Senior Manager, Government Relations

Media Superhighway; Toronto; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 103,000; Full time

Job summary

TIFF in Toronto is seeking a Senior Manager, Government Relations to lead advocacy efforts and build strong relationships with political stakeholders. The role reports to the Director, Government Relations and requires a deep understanding of Canadian public policy and budget processes.

You will develop strategic campaigns, prepare briefings, monitor policy developments, and coordinate with internal teams to align government engagement with TIFF’s cultural mission.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or related field.
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in government relations or advocacy within non-profit or cultural sectors.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to persuade government partners.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies to advance TIFF’s priorities and funding goals.
• Prepare briefs and presentations for government stakeholders, articulating TIFF’s value.
• Monitor policy trends and political developments affecting arts, culture, and nonprofits.
• Draft policy papers, submissions and speaking notes for leadership.
• Cultivate relationships with elected officials and public servants across levels of government.
• Coordinate engagement during TIFF events and ensure timely follow-ups on commitments.
• Translate data into persuasive advocacy narratives for government audiences.
• Lead cross-functional work with internal teams to align GR strategy with TIFF priorities.

Skills

Government relations

Public policy

Strategic communication

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Policy analysis

Education

Post-secondary education in Political Science/Public Policy/Public Administration/Communications

Job description

Salary Range: $65,000.00 To $103,020.00 Annually

SENIOR MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Permanent

Full-time

Government Relations

TIFF is a charitable, cultural organization dedicated to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds in our home - TIFF Lightbox. Our mission: To transform the way people see the world, through film.

TIFF is committed to embracing diversity and treating all individuals with respect, dignity and fairness by removing physical, social and economic barriers to participation.

We encourage you to reflect on the land that you are on, who the traditional keepers of the land are, what the treaty relationship is, or if it’s unceded territory. TIFF is located on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit and the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe, the Wendat, and the Haudenosaunee. We are grateful to work on this land.

We are currently hiring for the position of:

SENIOR MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

The Senior Manager, Government Relations will be responsible for leading government advocacy efforts and maintaining strong relationships with political stakeholders. The Senior Manager will report to the Director, Government Relations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance TIFF’s strategic plan, infrastructure needs, and operational funding goals.
• Prepare presentations and briefings for government stakeholders, effectively articulating TIFF's cultural and economic footprint, and community value proposition.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on public policy trends, legislative updates, and political shifts that impact the arts, culture, and non-profit sectors.
• Draft highly compelling policy briefs, position papers, pre-budget submissions, and speaking notes for executive leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with elected officials, political staff, and public service bureaucrats at all three levels of government.
• Act as a key point of contact for government partners, tracking commitments and follow-ups with government stakeholder and organizing high-impact meetings for TIFF leadership.
• Coordinating timely responses to urgency political or policy developments, or emerging GR issues.
• Translate complex institutional data (such as tourism metrics and economic impact studies) into persuasive advocacy narratives for government audiences.
• Working closely with the Manager, Government Relations, oversee government protocol and engagement during the annual Toronto International Film Festival and year-round events at TIFF Lightbox.
• Identifying funding and grant opportunities, ensuring alignment with current government mandates, policies and priorities.
• Represent TIFF in external meetings with government officials and senior public servants to advance institutional priorities.
• Manage and coordinate external government relations/lobbying agencies, ensuring alignment of messaging, priorities, and advocacy strategies.
• Work cross-functionally with key internal stakeholders/team to align GR strategy with organizational priorities
• Track and report on outcomes of government engagement, funding success, and advocacy impact

JOB GRADE & SALARY

Job Grade 4

Job Grade Salary Range/Annually or Rate of pay: $65,000 - $103,020

Our salary ranges reflect the range of skills and experience required for the role. Typically, candidates new to the role are positioned up to the midpoint of the range, with progression through the range based on performance and development over time. The top of the salary band is for employees who consistently demonstrate high performance in their role.

Start Date: November 9, 2026

WORK LOCATION

Office Location: 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5

WEEKLY IN-OFFICE REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 2 days (November to April)
• Minimum 3 days (May to October)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Post-secondary education in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).

Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, political staff roles, or advocacy within a non-profit, cultural institution, or public agency.

COMMUNICATION

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to communicate ideas and proposals persuasively to government partners during phone calls and meetings

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Proven ability to build networks and influence stakeholders across the political spectrum
• high degree of diplomacy, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

ORGANIZATION/PROJECT RESPONSIBILITY

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Lead the team in meeting timelines for advocacy campaigns

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

• Deep, nuanced understanding of Canadian political processes, public policy frameworks, and government budget cycles

• Adaptable to a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends
• This position requires being in office on a regular basis.

before the deadline of Sunday, October 18, 2026.

CLOSING

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted.

Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time.TIFF regrets that it is unable to sponsor employmentVisas; however, TIFF considers and welcomes individuals on time-limitedVisastatus for this position. For consideration to those on time-limitedVisastatus, yourVisamust allow you to complete the full contract.

TIFF may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this position.

TIFF is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities.

If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at [e-mail] . We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.