Director, Corporate Affairs, Policy and Government Relations

Director, Corporate Affairs, Policy and Government Relations

Wednesday, January 22, 2025

About Us

The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older. We operate the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and are the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.

Working at the OCS is a unique opportunity to be part of an agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry. We’re a diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of our differences. We’re an inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.

About the Role

We're seeking a Director - Corporate Affairs, Policy and Government Relations to join our team. Reporting to the Vice-President of Corporate Affairs, Communications and Social Responsibility, the Director will be responsible for managing a high functioning team of Corporate Affairs, Policy and Risk Management team members, while also working with key business leads across the organization and stakeholders in the cannabis sector. This role will provide leadership to help the OCS in navigating a complex regulatory environment to assist the organization in delivering on its mandate and fulfilling its corporate strategic plans.

The Director will support the Vice President and the Chief Executive Officer in managing government relations including the OCS’ engagement with key government and agency partners at the provincial, municipal and federal levels. The Director will also be responsible for leading the development and execution of key policy initiatives; ensuring compliance with the Ontario government’s agency accountability requirements including enterprise risk management, aligned with OCS corporate strategy.

About Your Day

• Provide strategic direction to manage a vast portfolio of complex policy initiatives that support operational decision-making related to the organization’s mandate and Ontario’s policy objectives for cannabis legalization.
• Provide strategic direction and guidance for complex operational initiatives across multiple business areas, in accordance with applicable legislation, regulations, government policies, processes and directives.
• Monitor, anticipate and communicate industry and government policy, trends, initiatives, opportunities, and regulatory developments; and develop recommendations for senior leadership as required.
• Monitor government and industry activities to influence government policy objectives related to the legal cannabis industry.
• Ensure the OCS complies with the Agencies and Appointments Directive (AAD) and Memorandum of Understanding, as set out by the Ontario Government, by meeting all key accountability requirements.
• Prepare materials as required for government approvals to ensure compliance with the AAD.
• Develop corporate plans (annual reports and business plans) and internal operating and business policies and procedures.
• Monitor government activities regarding agency oversight, including any changes to applicable legislation, regulations, directives or policies.
• Establish relationships and work collaboratively with key government and agency partners including: the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of the Attorney General, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, Health Canada, law enforcement, and other provinces and territories as required.
• Establish strong stakeholder relations networks nationally and provincially across the legal cannabis sector and monitor key trends and priorities of external stakeholders.
• Work with key business areas to support stakeholder engagements, including the development of materials, presentations to stakeholders, attending meetings, conferences, etc.
• Create quarterly and annual OCS Enterprise Risk Management report outlining the enterprise risks and mitigation strategies.
• Work with key business areas and stakeholders (as required) to monitor and report on emerging risks and mitigation plans.
• Present the risk report to the senior leadership team, and government on a regularized basis
• Provide training to the corporation on enterprise risks to enable the corporation to achieve/maintain the desired risk maturity level.
• Lead a team of professionals to deliver against business needs while providing guidance, leadership, coaching and performance development to direct reports
• Foster a culture of innovation, transparency, and accountability within the department and throughout the OCS

About You

• Completion of a bachelor's degree in business, political science, public administration, or related field.
• Master’s degree in in business, political science, public administration or related field would be an asset.
• 5-7+ years experience in a Corporate Affairs/policy management/leadership role within a public sector organization.
• 2+ years of director level leadership is preferred.
• Experience working within a regulated sector is an asset.
• Exceptional organizational skills to manage teams to execute time sensitive deliverables, adapt to changing priorities and effectively manage several projects simultaneously.
• Strong understanding of legislative processes, government procedures, and issues management, with comfort navigating a complex legal framework.
• Experience liaising with senior management, with proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal business partners and external stakeholders.
• Strong political acuity, interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiating skills, and ability to exercise discretion and judgment.
• Knowledge of wholesale and retail business activities is an asset.

About the Job

• This position currently offers a hybrid work schedule. The current in office requirement is a minimum of 3 days/week (may be more depending on business needs). The OCS office is located near York Mills and Yonge Street. However, OCS reserves the right to change this policy and its office location at any time.
• City: Toronto, ON
• Employment Type: Permanent, Full- Time
• Required Travel: Rare, usually within the GTA

Compensation

The target hiring range for this position is $140,000- $150,000. This is a pay grade 9 role, with a salary range of $ 108,940.62 - $167,407.50. Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.

We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience. We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment. If you require an accommodation please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.

• Job Family Director
• Job Function Corporate Affairs, Social Responsibility & Communications