Senior Consultant, Government and Stakeholder Relations

Job Description 

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Government and Stakeholder Relations, the Senior Government Relations Consultant supports Extendicare's national Government Relations and broader Public Affairs team in building and maintaining meaningful relationships with government and stakeholders across the sector, including in Ontario, Alberta, Manitoba, Nova Scotia and Ottawa.

The ideal candidate brings experience working within regulated environments and has a strong understanding of the government decision-making process. You are a strategic communicator with excellent writing and research skills, comfortable operating in a fast-paced, issue-driven environment, and able to distill complex legislative and policy issues into clear, actionable insights. This is an opportunity to play an important role in one of the most vital sectors in the country —helping to shape policy and advance initiatives that improve the lives of Canadians.

This position will be based at our Head Office in Markham, Ontario. Extendicare offers a hybrid working environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Support the execution of Extendicare's government relations strategy across jurisdictions, including matters relating to long-term care and home care across Canada

• Monitor and analyze political, legislative and regulatory developments relevant to Extendicare's operations

• Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, political staff and public servants across provincial and municipal governments

• Support provincial and national advocacy associations as required

• Draft briefing notes, policy summaries, submissions and other materials for government audiences

• Collaborate with Public Affairs and Communications colleagues to ensure consistent messaging and strategic alignment

• Track and maintain government relations activities and priorities across jurisdictions, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives

• Work cross-functionally with internal teams to understand business priorities and translate them into public policy positions

• Leverage digital tools — including through artificial intelligence (AI) — to improve efficiency in researching, monitoring, stakeholder tracking and related activities

• Provide strategic advice to internal teams on government relations opportunities, risks and emerging issues

• Travel as required to support government and stakeholder engagement activities across multiple provinces

What we're looking for:

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in political science, public policy, communications, health policy or a related field

• Four to five years of experience in government relations, public policy or public affairs

• Experience working within provincial, municipal or political environments, or within government or political offices. It is especially valuable if you have worked across multiple provinces or within diverse jurisdictional settings

• Eligible to register as a lobbyist under provincial and municipal lobbying registries

• Knowledge of current challenges, trends and stakeholders in healthcare, including long-term care and home care, is an asset

• Experience working in fast-moving, issue-driven environments and demonstrated ability to manage shifting priorities

•  Exceptional writing and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex policy issues clearly and persuasively

• Comfortable presenting to external audiences, including government and political officials

• Excellent research and analytical skills, able to synthesize information from multiple sources into clear insights

• Collaborative and adaptable, with the ability to work effectively across teams and functions

• Comfortable using digital and AI-driven tools to support research, policy tracking and workflow efficiency

What Extendicare has to offer:

At Extendicare, we believe that working as a team creates an environment that allows us to reach our potential. We value each employee, encourage equal opportunity for growth and recognize achievement. As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

• Continuous mentorship, support for life-long learning and growth opportunities

• Opportunities for advancement and career growth within the organization

• A rewarding and meaningful work experience where you can enrich your life and the lives of others through your work.

• Employee Family Assistance Program.

• Robust benefits package

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When you choose to build your career with Extendicare, you're joining a team dedicated to making a difference. By focusing our energy on enriching the lives of our residents every day, we transform both the quality of their lives and the quality of our own work experiences. 

If you have a passion for caring, turn it into a rewarding career with Extendicare 

Extendicare and affiliated organizations including our partner homes in Extendicare Assist, accommodate the needs of job applicants throughout its recruitment and selection processes upon request.