Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario; Golden Horseshoe; Hybrid; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established regulatory agency is seeking a Senior Manager for Corporate Affairs. This role is pivotal in shaping government relations and strategic initiatives, requiring a blend of strong leadership and political acumen. The successful candidate will guide cross-functional teams, manage sensitive issues, and develop strategic approaches to enhance the agency's influence on public policy. This position offers a dynamic work environment where you can make a significant impact on the agency's mission and contribute to the governance of Ontario's alcohol, gaming, and cannabis sectors.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in public policy or corporate governance in a regulatory setting.
• Proven leadership experience managing teams and high-profile issues.

Responsibilities

• Lead government relations strategies and oversee issues management.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on complex matters.

Skills

Government Relations

Issues Management

Strategic Planning

Public Policy

Stakeholder Relations

Communication Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Education

Post-secondary education in Public Policy

Political Science

Law

Economics

Business Administration

Job description

Term: Contract (of up to 13 months), Full-Time

Division/Branch: Corporate Affairs, Policy, Planning and Projects Division / Corporate Affairs, Governance and Agency Oversight Branch

Application Deadline: May 21, 2025

Pay Range: $55.87 hourly to $82.90 hourly

Position Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; Hybrid

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. The AGCO is responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horseracing, and cannabis retail sectors in Ontario, in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The Corporate Affairs, Governance, and Agency Oversight Branch is seeking a highly motivated and strategic professional to join our team as Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs.

This position plays a key leadership role in advancing the AGCO’s government relations, issues management, and strategic initiatives. Reporting to the Director, Corporate Affairs and Governance, the Senior Manager provides strategic advice and support to the Chief Strategy Officer, Executive Committee, Chief Executive Officer, and AGCO Divisions on a wide range of complex and sensitive matters. The role leads cross-functional teams to support coordinated responses to government requests and issues, develops briefing materials and submissions to secure key approvals, and oversees major agency project initiatives in alignment with the AGCO’s strategic priorities.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and contribute to government relations strategies that advance the AGCO’s strategic objectives and strengthen its ability to positively influence public policy and government initiatives.
• Oversee the AGCO’s issues management function, including the proactive identification and resolution of potentially sensitive issues, inquiries, and requests for information to support timely and informed decision-making.
• Offer strategic advice and guidance to senior leadership on a wide range of matters, supporting effective organizational planning and responsiveness.
• Lead the preparation of government submissions, briefing materials, and issue notes to support engagement with key decision-makers and secure necessary approvals.
• Monitor, assess, and manage emerging issues with the potential to impact the AGCO’s operations or reputation, and develop appropriate responses.
• Support AGCO divisions in navigating government decision-making structures by developing clear, strategic approaches to engagement.
• Advise internal teams and government partners on issue impacts and recommend strategies for effective resolution or mitigation.
• Lead the planning and execution of corporate projects, ensuring alignment with the AGCO’s strategic priorities and organizational goals.
• Build and maintain productive and respectful relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote collaboration and information sharing.
• Provide inclusive and supportive leadership to a team of senior advisors, fostering a culture of high performance, collaboration, and continuous development.

Candidate should have the following qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, Business Administration, or relevant senior experience that develops critical and strategic thinking.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in public policy, corporate governance, stakeholder relations, or related fields, ideally in a public sector or regulatory setting, with considerable experience managing high-profile issues and advising senior leadership on sensitive matters.
• Proven leadership experience with the ability to manage and mentor teams, fostering collaboration across functions to build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve shared organizational goals.
• Strong political acuity and the ability to navigate complex political environments, influencing decision-makers to drive positive outcomes, particularly within the legislative and regulatory frameworks of Ontario’s liquor, gaming, cannabis, and horse racing sectors.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse stakeholders, while fostering strong relationships across functions to achieve shared objectives.
• Advanced experience with policy development, program design, evaluation, and statutory/regulatory policy interpretation.
• Strong problem-solving skills and knowledge of risk management principles and techniques, ideally applied within government or regulatory environments.
• Comprehensive understanding of the regulatory frameworks and current events affecting the gaming, liquor, cannabis, and horse racing sectors in Ontario and globally, with strong experience navigating government processes, including fiscal planning, legislative/regulatory changes, and strategic decision-making.
• Successful candidates must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request.

• 90 Sheppard Ave E, North York, ON M2N 3A1, Canada