Vice President, Ontario

Jewish Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 170,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Full benefits

Job summary

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) in Toronto seeks a senior leader to oversee government relations across Ontario. Reporting to the CEO, the VP, Ontario will shape CIJA's provincial strategy and mobilize stakeholders including donors, federations, government and community partners.

The role demands deep knowledge of Ontario's political landscape, proven team leadership, and the ability to build durable advocacy networks across diverse communities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, or politics.
• Strong knowledge of Ontario's political and institutional landscape.
• Proven track record leading teams and managing multi-stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Own CIJA's government relations strategy across Ontario and coordinate federal engagement within Ontario.
• Identify opportunities to influence policy and respond to issues affecting Ontario's Jewish community.
• Build and manage relationships with CIJA's key Ontario stakeholders: donors, federations, Jewish and community organizations, government and public institutions, and civic leaders.

Skills

Government relations

Public affairs

Advocacy

Politics

Team leadership

Donor relations

Stakeholder management

Ontario politics

Job description

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada through advocacy.

As a mission-driven organization, CIJA connects the power of a strong, national network to regional efforts in every Canadian province. Our team provides advocacy support to Jewish and pro-Israel communities across the country, including on university campuses. We offer competitive compensation and a full range of benefits, a primarily office-based work environment, opportunities for travel and professional development, and a highly collaborative, multi-functional team-based approach to work.

Position Overview

Reporting to the CEO, the VP, Ontario leads CIJA's government relations strategy across the province and its stakeholder mobilization strategy in the GTA. This is a dual mandate: government relations and community stakeholder management carry equal weight. The VP serves as CIJA's senior provincial lead, ensuring the organization is well positioned with donors, federations, government, and community partners across Ontario, including small and mid-sized communities.

Key Responsibilities

Government Relations

• Own CIJA's GR strategy with the Ontario provincial government and municipal governments across the province
  Coordinate federal engagement within Ontario alongside CIJA's national GR function
• Identify opportunities to influence policy and respond to emerging issues affecting Ontario's Jewish community
  Stakeholder Management and Mobilization
• Build and manage relationships with CIJA's key Ontario stakeholders: donors, federations, Jewish and community organizations, government and public institutions, and civic leaders
• Manage and advise the Local Partnership Council, strengthening its role as a driver of community advocacy capacity
  Develop and oversee mobilization strategies that activate community members, partners, and allies behind CIJA's priorities
• Identify and cultivate new stakeholder relationships that expand CIJA's advocacy reach beyond existing networks

Partnership

• Maintain strong relationships with Ontario's Jewish federations, ensuring alignment on strategic advocacy priorities across the province
• Coordinate with other Ontario community organizations to maximize collective impact
• Lead and manage CIJA's Ontario team, spanning government relations, municipal and local engagement, research and policy support, community communications, and grassroots mobilization
• Set strategic direction and hold the team accountable to CIJA's advocacy priorities

External Representation

• Represent CIJA at public events, speaking engagements, and forums
• Other duties as assigned

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate brings:

• Significant experience in government relations, public affairs, advocacy, or politics
• Strong knowledge of Ontario's political and institutional landscape
• A track record leading teams and managing complex, multi-stakeholder relationships
• Experience working with donors, federations, and senior government officials
• Sound judgment operating in high-pressure, high-sensitivity environments
• Strong understanding of issues affecting the Jewish community in Ontario and Canada

Working Conditions:

• Hybrid office, position will be based in Toronto.
• Working hours may include some nights and weekends.
• Travel across Ontario and possible Canada.

Salary Range : $170,000 to $195,000

CIJA welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Applicants are asked if accommodations are required when contacted about an interview.