Director, Government Relations

Director, Government
Relations

Why Join the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is Canada's largest and most influential business association. Our work sits at the cutting edge of public policy and economic advocacy, and our team plays a direct role in shaping national conversations that affect businesses across the country and around the world. Representing over 400 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and more than 200,000 businesses of all sizes, from all sectors of the economy and from every part of the country — to create the conditions for our collective success. Our vision is to build a Canada of thriving business opportunity, a strong economy and a better life for all. Our mission is to drive change, partner broadly and be the undisputed champion and catalyst for the future of business success.

The Canadian Chamber recruit's top talent who understands today's business realities and have an entrepreneurial mindset that can support our business building goals as well as emerging business needs and opportunities. Accelerate your career, by working alongside senior leaders and decision-makers, and contribute to policy solutions that help to address the challenges of our time.

What We Offer

• Advancement Opportunities
• Annual Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000
• Comprehensive Benefit Package and Wellness Program covered by the Chamber at no cost to employees
• Competitive vacation
• A defined pension plan starting after one (1) year of service
• Compressed-work week during the summer
• Hybrid work environment 

Term and Location

This
role is based in Ottawa and is a full-time position. The Chamber offers hybrid
work arrangements, with a requirement of three days in-office presence per
week.

Summary
of the Role

The
Canadian Chamber of Commerce is seeking a Director, Government Relations to
help advance the organization's policy and advocacy agenda at a critical moment
for Canada's history. This role is ideal for a highly motivated policy and
government relations professional who is eager to work at the forefront of
national business and economic debates.

The Director will serve
as a public policy generalist, leading government relations activities across multiple
priority files, which could include natural resources, digital technology,
financial policy, workforce strategies, immigration and international trade.
Working closely with senior leadership, members, and stakeholders, the Director
will help shape policy positions, engage decision-makers, and elevate the voice
of Canadian business across multiple policy domains.

Working
at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce is a career accelerator in a fast-paced and
stimulating environment. The Chamber is front and centre on major economic and
policy issues, particularly now, as Canada navigates a complex and rapidly
evolving relationship with the United States in a shifting global environment.
This role offers unparalleled exposure to senior government officials, business
leaders, and high-profile national conversations to help build  your already successful career. Members of our team regularly testify before Parliamentary committees, appear in national media, and connect with leaders across various industries and government departments. You'll be surrounded by like-minded team members, overseen by a leadership group who is committed to your growth and personal success.

Key responsibilities

• Pitch ideas to your colleagues and our executive team to help shape the conversation on what Canada needs to succeed.
• Develop, research, and draft complex and compelling policy positions, briefing notes, submissions, and advocacy materials across a wide range of issues.
• Monitor and analyze municipal, provincial, and federal political developments and translate them into actionable insights for members and leadership.
• Lead and support government relations strategies, including engagement with elected officials, political staff, senior public servants, and regulators.
• Represent the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in meetings, stakeholder discussions, public forums, and member engagements in Ottawa and beyond.
• Contribute to media engagement, including background briefings and interviews, where appropriate and aligned with experience.
• Build and manage relationships with mid-level to senior stakeholders from the Chamber Network, the Membership and partner organizations across Canada and beyond. 
• Design, organize, and lead public policy events, roundtables, and stakeholder convenings.
• Help to grow the Canadian Chamber with new members, and in new sectors across the Canadian economy. 
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and the broader Chamber network to align advocacy efforts, maximizing our impact.
• Operate effectively in a fast-paced office environment, managing multiple files and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Periodic travel may be required.

Qualifications and Experience

• Post-secondary education in public administration, political science, economics, business, or a combination of education and experience.
• Keen interest in and knowledge of Canadian politics, public policy, business issues, government relations or strategic communications. 
• You are a driven researcher and multitasker, eager to master a subject and with a proven ability to synthesize complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Proven experience engaging with stakeholders at mid-level to senior levels in associations, businesses or government.
• Strong verbal communication skills, with comfort presenting to diverse audiences. Bilingualism is an asset.
• Prior media experience is an asset but not required.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, we will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process. 

Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative, at all job levels, of all segments of society. We are dedicated to encouraging a supportive and inclusive culture amongst the whole workforce and we are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills, where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire will be based on merit, competence, performance and business needs.

The Canadian Chamber of Commerce does not use AI to screen or assess applicants.