Senior Director, Public Policy

Connecting Technology, Government and Community for Canada's Future. A clear reflection of our role and mandate to our members and our nation.

TECHNATION is seeking a full-time Senior Director - Public Policy, reporting to the Executive Vice-President, Government Relations and Strategy.

About Us

TECHNATION is Canada's leading technology association, uniting industry, government, and communities to enable economic prosperity across the nation. Our members encompass Canadian and global start-ups, small and medium enterprises, multinational organizations, and innovators who contribute to enhancing Canada's economic growth and global competitiveness through technology. At TECHNATION, we champion technology prosperity through advocacy, thought leadership, talent development, networking and industry development opportunities. Join us and discover how the Canadian tech industry works together to identify and develop pragmatic solutions to pressing national challenges and to influence national technology strategy in critical areas that matter to you.

TECHNATION is a dynamic and engaging organization with a driven team. We manage and lead national events and initiatives, speaking forums, and educational programs that impact tech businesses across the country. If you like being involved in leading-edge initiatives that will impact our nation, then TECHNATION is for you

We are committed to diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from minority groups, including, women, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQ+, and persons with disabilities. We also provide accessible employment practices that are following the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us.

Position Location

Ottawa—Remote Working location*. The individual in this role is expected to be available to travel as required for face-to-face meetings and member and/or government partnership meetings.

Head Office Location

5090 Explorer Drive, Suite 510, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, L4W 4T9

*This position is remote*

About This Role

Position: Senior Director, Public Policy

Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Department: Government Relations and Policy (GRP)

Reports to: Executive Vice-President, Government Relations and Strategy

As a key member of TECHNATION's Government Relations and Policy team, the Senior Director, Public Policy will play a pivotal role in advancing TECHNATION's policy advocacy efforts. This position requires a highly skilled and strategic individual with a deep understanding of public policy, government relations, and the tech sector. The Senior Director will support the development and implementation of TECHNATION's advocacy strategies, contribute to policy position documents, and lead key committees and working groups.

The Senior Director will also be responsible for building and maintaining strategic relationships with officials at all levels of government and coordinating industry events that engage government partners, members, and stakeholders. This role is based in Ottawa, with a focus on federal and provincial government relations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Policy Advocacy and Development:
  • Lead the analysis of government announcements and current issues impacting the tech sector.
  • Prepare and contribute to policy position documents, consultations, and reports that support TECHNATION's advocacy goals.
  • Develop and implement advocacy guidelines, tools, and multi-year government relations campaigns in collaboration with the Executive Vice-President.
  • Monitor and report on legislative and regulatory developments at the federal and provincial levels that affect TECHNATION's members.
• Committee Leadership:
  • Lead and coordinate the Committees and the Working Groups, ensuring alignment with TECHNATION's strategic priorities, fostering collaboration and active participation among members.

• Government Relations:
  • Build and enhance TECHNATION's reputation with federal, provincial, and municipal government officials, as well as other public sector institutions.
  • Act as a liaison between TECHNATION and government officials, ensuring effective communication and representation of industry interests.
  • Coordinate and prepare briefing materials for meetings, events, and strategic initiatives involving government partners.

• Event Support:
  • Support TECHNATION's Ottawa and Toronto-based industry events, contributing to the planning, management, and execution of these events.

• Strategic Relationship Management:
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with key government stakeholders to support TECHNATION's advocacy efforts.
  • Ensure TECHNATION's positions and interests are effectively communicated to government officials, including through participation in relevant government relations and parliamentary events.

• Future Workforce Career Ready Program Collaboration & Support:
• • Acts as a resource for Future Workforce Development staff who are seeking advice and assistance on working and engaging with government (e.g., key stakeholders, partnership opportunities, etc.)

• • Establishes and maintains effective relationships with TECHNATION colleagues, staff in partner organizations, and with other stakeholder associations.

• • Identifies opportunities for government officials to participate in TECHNATION's Career Ready events and other member value events.

• • Works collaboratively with Future Workforce Development Executive Director and Career Ready Program Director to:
  • provide input and support to ongoing government proposals.
  • provide speakers and/or content for employer sessions, aligned to GR&P content, as needed.
  • represent TECHNATION as required at Ottawa-based in-person Career Ready events.

• • Engage with government partners, members, and Career Ready program participants at TECHNATION programs and events.

• • Work directly with the Vice-President, Events and Programs along with the Marketing & Events Manager, Career Ready, to support Ottawa and Toronto based events, as required.

• Team Collaboration and Leadership:
  • Work closely with the Executive Vice-President, Government Relations and Strategy, to align on key priorities and deliverables.
  • Support the development of junior team members, providing guidance and mentorship as needed.
  • Coordinate with internal stakeholders to ensure cohesive and strategic execution of TECHNATION's advocacy and government relations activities.

Qualifications:

• A university degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, or a related field. A master's degree is preferred.
• 6+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field, with strong understanding of the Canadian government (federal) and regulatory structure. Knowledge of provincial government is also an asset.
• Deep understanding of the political and legislative process and the mechanics of how all three levels of government function in Canada.
• Demonstrated experience in leading policy advocacy initiatives and building strategic relationships with government officials.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable policy positions.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with experience preparing briefing materials and delivering presentations.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic policy landscape.

Note: Candidates must confirm that there is nothing that would restrict them from lobbying under the Lobbying Act, subsection 10.11 (1). We encourage interested applicants to review their eligibility under the Act prior to applying.

What We Offer:

• An opportunity to make a significant impact on the tech sector's policy landscape in Canada.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Paid vacations and holidays.
• A remote working environment.
• Ergonomic allowance.
• Professional development opportunities and career growth within TECHNATION.

To learn more about TECHNATION, visit our website at www.technationcanada.ca.

This position is open. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Thank you for your interest in TECHNATION. Only those who qualify for a telephone screening interview will be contacted.