Director - Government Relations and Partnerships

**Do you want to be part of our innovative and entrepreneurial team?**

Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoy working in a team atmosphere? Are you an “outside the box” thinker who strives to implement continuous improvements? Do you take a strategic approach to your work? Do you enjoy a fast-paced culture where your opinions are valued and respected? Do you enjoy building partnerships to solve mutually beneficial challenges?

Mitacs is a national not-for-profit that helps industry and non-profit partners solve strategic challenges by leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary talent and a global network of industry, academic, and government partnerships. Through these collaborations, Mitacs helps business and community partners succeed, improves students’ on-the-job skills development, and strengthens Canada’s world-class innovation ecosystem. At Mitacs, we strive to develop the next generation of innovators with vital research and business skills. In partnership with domestic and international companies, governments and academia, we support a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource - its people.

To get a better understanding of Mitacs and read more about our values please visit our website

Mitacs is seeking a Director of Government Relations and Partnerships, specifically focusing on Ontario and Manitoba, alongside supporting federal advocacy efforts. This role within our National Partnerships team is pivotal for advancing Mitacs’ engagement at both the federal and provincial levels, providing expert advisory on government relations strategies. Reporting to the Vice President of National Partnerships, the Director will be instrumental in bolstering Mitacs' strategy and engagement with government stakeholders, aiming to intensify our role in catalyzing innovation across Canada through strategic initiatives and partnerships, thereby reinforcing our mission to drive innovation and productivity.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Provincial Strategy Development and Execution**: Implement a comprehensive strategy for government relations and partnerships tailored to the unique landscapes of Ontario and Manitoba while ensuring alignment with Mitacs’ overall strategic objectives and federal advocacy efforts, working closely with the Vice President, National Partnerships.
- **Government Advisory and Relations**: Act as a key advisor on policies and initiatives within Ontario and Manitoba, ensuring Mitacs’ programs are strategically positioned to meet provincial priorities and complement federal advocacy efforts.
- **Partnership Cultivation**: Establish and deepen strategic relationships with government partners in Ontario and Manitoba to advance Mitacs’ objectives to ensure a cohesive approach.
- **Strategic Capacity Building for Innovation**: Drive the development of strategic capacities within Mitacs and among regional partners, enhancing the organization’s influence on and contribution to the national innovation ecosystem, with a focus on Ontario and Manitoba.
- **Innovative Policy Influence**: Lead the development of policy recommendations, talking points, and consultation submissions that support innovation, influencing government agendas to align with Mitacs' goals.
- **Focused Stakeholder Engagement**: Spearhead initiatives to significantly increase Mitacs’ visibility and influence among innovation ecosystem stakeholders in Ontario and Manitoba, prioritizing strategic communication and collaboration over traditional event organization.
- **Collaboration and Leadership**: Work in collaboration with internal teams, including business development, communications, programs, and policy, to develop and deliver effective government relations strategies and materials that resonate at both provincial and federal levels.
- **Performance and Impact Measurement**: Monitor and report on the effectiveness of government relations and partnership strategies within Ontario and Manitoba, contributing to the continuous improvement of Mitacs’ engagements with government stakeholders.

**Required Skills and Experience**:

- Extensive experience in government relations and public affairs, with a proven track record of strategic planning and execution across provincial or federal levels.
- Deep understanding of economic and sector development and innovation ecosystems, key stakeholders, alongside familiarity with government priorities on these files, and the ability to navigate and influence policy developments.
- Demonstrated leadership in building and managing strategic partnerships and stakeholder relationships across multiple jurisdictions.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to achieve organizational objectives.
- An advanced degree in a relevant field is preferred, with fluency in Englis