[Hiring] Lead, Government and External Relations @Canadian Climate Institute

Role Description

Reporting to the Director of Communications & External Relations, the Lead, Government and External Relations is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive strategies and work plans to effectively engage with representatives of government, industry, civil society organizations, Indigenous rights holders, and others concerning Institute research and policy recommendations.

• Manage government relations and external engagement with a primary focus on federal and Ontario-specific policy issues and outreach.
• Lead comprehensive engagement planning and external relations activities in support of the Institute’s Clean Growth and 440 Megatonnes research streams.
• Collaborate closely with the Executive team and senior staff to ensure strategic and coordinated government and external relations.
• Represent the Institute in meetings and at functions as needed.
• Produce materials for federal, Ontario, and project-specific government relations and external engagement.
• Keep colleagues up to date on priority relationships and policy developments.
• Coordinate with other regional government relations leads in the External Affairs team to align engagement strategies, workplans, and materials.
• Provide strategic input and tactical engagement support for other research streams when needed.
• Involve proactive outreach and ongoing relationship stewardship with political staff and officials.
• Monitor political and policy issues at the federal and provincial level.
• Track the Institute’s policy impact across jurisdictions.
• Create project-specific outreach lists and keep CRM contacts up to date.
• Prepare polished engagement materials such as presentations, briefing notes, and official correspondence in both official languages with minimal oversight.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications or a related field (or equivalent experience); a graduate degree is an asset.
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in government relations, public affairs, political or government roles, stakeholder engagement, or a related field.
• Existing professional network and experience stewarding relationships with federal and Ontario government officials and political staff, preferably with a focus on climate, energy, infrastructure and/or clean growth portfolios.
• Ability to represent the Institute independently in outreach and meetings with government officials, national organizations, Indigenous representatives, industry and others.
• Willingness to travel as necessary and work outside regular business hours.
• Excellent bilingual (French/English) written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience producing correspondence and briefing materials for policy audiences.
• Strong understanding of federal and provincial legislative processes, the Canadian political landscape, and national and regional climate/energy policy issues.
• Highly motivated, values-aligned, and politically astute.
• Impeccable attention to detail and knowledge of government relations best practices.
• Self-directed with strong organizational and project management skills.
• Must be based in the Ottawa area.
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered.

Requirements

• Legal authorization to work in Canada.

Benefits

• A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with the ability to flex hours as necessary due to travel or after-hours work.
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country.
• A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup.
• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end.
• Up to five days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices.
• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe.
• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports.
• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year.
• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences.