Senior Manager, Government Relations

British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA); Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 91,000 - 122,000; Full time

Job summary

The British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA) seeks a Senior Manager, Government Relations to lead advocacy efforts for dentists in BC. This role involves managing relationships with government entities and driving strategic initiatives for improved healthcare policies. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in government relations, exceptional communication skills, and a passion for supporting dental professionals. BCDA offers a hybrid work model and competitive salary.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Paid vacation and sick leave

Opportunities for professional development

Flexible work environment

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in government relations.
• Extensive experience engaging Ministry officials and regulatory bodies.
• Ability to cultivate relationships to influence policy outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategies to influence policy and legislation.
• Lead advocacy campaigns and represent BCDA in negotiations.
• Oversee projects impacting dentists and healthcare policies.

Skills

Diplomacy

Political Acumen

Research and Analytical Skills

Communication

Project Management

Negotiation

Education

Bachelor's degree in political science, social sciences, business, law, or organizational governance

Master’s degree (considered an asset)

Job description

Direct message the job poster from British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA)

Director, Corporate Development at the British Columbia Dental Association (BCDA)

About Us :

BCDA is the trusted voice of BC dentists, championing the promotion and delivery of world-class oral health care to patients throughout the province. Our mission is to champion, safeguard, and advance BC dentists to succeed and excel as oral health caregivers by providing insightful guidance, trusted support and strong advocacy. We represent over 4000 general dentists and certified dental specialists across BC and collaborate with health and community stakeholder groups to link the clinical work of our members with better health outcomes.

BCDA is a regional and national leader in proactive professional association management and a proud member of the Canadian Dental Association. The Association provides a range of member programs and services, including online education for dentists and their clinic staff, one-to-one member support, and mentorship programs. It is a proven leader in professional association management, with a dynamic and inclusive culture of collaboration, cooperation and innovation.

Position Summary :

As BCDA’s Senior Manager, Government Relations, reporting to the Director, Corporate Development, you’ll be the driving force behind our advocacy efforts in helping to advance dentists' interests through all levels of government engagement. This leadership role goes beyond traditional lobbying; you’ll architect BCDA’s strategy on critical issues and transform complex policy landscapes into tangible wins for BC dentists. By cultivating influential relationships with ministers, regulators, and health sector allies, you’ll ensure BCDA’s voice dominates key legislative discussions while anticipating and mitigating threats to the profession. The role requires a combination of political acuity, negotiation skills, and an understanding of healthcare policy to drive impactful outcomes for the Association and its members. This role is eligible for the BCDA hybrid work model with a blend of in office and remote work.

Key Responsibilities :

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Develop and execute government relations strategies to influence policy, legislation, and regulations affecting dentistry in BC.
• Cultivate a network of allies across health agencies, regulators and partner organizations to build coalitions on priority issues.
• Anticipate and mitigate policy risks through proactive monitoring of political developments, with rapid-response recommendations.
• Lead advocacy campaigns, including drafting submissions, correspondence, position papers, and presentations to government bodies.
• Work with external lobbyists or consultants to amplify advocacy efforts.
• Champion compliance by overseeing the BCDA Lobbyist Registry and ensuring flawless adherence.
• Negotiation & Stakeholder Engagement
• Represent the BCDA in high-level negotiations with government and regulatory agencies on issues impacting the dental profession.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy efforts with the BCDA’s strategic priorities.
• Mobilize member voices by translating grassroots concerns into compelling advocacy narratives.
• Project Management
• Spearhead various government and dentistry-related projects impacting dentists including, but not limited to, profession regulatory development, government dental plans, workforce shortages issues, government-funded programs and other projects as assigned by the CEO and Director, Corporate Development.
• Present to senior leadership with data-driven insights on policy trends and campaign effectiveness.

Required Skills & Qualifications :

• A minimum Bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political science, social sciences, business, law, or organizational governance, with at least 5 years’ of related experience. A Master’s degree would be considered an asset.
• Considerable knowledge of government relations best practices, including objectives, programs, and effective approaches to issues management and stakeholder relations.
• Seasoned in high-level government relations with extensive experience engaging Ministry officials, regulatory bodies, and executive decision-makers (including boards and committees). Demonstrated expertise in navigating complex governance structures, shaping policy outcomes, and cultivating trusted relationships to advance organizational priorities at the highest levels.
• Excellent diplomacy skills and political acumen with proven ability to foster and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external partners and stakeholders, including during collaboration on contentious or challenging priorities.
• Superior research and analytical skills combined with excellent verbal and written communication abilities, including editing skills and a proven track record of developing clear, concise communications.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in setting priorities, managing time effectively, identifying emerging issues, and problem-solving while working under deadlines.
• Ability to lead projects effectively and provide strategic advice to colleagues at all levels, including senior leadership and executives.
• Highly organized and resourceful with outstanding attention to detail.
• Knowledge of BC’s healthcare system and experience working with the dental community would be considered valuable assets.
• Capable of working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Salary & Benefits

BCDA offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The salary range is $91,404 - $121,873.

To Apply

Please forward your covering letter and resume to [e-mail] subject line : Sr. Mgr. Government Relations, by Tuesday, July 15, 2025.

We kindly ask for no phone calls please. Only local candidates who are selected for interview will be contacted. We thank all applicants for their interest in joining the BCDA.

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Job function

Other

Non-profit Organization Management

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