Director, Government and Alumni Relations

The Centre for Israel and Jewish Affairs is Canada’s leading Jewish advocacy agency. Government relations is at the centre of our mandate to combat antisemitism; promote community security; and build support for the Canada-Israel relationship.

We are now seeking a candidate to join a dynamic, highly accomplished team of government relations professionals in the role of Director, Government and Alumni Relations.

The Director, Government and Alumni Relations will work to support the general efforts of the GR team, including specifically outreach to parliamentarians, political/party staffers. In addition, the staff member will lead the alumni engagement portfolio.

Government Relations Responsibilities:

• Establishing and developing relationships with elected officials, political staff, and other key stakeholders specifically within the Liberal Party of Canada.
• Assist in ongoing communication between CIJA and elected officials and members of their staff, government officials in key federal departments.
• Identify and create opportunities to raise CIJA’s profile with target audiences in Ottawa.
• Assisting the Government Relations team in developing policy.
• Leading outreach to political staff, including co-staffing CIJA’s annual ‘staffers’ mission to Israel.
• Overseeing CIJA’s work on political receptions (conventions, conferences, and the Calgary Stampede) and other advocacy events.
• Lead in conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Edmonton and the Calgary Jewish Federation, the Alberta government relations strategic plan.
• Attending events and receptions on behalf of CIJA. Mission Alumni Engagement Responsibilities:
• Develop and maintain a structured outreach plan for mission alumni.
• Update the mission policy guidelines on mission alumni related issues, and train CIJA staff on alumni protocols.
• Ensure data is collected, organized, and used effectively when working with alumni audiences.
• Develop metrics for tracking alumni engagement.
• Maintain and further develop relationships with mission alumni.
• Create opportunities for alumni engagement. Where warranted seek opportunities to engage alumni in the CIJA/Federation ecosystem.
• Develop a new alumni advisory group to assist in CIJA’s advocacy efforts.
• Ensure regular touchpoints and communications with key alumni across the political and civil-service spectrum.

Background:

The successful candidate will have a background that includes:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, Canadian studies, economics, or a related discipline.
• 3-5 years experience working in or around Canada’s federal parliament.
• Strong political acumen and understanding of the government decision-making process.
• Excellent English language skills (writing, and oral); conversational French.
• An ability to plan and organize independently events such as conferences, and lobby days.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, superior oral and written capabilities, including the ability to build professional relationships with government interlocutors.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and planning skills.
• Excellent decision-making abilities.
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Highly motivated.
• Good judgment and discretion.

Working Conditions:

• Working hours may include some nights and weekends.
• Domestic and International travel.
• Salary commensurate with experience.

Interested candidates should apply via email with a resume and cover letter to David Cooper, CIJA’s Vice-President of Government Relations at [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Candidates will be contacted for an interview.