Join Our Dynamic Team at Colleges and Institutes Canada!
Are you ready to make a difference in the world of education? At Colleges and Institutes Canada, we’re on the lookout for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team. If you’re eager to contribute to a vibrant community and work to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics, we want to hear from you!
Why Choose Us?
- Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advocacy for colleges and institutes across Canada.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are as committed to excellence as you are.
- Innovative Culture: Embrace a culture that values creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions.
- Salary: Obtain a highly competitive compensation
Ready to Take the Next Step? Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary!
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is looking for a Director, Government Relations and Policy Research. This position plays a pivotal role in shaping public policy that supports the college and institute system across Canada. This position leads engagement with the federal government, oversees policy development, and provides strategic counsel to senior leadership on issues ranging from skills training and innovation to equity and sustainability. The Director, Government Relations and Public Policy Research will ensure CICan’s advocacy is evidence-based, forward-looking, and aligned with member priorities. You’ll be the organization’s key liaison with policymakers, regulatory bodies, and advocacy partners, ensuring our voice is heard and our priorities are advanced.
The key responsibilities of this position are:
- Design and execute government relations strategies focused on influencing education policy at the federal level;
- Cultivate relationships with elected officials and the ministry of education and policy influencers;
- Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and budgetary developments affecting postsecondary education, workforce development, and applied research;
- Lead the development of policy briefs, research reports, and position papers on key education issues;
- Plan and organize government relations events and national campaigns to promote the college and institute sector;
- Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on emerging trends and advocacy opportunities;
- Manage a team of policy analysts and government relations professionals;
- Collaborate with internal communications, research, and program teams to align messaging and impact; and
- Represent CICan in public and private settings, including government consultations, parliamentary committees, national roundtables and other stakeholder events.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
EDUCATION
Post-secondary education in Political Science, Public Policy, Law, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
EXPERIENCE
Minimum of 7 years of experience in:
- Government relations, public affairs or policy advocacy;
- Strategic leadership with a collaborative mindset;
- Successful advocacy and stakeholder engagement;
- Interpreting legislation, regulations and policy proposals;
- Synthesizing complex information into actionable recommendations and advocacy positions;
- Working with elected officials, senior bureaucrats, industry partners and other organizations;
- Building coalitions, influencing decision-makers, and navigating political environments
- Producing high-impact policy documents, research reports, and strategic; recommendations in English and in French;
- Presenting to senior audiences, media, and parliamentary committees in French and in English;
- Developing and managing budgets;
- Supervising and leading cross-functional teams; and
- Planning and organizing government relations events and campaigns.
KNOWLEDGE
- Federal government structures, legislative process and regularly frameworks;
- Parliamentary procedures, budget cycles, and policy development timelines;
- College and institute system, including funding models, governance, and strategic priorities;
- Key issues such as workforce development, applied research, micro credentials, indigenous education and internationalization;
- Canadian political systems and policy-making processes;
- Financial management (planning, budgeting and monitoring);
- Standard business and productivity tools, including Microsoft Office suite and social media tools;
- Employee management and team leadership, including recruitment, professional development, coaching, performance management, team building and conflict resolution; and
- English and French (speaking, writing and reading).
Compensation: $110,475 to $146,340 (MGT II)
Status: Full-Time Permanent
Location: 1 Rideau Street, suite 701, Ottawa, Ontario, K1N 8S7
Working conditions:
- Possible domestic travel; and
- Hybrid work environment with ability to attend the Ottawa office regularly.
Language: Bilingual – English and French (Reading, writing and speaking).
Open to: CICan employees and the general public.
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé in a PDF format before September 7, 2025.
CICan is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We recognize that diverse teams generate unique solutions, ideas, and perspectives. Therefore, we welcome and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at Colleges and Institutes Canada (613) 746-2222 x 5827 if you require alternative arrangements to submit your application. CICan provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed with the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.
CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.