Director, Government Relations

Duration: Indeterminate 
Type: Full-time at 37.5 hours per week 
Location: Ottawa, ON (Hybrid).
Reports to: Chief Conservation Officer
Salary range: $104,114 to $122,487 per year

Who we are 
The Canadian Wildlife Federation (CWF) is a national not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated to ensuring an appreciation of our natural world and a lasting legacy of healthy wildlife and habitat. By spreading knowledge of human impacts on the environment, developing and delivering educational programs, conducting research, promoting the sustainable use of natural resources, and advocating for effective wildlife policy and regulation, CWF strives for a future in which Canada’s wildlife is conserved for generations to come. 
 
Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, Indigenous persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+, and women in non-traditional roles.
 
 

Position Overview
We are seeking a strategic and influential Director, Government Relations to lead the organization’s national advocacy efforts. Reporting to the Chief Conservation Officer, this role is responsible for shaping public policy recommendations, securing government funding, and strengthening CWF’s relationships with government decision‑makers.

The Director serves as CWF’s primary liaison with government, developing strategies to advance conservation outcomes, representing CWF in high‑level discussions, and collaborating closely with internal leaders to advance policy priorities. This role also leads policy research, advocacy planning, public positioning, and the development of persuasive materials for government and other external audiences.

This is a high-impact position suited for a political strategist who excels at relationship‑building, understands the workings of government, and is passionate about advancing wildlife conservation across Canada. This is a new position, which may oversee a small team of staff in the future. 

Duties and Responsibilities: 

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Serve as CWF’s principal point of contact with federal government officials, elected representatives, and civil servants.
• Influence policy outcomes through policy research, strategic pitch development, and active lobbying.
• Develop CWF’s public positioning and messaging on relevant regulatory, legislative, and administrative matters.
• Write and deliver comments, letters, briefing notes, presentations, and other advocacy materials for government stakeholders and media.
• Represent CWF at meetings, consultations, and public engagements to promote the organization’s conservation policy agenda.

Strategic Leadership & Support

• Advise the Chief Conservation Officer, Chief Executive Officer, and senior leadership on government engagement strategies and policy opportunities.
• Collaborate with program teams and conservation leads to align policy advocacy with conservation priorities and organizational strategy.
• Provide operational guidance to internal staff on government relations approaches, messaging, and engagement tactics.
• Build and facilitate internal networks, coordinating meetings, agendas, and materials for cross organizational advocacy efforts.

Partnership Development

• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with partner organizations, industry groups, and agencies engaged in policy and conservation work.
• Collaborate with external leaders to advance shared public policy objectives and secure funding that supports CWF’s strategic priorities.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Environmental Studies, Conservation, Political Science, Business, or a related field (or equivalent education/experience).
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, political affairs, advocacy, or a related field.
• Strong knowledge of Canadian legislative processes, including experience interpreting and responding to legislation, regulations, and policy proposals.
• Working knowledge of key environmental and conservation‑related legislation in Canada (e.g., Species at Risk Act, Impact Assessment Act, Fisheries Act, Migratory Birds Convention Act).
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with elected officials, public servants, and external partners.
• Excellent written communication skills, including experience preparing briefing notes, policy submissions, consultation responses, and other government-facing materials.
• Demonstrated ability to lead strategic advocacy initiatives and advise senior leadership on government engagement.
• Experience representing an organization in government-facing settings, consultations, or media engagements.

Assets

• Experience working in the environmental, conservation, wildlife, or natural resources sectors.
• Existing network of relationships within federal or provincial governments.
• Experience participating in regulatory consultations or parliamentary committees.
• Experience collaborating with multi‑stakeholder coalitions or industry partners on joint advocacy.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with federal budgeting and funding processes, including grants or contribution agreements.

Work Conditions

• Full-time at 37.5 hours per week, typically Monday through Friday. Overtime may be required, including occasional evening and weekend work.
• Salary will be determined based on experience and internal parity, and can range from $97,990 to $122,487 per year.
• Location: Based at our Head Office in Kanata (Ottawa West), Ontario, with hybrid flexibility to work from home two consecutive days per week.
• Occasional travel to Downtown Ottawa for meetings (frequent) and other locations as required (quarterly).
• Manual dexterity required to operate computer and peripherals. 
• Exposure to mental stress due to managing demands from multiple work activities, and sensitive policy discussions. 
• Regularly interacts with Ministers, Members of Parliament, Senators, Deputy Ministers, Assistant Deputy Ministers, and Director Generals to advocate for CWF’s policy positions. In addition, collaborates with Senior Leaders at partner organizations and may represent CWF in media and press. 

Why work with us?

• We are a rapidly growing team of forward-thinking individuals who all share a common passion: wildlife and habitat!
• Friendly and casual work environment. 
• Opportunity to expand your network of conservation and program experts. 
• We are committed to work-life balance. 
• We are committed to building a more diverse workforce. 
• Relevant professional development opportunities for career growth.
• We offer a competitive benefits plan at no cost to employees which include health, dental, vision, and LTD. Enrollment to Employee Assistance Program.
• We offer Group RSP enrollment with up to 5% matching.
• 13 paid stat holidays per year.
• Generous time-off policies include paid vacation days, sick days, float days, and appointment time.
• Complimentary subscription to our Canadian Wildlife magazine. 

APPLICATION DEADLINE:   March 18, 2026
 
HOW TO APPLY: Cover letter and resume should be submitted. Only the candidates who meet the requirements and are selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank you for your interest in the Canadian Wildlife Federation!

AODA Statement:  CWF is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an inclusive, accessible hiring process. Please notify the HR Department if you require any accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

AI Statement: CWF does not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by human members of our hiring team.