Manager, Government Affairs (Western Canada)

Diabetes Canada / National Diabetes Trust • Toronto, ON

40d • $85,000 - $95,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

We’re seeking a Manager, Government Affairs to play an important role in leading Diabetes Canada’s government affairs activities across Western Canada. This role advances priority policy initiatives, strengthening relationships with policymakers and elected officials, and supporting cross provincial and national advocacy efforts aligned with Diabetes Canada’s mission.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Government Affairs, Advocacy & Policy (GAAP), the Manager, Government Affairs brings strong policy analysis skills, political acuity, and the ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, supporting the organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

Requirements

• Undergraduate degree in public policy, political science, health sciences, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5 years in government relations, public policy, advocacy, or political environments.
• Experience working with elected officials, policymakers, and multistakeholder coalitions.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, policy environments, and legislation.
• Strong policy analysis and political acuity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Relationship building, diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement expertise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and advocacy systems
• High attention to detail, professionalism, and collaboration
• Flexibility to travel across Canada.
• Understands and demonstrates a commitment to Diabetes Canada’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute government affairs strategies for primarily Western Canada and may include other regions of Canada, aligned with organizational priorities
• Develop and advance regional policy strategies and priority advocacy initiatives
• Provide subject matter expertise to national and cross‑jurisdictional advocacy efforts
• Build, maintain, and manage productive relationships with elected officials, policymakers, civil servants, and sector partners
• Plan and deliver provincial and national advocacy strategies to improve access to essential programs and services
• Establish and sustain multistakeholder coalitions and partnerships to amplify advocacy impact
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver public‑facing advocacy initiatives (e.g., roundtables, sector forums, stakeholder events)
• Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy activities and messaging
• Lead development of government‑facing materials, including pre‑budget submissions, policy briefs, and consultation submissions
• Monitor and analyze emerging legislation, regulations, and provincial/federal policy proposals
• Assess policy risks, opportunities, and gaps, and develop clear, evidence‑informed recommendations
• Design and lead targeted advocacy campaigns using digital mobilization, stakeholder outreach, and earned media
• Manage time‑sensitive and year‑end advocacy initiatives aligned with government decision‑making cycles
• Oversee the delivery or transition of funded advocacy initiatives, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and partner commitments are met
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop outreach strategies to support long‑term program sustainability
• Ensure compliance with lobbying regulations, including registration, reporting, and documentation requirements
• Track and report on engagement activity and policy progress using advocacy tools
• Partner with GAAP colleagues to support advocacy training and capacity‑building initiatives
• Equip, align, and activate volunteers at critical policy moments
• Identify evidence gaps and support research and data development to strengthen advocacy positions
• Develop dashboards and monitoring tools to measure engagement, policy outcomes, and impact
• Contribute to Mission evaluation and the monitoring of operational and strategic KPIs
• Support development of annual advocacy budgets and monitor regional expenses, forecasting, and financial performance
• Recruit and onboard volunteer advocates representing diverse lived experiences and regions.
• Design and deliver training programs, toolkits, message guides, and policy briefings.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, sharing policy updates and engagement opportunities.
• Align volunteer activities with strategic advocacy priorities, mapping strengths to key issues.
• Track participation, impact, and training needs to evaluate and strengthen the network.
• Integrate Change the Conversation (CTC) and IDEA priorities into day‑to‑day GAAP strategies and activities
• Apply equitable and inclusive policy analysis across legislative strategy and advocacy planning
• Embed inclusive engagement practices in coalition building and stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrate culturally competent communication in all government and stakeholder interactions

Benefits

• Impactful Work Environment: Join a high-performing, collaborative team committed to building a healthy and engaged workplace culture.
• Flexibility: Our flexible work agreement allows for remote and hybrid schedules, supporting work-life balance on a 35-hour work week.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive competitive compensation plus a group benefits package, including health and dental coverage, life insurance, disability coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and company-matched Pension/RRSP. Also access to a $350/year healthcare spending account.
• Day-One Coverage: Most group benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and EFAP, start on your first day.
• Wellness Support: Access to a mental wellness app with guided meditation and self-paced learning on a variety of topics.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy additional paid holidays beyond provincial statutory holidays and an end-of-year office closure.
• Employee Engagement & Recognition: Be part of a culture that celebrates contributions at all levels through our rewards and recognition platform (WorkTango), enabling peer-to-peer, team, and manager-to-employee appreciation..
• Inclusive Culture: Join an organization that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager