Lead, Government and External Relations (Bilingual – English/French)

Posting Date: August 6, 2026

Closing Date: August 30, 2026

Salary Range: $95,000–$125,000 depending on qualifications and experience. The upper end of the salary range is reserved for candidates who demonstrate or exceed most or all qualifications and work experience

Location: Ottawa area
*This posting is for an existing vacancy

Overview 

As Canada’s foremost climate policy research organization, the Canadian Climate Institute equips policy makers across the country to develop and adopt evidence-based solutions to complex climate and energy challenges. 

We drive results through in-depth research and analysis, innovative communications, and robust engagement with governments, industry leaders, Indigenous rights holders, and civil society. If you join our team, you’ll be collaborating with some of the most dedicated and influential thinkers working on transformational climate and energy policy in Canada. Learn about our latest work at climateinstitute.ca.

The Role

Reporting to the Director of Communications & External Relations, the Lead, Government and External Relations is responsible for creating and executing comprehensive strategies and work plans to effectively engage with representatives of government, industry, civil society organizations, Indigenous rights holders, and others concerning Institute research and policy recommendations. 

The Lead, Government and External Relations, will manage government relations and external engagement with a primary focus on federal and Ontario-specific policy issues and outreach. The incumbent will also lead comprehensive engagement planning and external relations activities in support of the Institute’s Clean Growth and 440 Megatonnes research streams.  

The Lead will collaborate closely with the Executive team and senior staff to ensure strategic and coordinated government and external relations, and represent the Institute in meetings and at functions as needed.The incumbent will produce materials for federal, Ontario, and project-specific government relations and external engagement, and keep colleagues up to date on priority relationships and policy developments. They will coordinate with other regional government relations leads in the External Affairs team to align engagement strategies, workplans and materials, and provide strategic input and tactical engagement support for other research streams when needed.

Based in the Ottawa area, this role involves proactive outreach and ongoing relationship stewardship with political staff and officials, monitoring political and policy issues at the federal and provincial level, and tracking the Institute’s policy impact across jurisdictions. The Lead is also responsible for hands-on engagement support such as creating project-specific outreach lists and keeping CRM contacts up to date, and preparing polished engagement materials such as presentations, briefing notes, and official correspondence in both official languages with minimal oversight.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in public policy, political science, communications or a related field (or equivalent experience); a graduate degree is an asset
• Minimum of 5 years' experience in government relations, public affairs, political or government roles, stakeholder engagement, or a related field
• Existing professional network and experience stewarding relationships with federal and Ontario government officials and political staff, preferably with a focus on climate, energy, infrastructure and/or clean growth portfolios
• Ability to represent the Institute independently in outreach and meetings with government officials, national organizations, Indigenous representatives, industry and others, exercising sound judgment to convey Institute perspectives accurately without senior oversight
• Willingness to travel as necessary and work outside regular business hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to represent the Institute at various functions
• Excellent bilingual (French/English) written and verbal communication skills 
• Experience producing correspondence and briefing materials for policy audiences
• Strong understanding of federal and provincial legislative processes, the Canadian political landscape, and national and regional climate/energy policy issues 
• Highly motivated, values-aligned, and politically astute
• Impeccable attention to detail and knowledge of government relations best practices in producing and reviewing stakeholder engagement strategies,workplans, contact lists, briefing materials and correspondence
• Self-directed with strong organizational and project management skills
• Must be based in the Ottawa area
• Applicants must have legal authorization to work in Canada to be considered

What We Offer

• A full-time (40 hrs/wk) salaried position with the ability to flex hours as necessary due to travel or after-hours work
• The opportunity to do meaningful work with a dynamic, highly committed team located across the country
• A flexible, virtual workplace with funds to cover home-office setup 
• Four weeks’ paid vacation plus federal stat holidays and additional paid days off at year-end
• Up to five days of unpaid leave per calendar year in order to participate in traditional Indigenous practices  
• The option to substitute statutory religious holidays for religious or cultural holidays you observe
• Employer-paid health care benefits, Employee Assistance Program, half-day Fridays in the summer, paid sick days, and paid parental leave among other employee supports
• An RRSP contribution plan available to staff after one year
• Funding for professional development, skill training, and participation in conferences

The Canadian Climate Institute is committed to advancing justice and equity in our organization, our work, and our hiring practices. We encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, women, LGBTQIA2S+ and persons with disabilities, and are working to create an inclusive culture that supports collective growth, learning/unlearning and meaningful work. We value diverse perspectives and will consider relevant life experience alongside professional qualifications when reviewing applications.

The Institute may use automated or AI-assisted tools at limited stages of the recruitment process. These tools are used to assist (not replace) human decision-making. All hiring decisions are ultimately made by people. We are committed to using technology responsibly and in line with applicable employment and privacy laws.