National Director, Advocacy & Government Relations (Bilingual)

YWCA Canada

7d • Hybrid

About The Position

YWCA Canada is seeking a strategic and relationship-focused National Director of Advocacy and Government Relations to lead national advocacy, policy, and government engagement efforts that make a meaningful impact across Canada. The National Director of Advocacy and Government Relations is a member of the senior leadership team (SLT), responsible for shaping and advancing YWCA Canada's advocacy, public policy, research and government relations initiatives. Leading national strategies across key priority areas, the Director drives government engagement, policy research and intervention, coalition engagement and advocacy work in our strategic pillars. As a trusted advisor to the CEO and Member Associations, the Director provides strategic guidance on emerging policy issues and represents YWCA Canada with government, sector partners and national stakeholders. Working closely across teams, the Director ensures advocacy efforts are coordinated, inclusive, and grounded in an intersectional feminist and anti-racist approach, while strengthening partnerships, mobilizing knowledge, and positioning YWCA Canada as a credible and influential voice nationally.

Requirements

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a senior advocacy, public policy, or government relations role in Canada, including experience leading teams.
• Strong understanding of the federal government structure, processes, and political landscape.
• Bilingualism in English and French is required.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills, including public speaking.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
• Proven ability to build and manage relationships and influence across diverse stakeholders, including without direct authority.
• Experience leading national advocacy campaigns, policy development, and member or stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and facilitation skills, with the ability to lead complex initiatives and drive results.
• Demonstrated partnership and relationship management skills (internal and external) and networking abilities, including the ability to affect change without direct authority.
• Experience in community engagement, preferably in the non-profit sector, and knowledge of the philosophies, principles and practices of community engagement, stakeholder relations and public participation.
• Highly adaptable, resourceful, and able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex initiatives, build partnerships, and drive change in a collaborative environment.
• Ability to travel within Canada; regular travel to Ottawa may be required.
• The successful candidate will be committed to working from an anti-oppression, feminist perspective.

Nice To Haves

• Masters in gender studies, public policy, political science, a related field or equivalent with a commitment to intersectional equity is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of national advocacy and public policy strategies aligned with YWCA Canada’s strategic priorities.
• Advance public policy solutions across key issue areas including affordable housing, gender-based violence, childcare, economic equity, and reconciliation (in collaboration with the Equity, Reconciliation and Antiracism team).
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO, Board of Directors, staff, and Member Associations on advocacy and policy matters.
• Lead and support national advocacy initiatives, including campaigns, reports, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Strengthen relationships with Member Associations and sector partners to support coordinated, impactful advocacy efforts.
• Represent YWCA Canada on special projects related to advocacy and public policy with government, community partners, Member Associations, and other organizations.
• Collaborate across teams to develop advocacy content, tools, and communications that increase public awareness and influence.
• Monitor emerging policy issues, trends, and opportunities, and provide analysis and recommendations to inform organizational positioning.
• Coordinate relevant YWCA committees and provide staff support.
• Lead YWCA Canada’s federal government relations strategy and engagement.
• Build and foster long-term relationships with policymakers, government officials, political parties, public servants and national stakeholders.
• Represent YWCA Canada in meetings, public forums, and events to advance advocacy priorities.
• Identify and respond to legislative and policy developments affecting the organization’s mandate.
• Position YWCA Canada as a credible and influential voice with government and sector partners.
• Oversee external vendors and ensure compliance with federal lobbying requirements, as applicable.
• Manage the contacts database for both staff and citizens advocate interactions with elected officials and other government stakeholders.
• Advise on advocacy and policy related research and knowledge mobilization activities engaging Members Associations.
• Led the development and dissemination of evidence-based advocacy and policy recommendations.
• Deeply engage with the Reconciliation, Antiracism and Equity team to ensure inclusion of Black, Indigenous, Racialized, 2SLGBTQI+ and disability communities in the organization's advocacy work.
• Collaborate across teams to support research, data analysis, and knowledge mobilization.
• Advise the CEO and contribute to organizational strategy as a member of the senior leadership team.
• Lead planning and oversight of advocacy and policy priorities and budget.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team environment.

Benefits

• Full benefits from day one for you and your dependents, which include gender-affirming care, and a supplemental $2,000/year healthcare spending account, and telehealth.
• Access to mental health professionals, an Employee Assistance Program, and Noojimo, which offers mental health services to Indigenous staff.
• Long-Term and Short Term disability Protection.
• 5% employer-matching pension after 3 months.
• 4 weeks of vacation per year, which increase after 3 years of service (to a maximum of 8 weeks), and 18 Wellness and Emergency days.
• Summer Fridays in July and August and a 1-week office closure between Christmas and New Year.
• A professional development stipend, and in addition to other learning and growth opportunities.
• Up to 90% top-up for 15 weeks of maternity leave and 35 weeks of parental leave.
• Flexible work arrangements to accommodate your needs and preferences. Whether you prefer to work remotely or at the office or have some flexibility during your workday.

What This Job Offers

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