Senior Government Relations Specialist

About this Position
This role assists the Principal Advisor of Government Affairs with all facets of running a successful government relations program, including strategy development, regulatory monitoring, and stakeholder engagement, to support the company’s business objectives.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor & Analyze: Lead the monitoring of key regulatory issues related to the life insurance and mutual fund industries at both federal and provincial levels across Canada. Provide proactive analysis and anticipate impacts on business operations.
• Reporting: Prepare comprehensive Government Relations reports on a monthly basis, including urgent bulletins for senior leadership when critical regulatory issues arise.
• Strategic Research: Conduct and synthesize advanced research to support government relations, regulatory changes, and other strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Assist the Principal Advisor of Government Affairs in building and maintaining positive relationships with related associations, industry stakeholders and government contacts across Canada.
• Content Development: Draft and coordinate high-impact briefs, presentations, letters, and other materials on complex regulatory issues affecting the business.
• Event & Meeting Coordination: Oversee the organization and preparation of government relations meetings and events. Serve as the key contact for logistics and agendas for these high-priority engagements.
• Meeting & Schedule Coordination: Arrange and manage the scheduling of meetings with stakeholders across Canada for senior leaders (Principal Advisor, CEO), ensuring flawless coordination.
• Compliance: Manage and ensure timely compliance with lobbyist registration requirements for the company and its leadership in all jurisdictions where lobbying is conducted.
• Budget Management: Take ownership of the government relations budget, including monitoring expenses, processing vendor payments, and collaborating closely with the Finance team.
• Documentation & Administration: Maintain all records and files for government relations activities, ensuring accuracy and accessibility.

Qualifications:

• Experience: 3-5 years of experience in government relations, public affairs, or regulatory roles, ideally with exposure to the financial services or life insurance industries.
• Education: Post-secondary degree, preferably in Political Science, Public Administration, or Law. Advanced degree or certifications in related fields is a plus.
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated experience managing relationships with government entities, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
• Industry Knowledge: Strong understanding of Canadian government structures, with familiarity in financial services, life insurance, or mutual funds an asset.
• Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop clear, concise briefing materials and reports for senior executives and government officials.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using these tools for advanced reports, presentations, and budgeting.
• Autonomy & Initiative: Capable of working independently, managing multiple priorities, and proactively addressing challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Leadership Presence: Ability to confidently work alongside senior management and represent the organization externally when needed.
• Bilingualism: Fluency in English is essential, and French is an asset.