Director, Government Affairs

Santis Health • Toronto, ON

1d • CA$125,000 - CA$140,000

About The Position

Santis Health is hiring a Director to help lead our Ontario Government Affairs practice. This is a senior, strategic role for a seasoned public affairs professional with deep Queen's Park experience and/or a strong track record of advising public leaders and executives on matters of public policy, strategic communications, and/or issues management. Experience working in the health and/or life sciences sector would be an asset. The Director owns key client relationships, shapes practice growth, supports mentorship and upskilling of team members, and partners with senior leaders and advisors at the firm to drive client priorities and firm profile, while providing hands-on strategic counsel on the province's health policy files.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or political roles, with substantial exposure to Ontario's health sector.
• Senior-level experience at Queen's Park, in a minister's office, or within the Ontario Public Service strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success in managing a portfolio of issues and complex stakeholder relationships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the judgment to advise audiences in high-profile and/or sensitive circumstances.
• Experience managing a project team, including supporting the mentorship and professional development of individual team members.
• Post-secondary degree in political science, public policy, health administration, or a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in the health and/or life sciences sector would be an asset.
• Consulting and/or experience working in the health and life sciences sectors would be an asset.

Responsibilities

• Serve as senior strategic counsel to a portfolio of key accounts, including C-suite and executive-level clients.
• Lead the development of complex government affairs strategies spanning multiple ministries, agencies, and political audiences.
• Monitor shifts in Ontario's political and health policy landscape and advise clients on implications and positioning.
• Represent Santis in senior-level client engagements and meetings and, where requested, represent and guide clients in government and stakeholder engagements.
• Support client-driven public affairs campaigns and “PR for GR” strategies.
• Advise clients on strategic communications and issues management strategies in support of their day-to-day advocacy work and organizational or business objectives.
• Partner with the VP, Ontario Government Affairs, on team strategy, resourcing, and growth priorities.
• Serve as a direct report for junior team members.
• Mentor and provide strategic oversight and upskilling to Government Affairs team members.
• Contribute to thought leadership, including marketing content, client briefings, webinars, and public opinion polling.
• Lead proposal development and pitches for new business.
• Identify and cultivate new relationships across the health and life sciences sector.
• Lead business development and networking activities.
• Support account growth and retention across the practice's existing portfolio.
• Work cross-functionally to develop and execute on key client growth and business development strategies.
• Ensure all client work complies with federal and provincial lobbying registration requirements.
• Model sound judgment on compliance, confidentiality, and reputational risk for the broader team.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation and benefits package
• A leadership role with influence over practice and firm direction and growth
• Exposure to a diverse, mission-driven, high-profile client base across the health and life sciences sector
• A collaborative, entrepreneurial team environment
• High degree of autonomy to build portfolio and expertise

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree