Associate Director, Government Relations (Ontario)

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs (CIJA) builds and nurtures relationships with leaders in government, media, academia, civil society, and other faith and ethnic communities to ensure greater understanding of the issues that impact the Jewish community. CIJA combats antisemitism and discrimination in all its forms and advocates for fundamental rights and freedoms, social justice, and support for the people of Israel. As the advocacy agent of the Jewish Federations of Canada, CIJA is a national, non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of Jewish life in Canada by advancing the public policy interests of Canada’s organized Jewish community.  CIJA connects the power of a strong, national network to regional efforts in every Canadian province and, as the Canadian affiliate of the World Jewish Congress, to international efforts worldwide. 

The position is based in Toronto and reports to the Vice President, Ontario. As a key member of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and the National Government Relations team, the position is responsible for driving CIJA’s government relations strategies predominantly in the GTA with provincial and municipal governments. An organized team player with exceptional people skills and an ability to build meaningful relationships throughout the political sector, you have excellent communications ability, a strong knowledge of Ontario’s and Toronto’s political landscape, familiarity with the community’s public policy agenda, and a willingness to learn.  

Primary Functions 

The Associate Director, Government Relations (Ontario) will be responsible for: 

• Participating in the development and implementation of Ontario’s provincial and municipal government relations strategy 

• Developing and strengthening relationships with elected officials, political staff, civil servants and key decision makers to enhance CIJA’s visibility and influence and advance CIJA’s advocacy agenda 

• Monitoring the activities of provincial and municipal government 

• Providing local support to government relations at the federal level as needed 

• Anticipating issues that might arise in the political sector and preparing for their effective management 

• Monitoring and analyzing legislative and regulatory developments that may impact CIJA and preparing government relations updates for the GTA team 

• Crafting briefing materials, reports, and presentations to communicate CIJA’s positions and priorities 

• Overseeing and implementing events, programs and campaigns to further CIJA’s advocacy goals, such as advocacy days 

• Supporting the VP Ontario on other duties as required

Requirements 

• Post secondary degree from a recognized post-secondary institution in Political Science, Public Policy/Administration, Government Relations, or related field. 

• A minimum of 5-7 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or a related field, with a proven track record of successful advocacy and policy influence. 

• Strong understanding of the Canadian political system, legislative process, and regulatory environment. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to articulate complex issues clearly and persuasively. 

• Proven ability to develop and maintain relationships with legislators and their staff, public servants, and stakeholders. 

• Political acuity and diplomacy as well as excellent relationship building skills, interpersonal and collaboration skills. 

• Strong project management skills, with an eye for detail and an ability to juggle and prioritize multiple tasks and competing priorities, manage the day-to-day execution of programs. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
  

• Knowledge of the Canadian Jewish community and the ability to represent it with confidence and personal credibility.

• Availability for travel and occasional work outside normal working hours as needed.

How to Apply 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. This position will be based in CIJA’s Toronto Office. Please note that applications will be considered as they are received. Only candidates who are selected for interviews will be contacted. No walk-ins or phone calls, please. Deadline for submissions is August 30th, 2024.