Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations

Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations

Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations

Rainbow Railroad

Reports to the Head of Engagement

Full-time, permanent (40 hours / week)

Location : Toronto ON or Ottawa ON (with international travel)

Start Date : January 7, 2026

About Rainbow Railroad

Rainbow Railroad is an international nonprofit organization that helps LGBTQI+ people facing persecution find pathways to safety. Since our founding in 2006, we have supported over 25,000 at-risk LGBTQI+ people and have become a global leader in advocating for LGBTQI+ rights within the context of forced displacement. We work at the intersection of LGBTQI+ identities and forced displacement as direct service providers, advocates, thought leaders, and movement strategists. Our mission is guided by a commitment to becoming a refugee-led and refugee-informed organization, centering the voices, leadership, and experiences of LGBTQI+ people affected by forced displacement.

Rainbow Railroad is a registered charity in Canada and a U.S. 501(c)3 organization with offices in Toronto and New York.

Position Overview

Rainbow Railroad is seeking an experienced policy and advocacy professional to join our team as Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations. This is a mid-level leadership position that plays a central role in shaping and executing the organization’s global and domestic (U.S. & Canada) policy and advocacy agenda. Reporting to the Head of Engagement, and working closely with the Director of Engagement, the Director will lead the organization’s public policy work, government relations strategy, and advocacy initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated record of influencing public policy, developing effective campaigns, and working collaboratively across departments and sectors. They will bring a deep understanding of global LGBTQI+ rights and the forced displacement crisis. The Director will also be an effective public speaker and experienced community organizer, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders including government agencies and political representatives, international and non-governmental organizations, media, donors, and grassroots movements. The Director of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations will be critical to actualizing Rainbow Railroad’s vision of becoming a refugee-led organization, one that meaningfully engages LGBTQI+ people affected by forced displacement as equal partners in decision-making processes that impact their lives and communities.

Key Responsibilities

Policy and Government Relations

• Lead Rainbow Railroad’s key policy priorities with states and international bodies, advancing tactics and strategies to secure important policy outcomes in alignment with the organization’s key priorities.
• Actively anticipate, monitor, and analyze the domestic and international political landscape and policy developments related to LGBTQI+ rights, refugee protection, and forced displacement.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with policymakers, government agencies, multilateral institutions and coalitions in Canada, the U.S., and internationally.
• Prepare policy briefs, position statements, letters, and advocacy materials for government audiences.
• Coordinate Rainbow Railroad’s political engagement activities and involvement in government advisory bodies, such as the Community-Government of Canada Partnership Committee of the 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat.

Advocacy and Movement Building

Communications, Research, and Thought Leadership

Operational Excellence and Team Leadership

Required Skills & Experience

Application Deadline :

October 17, 2025

Compensation Package :

$90,000 CAD starting salary plus a comprehensive benefits package including HSA, health and dental insurance, three weeks vacation, 16 wellness days, and a two-week holiday closure at the end of the year.

Application Process :

Please submit your application through the portal link here.

Rainbow Railroad is dedicated to building an organization that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. This includes diversity across race, ancestry, culture, languages spoken, immigration status, age, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, and socioeconomic background. Requests for accommodation due to disability can be made at any stage in the recruitment process. Please email hire@rainbowrailroad.org for inquiries.

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