Director of Policy

Polytechnics Canada

At Polytechnics Canada, we are proud promotors of the polytechnic education model. As the voice of 13 leading research-intensive, publicly supported polytechnics, colleges and institutes of technology, we advocate for federal action in areas that overlap with member capacity and interest, highlighting how and where they offer solutions to critical national challenges.

Polytechnic education is technical, hands-on and applied. Polytechnic institutions allow students to learn alongside industry professionals, to industry standards, using industry equipment.

Businesses and organizations partner with polytechnics to solve their challenges through applied research.

The Polytechnics Canada team is a small group of dedicated and enthusiastic professionals working in a fast-paced office environment.

We are seeking a motivated senior leader who, like us, has high standards for quality work, is able to multi-task and has a great sense of humour.

Director of Policy

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Policy is responsible for developing and skillfully executing a range of advocacy and government relations initiatives in alignment with Polytechnics Canada’s strategic objectives.

This hands-on role will manage relationships with key government officials, contribute to policy development and organize outreach with internal and external stakeholders.

As our ideal candidate, you will have strong leadership qualities and interpersonal skills with solid experience in advocacy and public policy.

Skills & Attributes

• Post-secondary education in political science or a related field
• At least 5 years experience in a policy and / or government relations role, ideally with knowledge of the post-secondary sector
• Ability to draft and edit persuasive content
• Ability to manage projects and timelines
• Experience leading a team
• Self-disciplined and detail-oriented
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Key Responsibilities

• Identify opportunities to advance the mission, vision and profile of Polytechnics Canada
• Develop and support partnerships with like-minded organizations and / or those with overlapping interests
• Author strategic communications documents, policy briefs and op-eds
• Provide team leadership, using good judgment and respecting confidentiality
• Stay abreast of current and emerging policy issues of interest to Polytechnics Canada and its members
• Identify organizational risks and participate in developing / implementing risk-mitigation strategies
• In collaboration with the CEO, oversee and task policy team to ensure effective execution of the Polytechnics Canada strategic mandate
• Ensure ongoing connections to key external contacts
• Identify opportunities to deepen / broaden research and policy positions whether possible with internal resources or requiring outside contractors

Job Type : Permanent, Full-time

Pay : $100,000 - $120,000 per year

Schedule :

Monday to Friday

Ability to commute / relocate :

Ottawa, ON : reliably commute (required)

Education :

Bachelor's Degree (required)

Work Location : In person