Director, Government Relations

Canadian CHAMBER OF COMMERCE • Ottawa, ON

2d • CA$85,000 - CA$90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada’s largest and most influential business association. Our work sits at the cutting edge of public policy and economic advocacy, and our team plays a direct role in shaping national conversations that affect businesses across the country and around the world. Representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 businesses of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. Our vision is to build a Canada of thriving business opportunity, a strong economy and a better life for all. Our mission is to drive change, partner broadly and be the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success.

The Canadian Chamber recruit’s top talent who understands today’s business realities and have an entrepreneurial mindset that can support our business building goals as well as emerging business needs and opportunities. Accelerate your career, by working alongside senior leaders and decision-makers, and contribute to policy solutions that help to address the challenges of our time.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Director, Government Relations to help advance the organization’s policy and advocacy agenda at a critical moment for Canada’s history. This role is ideal for a highly motivated policy and government relations professional who is eager to work at the forefront of national business and economic debates.

The Director will lead government relations activities across priority files, with a particular focus on transportation and infrastructure. Working closely with senior leadership, members, and stakeholders, the Director will help shape policy positions, engage decision-makers, and elevate the voice of Canadian business.

Working at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a career accelerator. Over the past year, the Canadian Chamber has been front and center on major economic and policy issues, particularly as Canada navigates a complex and rapidly evolving relationship with the United States and a shifting global environment. This role offers unparalleled exposure to senior government officials, business leaders, and high-profile national conversations to help build (or build-on) your already successful career. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded team members, overseen by a leadership group who is committed to your growth and personal success.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in public administration, political science, economics, business, or a combination of education and experience.
• Keen interest in and knowledge of Canadian politics, public policy, business issues, government relations or strategic communications.
• You are a driven researcher and multitasker, eager to master a subject and with a proven ability to synthesize complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Proven experience engaging with stakeholders at mid-level to senior levels in associations, businesses or government.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting to diverse audiences.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingualism is an asset.
• Prior media experience is an asset but not required.

Responsibilities

• Develop, research, and draft complex and compelling policy positions, briefing notes, submissions, and advocacy materials across a wide range of issues.
• Monitor and analyze municipal, provincial, and federal political developments and translate them into actionable insights for members and leadership.
• Lead and support government relations strategies, including engagement with elected officials, political staff, senior public servants, and regulators.
• Represent the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in meetings, stakeholder discussions, public forums, and member engagements in Ottawa and beyond.
• Contribute to media engagement, including background briefings and interviews, where appropriate and aligned with experience.
• Build and manage relationships with mid-level to senior stakeholders from the Chamber Network, the Membership and partner organizations across Canada and beyond.
• Design, organize, and lead public policy events, roundtables, and stakeholder convenings.
• Help to grow the Canadian Chamber with new members, and in new sectors across the Canadian economy.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and the broader Chamber network to align advocacy efforts, maximizing our impact.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced office environment, managing multiple files and deadlines simultaneously.

Benefits

• Advancement Opportunities
• Comprehensive Benefit Package and Wellness Program covered by the Chamber at no cost to employees
• Competitive vacation
• A defined pension plan starting after one (1) year of service
• Compressed-work week during the summer

What This Job Offers

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