Government Relations and Funding Agreements Specialist

About Windmill Microlending: Windmill Microlending enables immigrants and refugees to build careers in Canada while reducing poverty and labour shortages. We do this by offering affordable loans along with career assessment coaching, financial literacy training, and mentorship for newcomers who lack access to mainstream credit. Since 2005, Windmill has provided over 13,500 loans to clients in healthcare, IT, financial services, law, engineering, and many other fields to triple their incomes as a result of our affordable loans and support. Windmill is a registered Canadian charity supported by donations and community bonds from the private sector and grants from the public sector. At Windmill, you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of thousands of newcomers. Join a diverse, dynamic team at a leading Canadian not-for-profit where empowering our clients starts with creating an enjoyable workplace for our staff. Our commitment to a fulfilling environment is evident in our 85+% average employee engagement scores on our annual survey. The role The Government Relations and Funding Agreements Specialist plays a key role in supporting Windmill's government-funding portfolio and advancing our policy and partnership objectives. Reporting to the National Director, Stakeholder Relations & Quebec, and serving as the primary coordinator for government-funding agreements, the Specialist ensures that agreements are implemented effectively, reported on time, and fully compliant with contractual and audit requirements. This position is ideally based in Ottawa-Gatineau to support federal government engagement, and collaboration with provincial and municipal partners. This position links strategic government engagement with effective delivery of funding agreements to ensure alignment with Windmill's priorities and partner expectations. The Specialist works closely with multiple teams to ensure funder satisfaction, audit readiness, and alignment with Windmill's organizational priorities. Key responsibilities Agreements Implementation, Compliance, and Reporting (45%) Coordinate the implementation and progress tracking of all active government agreements. Manage reporting schedules, ensuring required templates and deliverables are completed and submitted accurately and on time. Gather program and financial data from internal teams and provide required documentation to Finance for revenue recognition and reporting. Maintain documentation consistent with agreement requirements and project-management best practices. Track milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators in collaboration with internal teams including Marketing, Client Success, and Finance. Government Relations and Funding Support (45%) Support the development and execution of Windmill's government relations strategy by providing analysis and recommendations to senior leadership . Help identify and track new funding opportunities relevant to Windmill's mission, across federal, provincial, and municipal levels. Contribute to the design of advocacy materials and briefing notes that showcase Windmill's impact for individuals, communities, and the labour market. Coordinate engagements with government offices, including organizing meetings, preparing materials, and managing follow-up actions. Monitor government websites, ministry strategic plans, and government stakeholder reports, and regional and national media to ensure Windmill is aware of relevant new policies, programs, trends, and legislation. Conduct research and support the development of a range of government communications products, including presentations, backgrounders, speaking notes, speeches, and reports. Collaboration and Continuous Improvement (10%) Collaborate with internal partners including Development, Marketing, Client Success, and Finance, to ensure coordination and quality across the government agreements projects lifecycle. Contribute to identifying process gaps and recommending system improvements to enhance efficiency and funder satisfaction. Work with the Marketing and Communications team to support the development of strategic communications. Support the preparation of background notes, presentations, and briefing materials for leadership, funders, and internal reports. Success in this role Success in this role means strengthening Windmill's relationships with government partners, ensuring funding agreements are delivered with excellence, and helping expand opportunities for newcomers through effective advocacy and reporting. Qualifications and knowledge 4-6 years of experience in government-relations support, public-funding administration, or project coordination in the non-profit or public sector Experience working with government or political offices to coordinate meetings, documentation, and reporting Strong understanding of how government operates, including funding mechanisms and policy frameworks across jurisdictions Demonstrated project-management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple deliverables and deadlines effectively, including during high-volume and time-sensitive periods Strong attention to detail and accountability in tracking deliverables and reporting outcomes Fully bilingual (English/French), with the ability to prepare materials in both languages Excellent communication and writing skills, with experience preparing government proposals, reports, and briefing materials Collaborative and adaptable, comfortable working across functions Experience with Salesforce or other CRM/ project-tracking systems Compensation and benefits Starting salary range $70,000 - $75,000 annually, based on skills and experience required for the role Full-time position, 40 hours/week Hybrid work solution with a minimum two (2) days in the office Located in the Ottawa-Gatineau region Three weeks' vacation, plus a company-wide winter break Flexibility to work outside of regular business hours due to meetings or events Benefits plan - medical, dental, short & long-term disability, and life insurance Annual Wellness budget to support personal well-being Access to matching GRSP plan Evolving DEI initiatives - our staff is representative of our client base How to apply We thank all candidates in advance. However, we will only contact those selected for an interview. To apply, please submit, in confidence, a résumé and cover letter that sets out your interest in the role and highlights your relevant experience. Please include your salary expectations in your cover letter. The preferred method of application is via email to (reference: Government Relations and Funding Agreements Specialist). Windmill Microlending is an equal-opportunity employer. Adhering to Canada's Human Rights Act, Windmill grants equal employment opportunity to all qualified persons without regard to race, creed, colour, gender identity or expression, disability, sexual orientation, family status, marital status, citizenship, ancestry, ethnic origin, age, or place of origin. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. As an active participant in the Federal Government's 50-30 Challenge, we are committed to building a more diverse, inclusive, and vibrant economic future for Canadians by attaining gender parity and significant representation of underrepresented groups on our board and in senior management positions.