Manager Government and Stakeholder Relations

A unique contract opportunity for a seasoned government relations professional to lead high-impact advocacy in Canada’s pension/ financial services sector.

Association and Events Management International (AEMI) is a leading provider of management services to associations. With assistance from The Portage Group, AEMI is currently seeking a Manager, Government & Stakeholder Relations. The Manager will support one of AEMI’s major clients, the Pension Investment Association of Canada (PIAC), a national organization representing senior leaders in the financial services and pension sector.

This is a one-year contract engagement (commencing June 2026), designed for an experienced government relations practitioner who can operate with independence, judgment, and strategic insight. While all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, this opportunity may be particularly well suited to a semi-retired practitioner, former government staffer, or established consultant seeking a meaningful, near full-time mandate.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the PIAC Executive Director and working closely with the Board of Directors, you will lead PIAC’s advocacy and government relations function. You will work closely with subject matter experts in the membership in shaping and advancing policy positions, building trusted relationships with regulators and decision-makers, and ensuring PIAC’s voice continues to be influential, informed, and valued.

This is a hands-on and strategic role, ideal for someone who enjoys both high-level advisory work and direct execution and is comfortable with varied tasks in a small team setting.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the development and execution of PIAC’s advocacy and government relations strategy
• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and market developments impacting pensions and related public policy
• Provide strategic policy advice to the Executive Director and PIAC Board and committees
• Research, draft, and finalize high-quality submissions, briefing notes, and policy papers
• Build and maintain relationships with regulators, policymakers, and sector stakeholders
• Coordinate and support meetings with government and regulatory bodies
• Manage the full lifecycle of advocacy initiatives—from enabling volunteer committees and issue identification through to Board approval and stakeholder communication
• Collaborate with Board committees and volunteer leaders to advance advocacy priorities
• Track and document advocacy activities and outcomes
• Develop clear, concise communications to members (e.g., updates, bulletins, insights on budgets and policy developments)
• Support committee operations, including agenda development, materials, and minutes
• Potentially support other AEMI clients

Qualifications & Experience

The ideal candidate brings:

• Experience in government relations, public affairs, or policy, gained in an association, consulting, or government setting, preferably with current or prior standing as a registered lobbyist
• A strong understanding of how public policy and regulation are developed, particularly at the federal government and provincial levels
• Experience engaging with regulators and/or financial services or pension-related policy (an asset)
• Exceptional writing, synthesis, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships and influence across diverse stakeholders
• Sound judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate independently
• A proactive, organized, and solutions-oriented approach

Working Arrangement

• This role may be performed remotely, with the expectation of availability for regular virtual meetings and periodic in-person engagements with stakeholders and leadership (note the AEMI office is in downtown Toronto, near College and Yonge)
• The nature of the work requires flexibility and responsiveness to emerging policy issues and timelines

Compensation

Compensation will be structured as a contract fee or salary equivalent, commensurate with experience and level of engagement (anticipated to be near full-time). The budget is $90-110,000 for the project term (one year). Please include your proposed compensation when applying.

Application Process

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply by May 19, 2026. Direct applications to:

The Portage Group – Attention Jack Shand, CAE, CMC, FCMC

contractgr@portagegroup.com

Please submit a résumé, a brief cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience, and compensation or fee expectations. It is strongly recommended that applications be sent directly to contractgr@portagegroup.com and not rely only on the LI portal.

The successful candidate will be selected by June 1. We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.