Senior Manager, Government and Parliamentary Affairs

Macdonald, Dettwiler And Associates Corporation; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 135,000 - 168,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care plans

Supplemental and flexible drug plans

Dental and vision benefits

Disability income protection

Life insurance

Group retirement savings plans

Employee assistance program

Job summary

MDA Space is seeking a Senior Manager of Government and Parliamentary Affairs to lead government relations and public policy initiatives from its Ottawa office. The role engages with federal officials, Parliament, and industry groups to advance policy priorities and strategic messaging for Canada’s space sector.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs, you will craft briefs, coordinate campaigns and drive outcomes across government and industry, including security

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of progressively senior experience in government affairs or public policy within Canada.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian government, parliamentary and political system.
• Experience with federal government, Parliament, ministerial offices or central agencies.
• Excellent writing, analytical and persuasive communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead government relations and public policy campaigns through advocacy and messaging.
• Identify and track policy issues and influence outcomes at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, public servants and industry reps.
• Provide strategic analysis to executives on policy, regulatory and procurement priorities.
• Represent MDA Space at policy discussions and industry events.

Skills

Policy advocacy

Stakeholder engagement

Public policy

Lobbying

Strategic communication

Written briefs

Parliamentary affairs

Security clearance

Education

University degree in public policy, political science, public administration, business, economics, law or strategic communications

Job description

Senior Manager, Government and Parliamentary Affairs

Job Category: Marketing

Requisition Number: SENIO012378

• Posted : August 17, 2026
• Full-Time
• Hybrid

Locations

Showing 1 location

Description

Building the space between proven and possible, MDA Space (TSX:MDA) (NYSE:MDA) is a trusted mission partner to the global space and defence industry. A robotics, satellite systems and geointelligence pioneer with a 55-year+ story of world firsts and more than 450 missions, MDA Space is a global leader in communications satellites, Earth and space observation, and space exploration and infrastructure. The MDA Space team of more than 4,000 space experts in Canada, the US and the UK has the knowledge and know-how to turn an audacious customer vision into an achievable mission – bringing to bear a one-of-a-kind mix of experience, engineering excellence and wide-eyed wonder that’s been in our DNA since day one. For those who dream big and push boundaries on the ground and in the stars to change the world for the better, we’ll take you there.

The Opportunity:

Do you thrive at the intersection of government and business, turning complex policy and legislative landscapes into strategic advantage? Are you an ambitious, collaborative, results‑driven professional who is eager to expand their expertise and deliver meaningful outcomes every day? Do you enjoy working in a fast‑paced, high‑impact environment combining strategy with tactical execution? Are you passionate about lobbying, networking and stakeholder engagement? Do you excel at crafting persuasive messaging and written briefs? Are you a space nerd looking for one of the best public affairs jobs in Canada? We want to hear from you!

Reporting directly to the Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs, you will play a critical role in developing and executing the company’s government relations and public affairs strategies, advocating for policies that support the growth of MDA Space and Canada’s space sector and sharing the story of MDA Space ambitions, perspectives and corporate priorities.

This is a career-defining opportunity to make your mark at Canada’s première space company as we chart a path for global growth and domination.

This is a new position located on site at our downtown office in Ottawa, Canada.

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead and support government relations and public policy campaigns through strategic advocacy, thought leadership and persuasive messaging.
• Identify and track public policy issues, influence complex multi-stakeholder environments and shape outcomes that align with MDA Space’s interests, business goals and operational needs.
• Build and maintain relationships with, and represent MDA Space to, elected officials, political advisors, public servants and industry association representatives primarily at the federal level, with the ability to grow key relationships within select officials and departments in both the provincial and municipal government levels.
• Provide strategic advice, insights and analysis to MDA Space C-suite executives, senior business leaders and internal teams on the Canadian political, policy, legislative, procurement and regulatory environment and priorities.
• Represent MDA Space at industry events, forums and policy discussions, reinforcing our brand and leadership role in Canada’s space industry and ecosystem.

Ideal Experience and Expertise:

• University degree in relative disciplines, including public policy, political science, public administration, business, economics, law or strategic communications.
• 8-10 years of progressively senior experience in government affairs, public policy or regulatory roles within the business/tech sector, consulting/lobbyist firms, industry/trade associations, think tanks or government/parliamentary institutions within Canada.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian government, parliamentary and political system, policy-making and budgetary processes, including legislative, regulatory and Cabinet decision-making.
• Extensive experience working in or with the federal government, including Parliament, ministerial offices or central agencies.
• Established trusted cross-party relationships and network of elected officials, political staff, key public servants and policy/industry peers.
• A seasoned and proactive self-starter with a results-oriented mindset, a get-it-done attitude, a strong work ethic and a demonstrated ability to work efficiently and independently with great attention to detail.
• Superior writing and analytical skills with strong ability to translate highly technical concepts into clear, persuasive and impactful messaging, position papers, written policy briefs, advocacy strategies, speeches, presentations, submissions, Q&As and campaigns that influence policy and business outcomes.
• Driven by curiosity, collaboration, creativity and confidence.
• Strong organizational, planning and leadership skills and exceptional ability to manage multiple, diverse files and projects under tight deadlines while working both autonomously and collaboratively.
• Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills in English, with similar skills in the French language a significant asset.
• Knowledge of the space, telecommunications or defence sectors and/or relevant regulatory frameworks and procurement landscape considered an asset.
• Familiarity with the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists Registration System.
• Must meet the requirements to be a registered lobbyist.
• Business acumen gained by working for or advising public-traded companies is an asset.
• Willingness to travel.
• Acting strategically –identifies and prioritizes the most critical factors to consider in making decisions.Develops plans that consider the impact beyond own area, location, function or market
• Takes ownership –takes ownership by driving innovation and tackling big needs and issues.
• Exceptional Communicator –a persuasive communicator who is open, direct and approachable who can deliver crisp, concise, incisive, logical written and verbal content
• Global Thinker –takes a big picture, global and holistic approach to external advocacy with demonstrated sensitivity for and appreciation of diversity and culture
• Executive Presence and Maturity –a natural leader and a visible and hands-on team player with a high-level of professionalism, diplomacy, emotional intelligence, self-awareness and business acumen
• Acts as Change Agent –comfortable driving the strategic behaviour changes needed to support MDA Space on its transformation journey

Special Considerations:

Successful candidates must obtain and hold security clearance at the secretstatus level, and pass security assessment for the Controlled Goods Program (CGP), and be able to obtain higher clearances.

Benefits Statement:

MDA Space offers competitive compensation and benefits to its employees at all of its locations. As a member of the MDA Space team, you and your eligible dependents can enroll in a benefits plan that provides a comprehensive level of protection through competitive health care, including: health care plans supplemental and flexible drug plans, dental and vision benefits, disability income protection, life insurance, group retirement savings plans and an employee assistance program and to their family.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

MDA Space is an equal opportunity employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. We are committed to treating all employees and candidates with respect and dignity. If you require assistance or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruitment process, please let us know.

The compensation range for this position is $135,000 - $168,000 annually. The specific compensation offered will be based on the qualifications and experience of the successful candidate.