vacation days, 3 personal days, 5 sick days)
• Work Away, an opportunity to work & play for 10 weeks in a country of your choice (from a Sage‑approved list)
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or surrogacy offered 1 year after your start date
• 5 days paid yearly to volunteer (through Sage Foundation)
• $5,250 tuition reimbursement per calendar year starting 6 months after your hire date
• Sage Wellness Rewards Program (annual fitness reimbursement)
• Library of on‑demand career development options and ongoing training offerings