Public Sector Business Development and Public Policy Director

Workday•Canada, ON, Home Office, ON

8d•CA$167,400 - CA$251,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Corporate Affairs team at Workday sits at the vital intersection of innovation, policy, and business growth. We are a collaborative, fast-moving global team dedicated to building trust, shaping the future of technology policy, and expanding Workday's footprint in the public sector. In Canada, we operate at the very core of the enterprise—HR, finance, and IT—where precision matters and the margin for error is effectively zero. By tightly coupling AI with business context, guardrails, and trusted processes, we move beyond assistive tools to intelligent agents capable of driving measurable outcomes. Our mission is clear: empower the public sector for tomorrow by delivering modern IT solutions and responsible AI to help federal and provincial organizations achieve their goals. If you are energized by the chance to shape how governments adopt and benefit from technology, while working alongside a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and impact, this is the place for you.

Requirements

12+ years of relevant role or industry experience.
5+ years of experience working in or closely with the Canadian federal government or a Canadian provincial government (e.g., political offices, public service roles, relevant trade associations, or corporate government affairs teams).
5+ years of experience directing technology policy advocacy campaigns, specifically navigating complex spaces such as AI governance, data sovereignty, and workforce development.
Direct experience engaging public sector leaders on federal and provincial procurements, IT modernization, or digital government initiatives.
Deep familiarity with the Canadian federal budget and estimates process, Treasury Board submissions, and fair, open competition principles administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

Nice To Haves

Experienced in researching, analyzing, and shaping public policy to address complex issues at the intersection of technology and government, including understanding the legislative process, conducting policy analysis, and developing strategies for policy advocacy and implementation.
Skilled in influencing and building consensus with decision-makers, including legislators, regulators, and senior public service officials, to advance policy positions and outcomes that benefit both the organization and the public interest.
Experienced in engaging with trade associations to shape industry positions, influence policy direction, and build networks that support coordinated advocacy efforts.
Adept at involving diverse individuals, groups, and organizations in the decision-making process, with a focus on understanding their needs, developing effective communication approaches, and fostering positive relationships that lead to successful outcomes.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate highly complex technical and policy concepts into clear, accessible, and compelling language for executive briefings, parliamentary summaries, and public forums.
Demonstrated ability to balance rigorous policy analysis with corporate commercial objectives, identifying opportunities that advance mutual goals for Workday and the public sector.
A dedication to action, high comfort operating independently through ambiguity, sound judgment, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of humor.
Bilingualism (English and French) is highly desirable given the depth of engagement required with the Canadian federal government and provincial governments.

Responsibilities

Develop and carry out growth-oriented strategies through direct engagement with the Government of Canada and provincial governments.
Engage with Parliament, key central agencies (e.g., Treasury Board Secretariat, Shared Services Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Privy Council Office), and key departments (e.g., Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development) at the federal level.
Engage with premier's offices, key ministries, procurement agencies, and members of provincial parliaments at the provincial level.
Identify, design, and lead policy advocacy campaigns that advance Workday's technology policy objectives across AI governance, digital sovereignty, workforce development, data privacy, and cybersecurity.
Partner closely with Workday sales, marketing, and solution leaders to translate policy and regulatory developments into actionable commercial strategies.
Actively engage in trade associations to shape collective positions, influence policy initiatives, and use association networks to support Workday-led advocacy.
Monitor, interpret, and synthesize the Canadian policy, legislative, and regulatory landscape—with emphasis on federal procurement vehicles and budgetary estimates processes—sharing actionable insights with executive leadership.
Manage external government relations consultants at the federal and provincial levels to optimize the deployment of external resources and maximize impact.