SENIOR MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
Permanent
Full-time
Government Relations
We are currently hiring for the position of:
SENIOR MANAGER, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS
The Senior Manager, Government Relations will be responsible for leading government advocacy efforts and maintaining strong relationships with political stakeholders. The Senior Manager will report to the Director, Government Relations.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance TIFF's strategic plan, infrastructure needs, and operational funding goals.
- Prepare presentations and briefings for government stakeholders, effectively articulating TIFF's cultural and economic footprint, and community value proposition.
- Monitor, analyze, and report on public policy trends, legislative updates, and political shifts that impact the arts, culture, and non-profit sectors.
- Draft highly compelling policy briefs, position papers, pre-budget submissions, and speaking notes for executive leadership.
- Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with elected officials, political staff, and public service bureaucrats at all three levels of government.
- Act as a key point of contact for government partners, tracking commitments and follow-ups with government stakeholder and organizing high-impact meetings for TIFF leadership.
- Coordinating timely responses to urgency political or policy developments, or emerging GR issues.
- Translate complex institutional data (such as tourism metrics and economic impact studies) into persuasive advocacy narratives for government audiences.
- Working closely with the Manager, Government Relations, oversee government protocol and engagement during the annual Toronto International Film Festival and year-round events at TIFF Lightbox.
- Identifying funding and grant opportunities, ensuring alignment with current government mandates, policies and priorities.
- Represent TIFF in external meetings with government officials and senior public servants to advance institutional priorities.
- Manage and coordinate external government relations/lobbying agencies, ensuring alignment of messaging, priorities, and advocacy strategies.
- Work cross-functionally with key internal stakeholders/team to align GR strategy with organizational priorities
- Track and report on outcomes of government engagement, funding success, and advocacy impact
JOB GRADE & SALARY:
- Job Grade 4
- Job Grade Salary Range/Annually or Rate of pay: $65,000 - $103,020
- Our salary ranges reflect the range of skills and experience required for the role. Typically, candidates new to the role are positioned up to the midpoint of the range, with progression through the range based on performance and development over time. The top of the salary band is for employees who consistently demonstrate high performance in their role.
TARGET CONTRACT DATES:
- Start Date: November 9, 2026
WORK LOCATION:
- Office Location: 350 King Street West, Toronto, ON M5V 3X5
- Weekly in-office requirements:
- Minimum 2 days (November to April)
- Minimum 3 days (May to October)
- Festival Office Requirements: Full Time during Festival
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Post-secondary education in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, political staff roles, or advocacy within a non-profit, cultural institution, or public agency.
Communication
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to communicate ideas and proposals persuasively to government partners during phone calls and meetings
Stakeholder Relations
- Proven ability to build networks and influence stakeholders across the political spectrum
- high degree of diplomacy, discretion, and emotional intelligence.
Organization/project responsibility
- Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
- Lead the team in meeting timelines for advocacy campaigns
Job Specific Knowledge
- Deep, nuanced understanding of Canadian political processes, public policy frameworks, and government budget cycles
- Adaptable to a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends
- This position requires being in office on a regular basis.
VACANCY:
- This job posting is for an existing vacancy
HOW TO SUBMIT & APPLICATION DEADLINE:
- All applications must be submitted online through TIFF's Career Centre.
- Please upload your cover letter and resumé as PDF(s), before the deadline of Sunday, October 18, 2026.
