Director, Government Relations
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AI Summary
Date Posted: August 7th 2026
Position Title: Director, Government Relations
Location: YMCA Regional Development Centre – Canada West Flexible Work Location in Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB) Remote, home office based
Term: Permanent, Full-Time
Hours: 35 hours per week
Start Date: As soon as possible
Salary: $90,000-$100,000 annually
Reports To: Senior, VP Canada West Regional Development (RDC)
Benefits:
- Competitive vacation and paid sick time
- Generous employer-matched pension plan**
- Eligibility for Extended Medical and Dental Benefits**
- Training and Professional Development Opportunities
- Extensive Employee assistance program
- Be part of a charitable organization that positively impacts the community
**Some benefits may vary based on employment terms
Situation
The Canada West Regional Development Centre is an integral part of the service delivery system of YMCA Canada. The RDC focuses on overall health, governance, leadership, fiscal sustainability and growth of YMCAs within Western Canada. Government relations (GR) is a critical function of the RDC. Through GR, we support the YMCAs in Western Canada to build capacity, relationships and collective strength to influence public policy, government strategies, and investments in order to create healthier communities and achieve our mission.
• Supports YMCAs, builds capacity, and facilitates collaboration among YMCAs in each province to be successful in government relations and advocacy.
• Supports the relationship stewardship with civil servants and elected officials in priority ministries.
• Facilitates the development and implementation of collective provincial YMCA GR strategies.
• Develops compelling position papers and policy options to support YMCA’s advocacy efforts; includes research, writing concise briefing notes, and leading collaborative internal decision-making.
• Monitors and analyzes government policies and legislation for risks/opportunities; provides context to YMCA CEOs through briefs on issues relevant to the YMCA.
• Provides advice to YMCA CEOs about GR, policy development, and advocacy strategies.
• Works closely with YMCA Canada and external partners to align and amplify shared national, provincial, and local priorities.
• While GR priorities will adapt over time and depend on YMCA priorities, Early Learning and Child Care is a core program for the YMCAs in Canada, requiring dedicated GR support.
Nature & Scope
The Director of Government Relations works within a small regional team to support the development and implementation of provincial GR strategies for 11 independent YMCAs in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and BC. The Director brings a strong knowledge of how to influence provincial government policy decisions and has above average skills in critical analysis, written and verbal communications, project management and meeting facilitation. The Director values collaboration and has excellent skills in building internal and external relationships. The Director reports to the Sr VP and provides support and strategic leadership to the GR team.
Major Responsibilities- in this position, you will:
Leads the development, coordination and implementation of provincial government relations strategies
- Works with YMCAs to identify opportunities for collective action on shared priorities; supports the development and implementation of GR strategies and tactics; provides coaching and advice for CEOs and senior staff teams regarding policy and advocacy approaches.
- Helps build internal capacity to actively steward relationships with provincial government stakeholders including politicians, civil servants, and political staff in priority ministries.
- Arranges, facilitates, and follow-up meetings with YMCA staff involved in GR, as needed.
- Implements strategies for long term success, while also responding to emerging needs.
- Directs the Policy Analyst in work to further the strategies.
- Collaborates with the YMCA Canada, GR staff within local YMCAs, and other RDCs to align national and provincial messaging.
Research and resource development
- With the GR team, produces regular communications, briefs, backgrounders, and analyses for CEOs about provincial government policies/legislation that may have an impact on the YMCA.
- With the Policy Analyst, develops YMCA position papers and key messaging through consultation with YMCAs, outreach to stakeholders, and research to inform policy recommendations.
Monitoring and analysis
- Together with the Policy Analyst, monitors related policy and legislative/regulatory matters at the provincial level, and provides strategic information and analysis for provincial advocacy (context, risks, and opportunities).
- Maintains a database of government meetings, key contacts, and outcomes.
Other functions
- Supports/advises YMCAs in their municipal government stewardship, where requested.
- Demonstrates appropriate behaviours aligned with Mission, Vision and Values as reflected in our YMCA competencies; takes a member-focused approach to increase their understanding of programs offered across the YMCA. Represents the YMCA in a professional manner.
- Understands the importance of the volunteer staff partnership and integrates the value of philanthropy and volunteerism in dealings with staff, volunteers and members.
- Completes other related duties as assigned.
Qualification-you bring:
- University degree in public policy, public health, political science, communications, or relevant program.
- Minimum 5 years progressively responsible experience in a government or public policy environment.
- Strong understanding of the stages of public policy development, government decision-making, legislative processes, and effective ways to influence government policy in all levels of government.
- Exceptional communication and knowledge translation skills: good writer with the ability to consolidate information for a variety of audiences.
- Well-developed interpersonal and relationship building skills; ability to establish positive rapport with senior leadership, staff, volunteers, and other stakeholders.
- Exceptional meeting facilitator with strong skills in shared planning, collaborative decision-making, and achieving consensus; structured and well-organized in meeting preparation and recording.
- Ability to communicate professionally with senior leaders, including CEOs, government officials and other stakeholders.
- Strong initiative, planning, and organizational skills
- Experience leading others
- Enjoys working independently, and remotely, as part of a small team.
- Comfortable dealing with ambiguity and adapting to a wide range of tasks with demanding deadlines.
- Experience working with the non-profit and charitable sector is an asset.
- Experience and sensitivity in working with members of different cultural and racial backgrounds, including visible and nonvisible dimensions of diversity.
- Work from home office yet be able to travel in Western Canada as required.
- Successful candidate will be required to provide 3 satisfactory references
- Successful candidates will be required to provide or obtain, prior to starting, a current and satisfactory Criminal Record Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search.
Why work for the Y?
The YMCA was established over 170 years ago as a charity dedicated to the health of both individuals and communities. Our focus on inclusiveness and accessibility means we serve people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities through all stages of life. Through YMCA financial assistance programs, the YMCA is accessible to all. As of today, there will be 35 YMCAs and 2 YMCA-YWCAs in Canada that offer programs and services tailored to each community's needs. All Associations are members of YMCA Canada, which works to strengthen associations and advocates on their behalf, regionally, nationally and internationally. Working with the YMCA enables you to make a positive difference in the lives of individuals and in the health of communities, across Western Canada.
Application Process-ready to make a difference?
We invite you to apply today and find your WHY!
Internal Applicants: Please apply online to this position through the ADP Workforce Now Career Centre. (Myself/Talent/Career Centre)
Application Deadline: August 24, 2026
*Please include any and all relevant certifications in your online application.
You will receive an automated notification to confirm receipt of your application.
- If short-listed for a position: We will contact, you to move forward to the next step.
- If not selected for a specific posting: Continue applying for future positions matching your qualifications and interests.
Note: Depending on the role, we may need to provide preference to internal applicants first. We treat each competition independently and encourage you to keep applying should your experience and qualification be a match for the role.
Does this role sound like a great fit, but you don’t meet every requirement? At YMCA BC, we understand that qualifications and experiences vary. If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply—even if your background doesn’t perfectly match every qualification.
YMCA BC is committed to creating an inclusive, accessible environment where all members of our community feel valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applications from the diverse communities in which we live and serve, including but not limited to people of colour, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. We have established policies, procedures, and practices to meet accessibility standards throughout the hiring process. Should you require any accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to contact our People Services department.
Thank you for your interest and application.
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