Reporting to the President & CEO, this role leads the implementation of the policy and government relations strategy developed by the CEO & the Board of Directors for ESC’s Policy team, leveraging the organization’s contracted consultants to deliver detailed and timely advocacy on behalf of industry members. The individual will have a minimum of 3-5 years progressive responsibilities in either Federal or provincial policy with demonstrated knowledge of Canadian energy policy, successful stakeholder engagement, regulatory research, and energy policy analysis.
The successful candidate will have a sound understanding of public policy work, is comfortable working in cross-functional teams to meet the goals set and has successfully delivered policy and regulatory outcomes. The candidate will have experience fostering long-term, dynamic relationships with governments at all levels and can manage multiple projects and priorities. The candidate can work well managing a small team in a collaborative environment with shared deliverables.
Based anywhere in Canada (with preference for the provinces of Ontario & Quebec), the Director is responsible for several core functions, including but not limited to:
- Leading the implementation of ESC’s policy & government relations strategy for the policy team.
- Managing relationships with key provincial and federal government stakeholders, identifying engagement opportunities to support the development and growth of strong relationships with key decision makers and influencers in and outside of government.
- Representing ESC policy positions and member feedback in a range of stakeholder engagement contexts, including panels, industry roundtables, or government stakeholder sessions.
- Managing the Policy Department made up of regional and subject matter policy staff with a range of experience, by reviewing draft submissions, providing direction and assigning action items as needed, hosting department meetings, and executing Board-approved strategies.
- Providing recommendations, updates, and recommendations to a range of member groups related to policy positions and submissions, with the flexibility to easily incorporate feedback and revisions to best align with the position of ESC’s contributing membership.
- Leading the Ontario Markets, Federal and LDES policy files, which will include scheduling, facilitating and participating in member working groups and developing submissions with the support of ESC consultants and members.
- Managing the working relationships ESC’s external Government Relations and Policy Consultants in consultation with the CEO to ensure they are providing sound advice, the full scope of their contracted responsibilities, and the deliverables assigned within the agreed timelines.
- Consulting with the CEO to develop an implementation plan for the Policy Department’s strategic action items and individual staff members' KPIs.
- Monitoring the Policy Department’s KPIs for the year.
- Collaborating with the President and VP Corporate Services, the Director will contribute to the development of materials for ESC Board Meetings, Strategic Planning Sessions, and facilitate the delivery of departmental materials.
- Collaborating with the President and VP Corporate Services, the Director will contribute to the development of webinars, regional events, the Annual Conference Program, and the identification and execution of research papers and reports.
- Provide recommendations for the CEO's facilitation of Leadership Council meetings and prepare informational memos to be shared for the meeting.
- At times, travel within Canada and outside Canada for events and meetings is expected.
The ideal candidate will combine a high level of professionalism, experience in policy and advocacy work (ideally in the energy sector), and team management experience, preferably within a not-for-profit organization.
Job Requirements
- Minimum requirement of a post-secondary degree
- Minimum of 3 years of relevant experience, 5 years is preferable; experience on Parliament Hill or Queen’s Park is considered an asset.
- Experience in managing junior team members to provide them with direction and support in the execution of their deliverables.
- Demonstrated experience working in Canada’s energy sector and the regulatory environments in multiple jurisdictions (federally, provincially, territorially).
- Sound understanding of public policy, government processes, and legislative frameworks within Canada.
- Good written communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and concisely, tailored to diverse audiences.
- Must be eligible to work in Canada legally and must be able to lobby federally and in Ontario.
Skills & Qualifications
- Self-motivated and a strong independent worker with good interpersonal.
- Experience coordinating projects, ability to multitask, prioritize and respond effectively to competing timelines.
- Well-versed in collaborative approaches to problem-solving.
- Good analytical skills, with the ability to make data-driven decisions. Strong strategic thinking.
- French proficiency is considered an asset.
This is a full-time position offering a competitive combination of salary and benefits. The Association offers flexibility in working environment, engaging opportunities in the policy and government relations field, involvement in diverse range of activities as part of a small, dynamic, and growing team, as well as opportunities for growth and progression within the organization.
At ESC, diversity, equity and inclusion are not just values; they are strategic imperatives that fuel our future in an industry built on the art of understanding, connecting and developing relationships. We believe that a diverse workforce is essential for inspiring bold ideas, fostering constructive dialogue and cultivating meaningful experiences that drive innovation and creativity.
Please send your resume and a cover letter explaining why you are well-suited for this role, and why it would be the right career move for you to [email protected] before September 4, 2026 with “Application for Director Policy & Government Affairs” in the subject line.
As we expect to receive a large number of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. We thank all candidates for their interest in this role.
Pay: $110,000.00-$130,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Work from home
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (required)
Experience:
- energy policy: 3 years (required)
- government relations: 3 years (required)
- Team management: 3 years (required)
Location:
Work Location: Remote
