Senior Director, Public Policy

ITAC•Ottawa, ON

3d•CA$100,000 - CA$120,000•Remote

About The Position

TECHNATION is seeking a full-time Senior Director, Public Policy, reporting to the Executive Vice President, Public Policy. The successful candidate is an outcome-driven, results-oriented public policy professional who thrives on challenges in a fast-paced environment. TECHNATION is Canada’s leading information technology association, representing the full spectrum of Canada’s tech ecosystem, from agile innovators to domestic and global tech companies. Trusted by both industry and government, TECHNATION is the neutral connector, convener and catalyst powering a digital future and positioning Canada as a global tech leader. Together with our members, we shape tech policy and insights, deliver forums to drive public-private collaboration, foster inclusive workforce development, and support global expansion. We are committed to diversity in the workplace, and we encourage applications from minority groups including women, Indigenous people, 2SLGBTQI+, and persons with disabilities. We provide accessible employment practices that follow the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). If you require accommodation for a disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify us. This position requires a highly skilled and strategic individual with a deep understanding of public policy, government relations, and the tech sector. As a key member of our Government Relations and Policy team, the Senior Director, Public Policy, supports TECHNATION’s policy advocacy including analysis of announcements and current issues for the industry, preparation of policy position documents, leading and supporting key committees and working groups and, ideally, has the ability to appear before Parliamentary Committees as a witness. The Senior Director also supports our Ottawa and Toronto based industry events and general TECHNATION initiatives that engage government partners, members, and industry. Working with the Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Policy Analyst, the incumbent builds and maintains strategic relationships with officials at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels of government, as well as coordinates and prepares briefing materials for meetings, events, and strategic initiatives. They also act as a liaison to government officials in collaboration with the Executive Vice President, Public Policy. The Senior Director has a strong understanding of all three levels of government, as well as a keen interest in the political process and how it impacts the voice of the tech industry. Critical to the success of this role is to help shape and advance policy positions and impact for the industry.

Requirements

University degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, or a related field. Master’s Degree is preferred.
6+ years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field with a strong understanding of the Canadian federal government and provincial (Ontario) government as well as regulatory structure.
Deep understanding of the political and legislative process and the mechanics of government function within Canada.
Demonstrated experience in leading policy advocacy initiatives and building strategic relationships with government officials.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable policy positions.
Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written.
Experience preparing briefing materials and delivering presentations.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively, manage multiple priorities, and thrive in a dynamic policy landscape.
Attention to detail and consistent execution/follow through on given priorities and deliverables.
Strong organizational and time management skills.
Candidates must confirm in writing that there is nothing that would restrict them from lobbying under the Lobbying Act, subsection 10.11 (1). We encourage interested candidates to review their eligibility under the Act prior to applying.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (French & English) is an asset.

Responsibilities

Assist the Executive Vice President, Public Policy, in enhancing the Association’s profile with Canadian public sector leaders, with a strong focus on the federal government.
Have demonstrated expertise on public policy and legislative issues (e.g., AI, privacy, cybersecurity, cloud, sovereignty) and advocacy on operational issues such as IT procurement modernization.
Lead the analysis of government announcements and current issues impacting the tech sector.
Monitor and report on legislative and regulatory developments at the federal and provincial levels that affect TECHNATION’s members.
Prepare and contribute to policy position documents, consultations, and reports that support TECHNATION’s advocacy goals.
Appear before Parliamentary Committees on relevant legislation as a witness.
Develop and implement advocacy guidelines, tools, and government relations campaigns in collaboration with the Executive Vice-President, Public Policy.
Build and enhance strong relationships with key federal, provincial, and municipal government stakeholders and industry to support TECHNATION’s advocacy efforts.
Act as a liaison between TECHNATION and government officials, ensuring effective communication and representation of industry interests.
Coordinate and prepare briefing materials for meetings, events, and strategic initiatives involving government and industry partners.
Lead, support, and coordinate Committees and Working Groups including the Public Policy & Advocacy Committee (PPAC), the Federal Public Sector Business Committee (PSBC), the AI & Privacy Policy Working Group, ensuring alignment with TECHNATION’s strategic priorities, fostering collaboration and active participation among members.
Support TECHNATION’s Ottawa and Toronto-based industry events, contributing to the planning, management, and execution of these events.
Collaborate with TECHNATION’s Future Workforce Development team in engaging with government, helping to identify opportunities for government officials to participate in events, provide input to ongoing government talent and skills proposals, and identify speakers and/or content aligned to policy priorities.