Government Relations Lead

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness (CAEH) leads a national movement of individuals, organizations and communities working together to end homelessness in Canada. The CAEH works toward a Canada without homelessness. We do it by helping communities and governments across the country apply proven approaches to transform programs, policies and systems toward the goal of ending homelessness.

The Position

Reporting to the Director of Marketing and Communications, the Government Relations Lead is responsible for the CAEH’s non-partisan government relations activities focused on changing federal and provincial policy, legislation, regulation, and funding in support of CAEH’s mission to end homelessness. This role will proactively identify policy change opportunities, developing and executing strategies to advance those changes. The Government Relations Lead mentors and coaches colleagues and allies within movement on government relations practice and engages regularly with stakeholders.

Successful applicants are located in Ottawa, and have experience working for non-profits, advocacy organizations, federal or provincial political office and/or political campaigns, unions, or political parties. CAEH is a non-partisan organization.

What’s in it for you?

• Five weeks paid annual vacation (plus an additional paid winter break week) and up to 12 sick leave days per year.
• Up to $1,500 annual professional development allotment.
• Flexible and supportive work environment.
• This position is located in Ottawa, Canada.
• This position requires the ability to work from a virtual/home office in Ottawa without the standard support available at a business office.
• The salary range for this position is $90,000-$110,000 annually (plus benefits) and will be based on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including an employer RRSP/TFSA contribution. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Proactively monitor, analyze, and interpret government programs, legislation, funding and provide advice on the implications and opportunities for ending homelessness in Canada.
• Working with the President & CEO and the Director of Marketing and Communications, develop strategies and plans to advance CAEH policy priorities, strictly adhering to all relevant federal and provincial lobbying legislation and regulations, as well as the mission, vision, and values of CAEH.
• Working with the Director of Built for Zero Canada and community partners, proactively identify opportunities to resolve policy barriers or advance policy initiatives to accelerate local efforts to end homelessness in Canada.
• Write/draft position papers, advocacy documents and proposals, articles, and policy analysis on behalf of CAEH with the purpose of advancing CAEH’s objectives.
• Provide training and coaching on government relations and political advocacy to Built for Zero Canada community leaders, Allied Network leads and other CAEH stakeholders as required.
• Represent CAEH at meetings with Ministers, elected officials, public servants, and key decision-makers to influence public policy as per CAEH’s objectives.
• Support organizational efforts to secure contracts with federal and provincial governments for Built for Zero Canada and the Training and Technical Assistance program.
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, coalitions, and advocacy campaigns to influence public policy and promote innovative solutions to homelessness.
• Develop a network of positive working relationships with federal and provincial government elected officials across party lines, public servants, allies and thought leaders across the homelessness and housing sectors.
• Organize government meetings, events, receptions, and Lobby Days on behalf of CAEH.

Qualifications

• Passion for ending homelessness, a belief it's possible, and a sense of urgency to get there.
• University degree in a relevant field of study, such as Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or equivalent post-secondary education and/or experience.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in government relations, public policy advocacy or a related role, preferably within non-profit sector, or a federal or provincial political office and/or political campaign.
• Excellent communication skills, including strong written and verbal abilities for crafting persuasive messages and presentations. A proven ability to influence public policy at a federal level and/or provincial level.
• A proven ability to cultivate and maintain positive and ethical relationships with elected officials across party lines.
• Understanding of federal and provincial government legislative, regulatory and public processes, and public policy frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to use computer systems and software including Microsoft Office Products and digital advocacy tools.
• Knowledge of housing policy and homelessness is considered an asset.
• Bilingual is preferred (French & English)
• Willingness to embrace and actively support the unique culture and values of the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness.

Diversity & Inclusion

CAEH strives for inclusion and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, newcomers, and 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters.

CAEH is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices; if you require accommodation to participate fully in our recruitment process, please let us know when we contact you.

Information to Apply

Does this role sound like a good match for you? Please take the time to tell us about yourself in a cover letter and how you are a good fit for this role. Please submit your cover letter along with your resume by the end of the day on Friday, January 12, 2024.

We thank all applicants, but please note that only qualified candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.