WE ARE LOOKING FOR TWO (2) SENIOR POLICY ADVISORS
Language: Bilingual - English and French mandatory
Compensation: $87,463 - $107,055
Status: Full-time (Program Staff III) - unionized position
Position Type: New Position
Location: 301 ‑ 350 Sparks St, Ottawa, Ontario K1R 7S8
Join Our Dynamic Team at Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan)!
Are you ready to make a difference in the world of education? At Colleges and Institutes Canada, we’re on the lookout for passionate, innovative, and driven individuals to join our team. If you’re eager to contribute to a vibrant community and work to strengthen Canada’s publicly supported colleges, institutes, CEGEPs, and polytechnics, we want to hear from you!
Who We Are?
Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) is the national voice of Canada’s public colleges, institutes, polytechnics, and CEGEPs. As part of Team Canada, we are committed to helping build a stronger and more resilient country by championing the role of post-secondary education, skills development, and innovation.
Together with our members, we support the builders, growers, makers, caregivers, first responders, innovators, and job creators that Canadians depend on to meet our biggest challenges. Through affordable, accessible, and high-quality education and training, our sector helps Canadians secure meaningful careers, supports businesses as they grow and diversify, and drives the innovation that strengthens industries, communities, and the economy.
At a time when Canada is investing in Canadian businesses, Canadian workers, and Canadian-made solutions, CICan and its members are helping shape a more prosperous future by developing talent, advancing applied research, and fostering innovation in communities across Canada and around the world.
To learn more about CICan, our members, and the impact of our work, visit our website.
Why Choose Us?
- Impactful Work: Be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to advocacy for colleges and institutes across Canada.
- Collaborative Environment: Work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are as committed to excellence as you are.
- Innovative Culture: Embrace a culture that values creativity, innovation, and forward-thinking solutions.
- Salary: Obtain a highly competitive compensation
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of something extraordinary!
The Opportunity
The Senior Policy Advisor plays a strategic leadership role in shaping the organization’s public policy agenda. This position is responsible for conducting government relations outreach, advanced research, analyzing complex policy issues, and developing evidence-based recommendations that inform advocacy, program development, and decision-making. The Senior Policy Advisor leads the development of policy positions, contributes to high-level stakeholder engagement, and mentors junior staff in policy analysis and research methodologies.
Working collaboratively across departments and with external partners, the Senior Policy Advisor ensures that the organization’s policy initiatives are timely, relevant, and aligned with strategic priorities.
What You’ll Do
Policy Development
- Prepare policy briefs, backgrounders, and impact assessments to inform leadership and stakeholders
- Lead the development of evidence based policy positions, briefing notes, submissions, and strategic recommendations on key issues relevant to CICan’s strategic priorities
- Monitor and analyze legislative, regulatory, and political developments at federal levels
- Provide expert advice to senior leadership on emerging policy trends and their implications
- Lead the development of strategic advocacy initiatives and contribute to the formulation of organization-wide policy and engagement strategies that advance CICan’s mission and influence.
- Drive the creation of evidence-based policy positions by integrating complex research, stakeholder insights, and sector trends to ensure alignment with CICan’s strategic priorities and advocacy goals.
Government Relations and Stakeholder Engagement
- Represent the organization in high-level meetings, consultations, and working groups with government officials, industry leaders, and community partners
- Cultivate and maintain strategic relationships with CICan member institutions, regional associations, and national employer-based organizations to ensure meaningful engagement, knowledge exchange, and alignment with CICan’s policy and advocacy priorities.
- Support member networks, committees, and reference groups to ensure meaningful input into CICan’s policy agenda
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with policymakers, academics, and advocacy coalitions
- Support the development of collaborative policy initiatives and partnerships
- Identify and respond to policy engagement opportunities initiated by members or external stakeholders
- Monitor parliamentary studies, consultations, and media coverage to identify emerging trends and opportunities for advocacy
Research & Analysis
- Deliver high quality research, including environmental scans, stakeholder consultations, and data analysis
- Synthesize findings into clear, actionable insights for internal and external audiences
- Ensure research methodologies are rigorous, ethical, and aligned with organizational standards
- Analyze federal legislation, regulations, programs, and government communiqués to assess their impact on colleges and institutes
Strategic Communication & Reporting
- Prepare high-quality written materials including reports, presentations, and briefing notes for internal and external audiences
- Translate complex policy issues into accessible language for diverse stakeholders
- Contribute to public communications, including blogs, newsletters, and media responses
- Support the external positioning of CICan with federal government partners, stakeholders, and media audiences
Team Collaboration & Mentorship
- Provide guidance and mentorship to junior staff
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate policy insights into program design and advocacy campaigns
- Support internal capacity-building through training and knowledge-sharing
- Contribute to the planning and execution of CICan advocacy events, symposia, and conference sessions by advising on program content and identifying speakers
Strategic Support
- Assist in evaluating the impact of existing policies and programs
- Provide policy advice to senior leadership and contribute to organizational planning
- Support grant writing, funding proposals, and program evaluation as needed
- Prepare annual work plans and objectives for assigned policy areas and ensure adherence to CICan’s values, ethics, and operational standards
What You Bring (Minimum Requirements)
Education
Postsecondary education in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Communications, and/or a combination of education and work experience.
Experience
Minimum of five (5) years of experience in:
- In policy analysis and/or research,
- In government relations or public affairs
- Leading policy development and stakeholder engagement initiatives
- Conduct environmental scans, literature reviews, and data interpretation using credible sources
- Development and implementation of government relations strategies that advance policy priorities
- Preparation of high-level policy materials, including briefing notes, submissions, and position papers for senior leadership or government audiences
- Interpretation and analysis of complex policy documents, government reports, and statistical data (e.g., Statistics Canada releases)
- Preparation of strategic communications for senior executives and external stakeholders
- Effective interpersonal engagement with senior officials, member institutions, and national partners
- Presentation of complex policy issues in accessible formats for diverse audiences
- Analysis of legislation, government programs, and policy frameworks
- Translation of complex policy information into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences
- Drafting of briefing notes, policy papers, and presentations for senior leadership
Demonstrated Knowledge
- High level of professionalism, discretion, and political acuity
- Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
- Strong understanding of Canadian federal government structures, processes, frameworks and legislative processes
- Strong understanding of Canadian federal government operations - both political and bureaucratic
- Knowledge of data collection tools and techniques, including surveys, interviews, and public datasets (e.g., Statistics Canada)
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, CRM and data analysis tools
- English and French (written, spoken and comprehension)
- Strong grasp of public policy issues impacting Canada’s postsecondary education sector, including labour market trends, innovation, and social development
Key Competencies
- Agility: We thrive in a complex environment that requires nimbleness and adaptability, and we anticipate and respond to changes with quick and resourceful actions.
- Inspiring Others: We motivate individuals to strive for excellence and commit to common goals and purposes, as we create a sense of self-efficacy, resilience, and persistence in others.
- Integrity: We treat others fairly and respectfully, and we further the standing of the organization and its trust relationships with our members and other stakeholders.
- Collaboration: We work together, across teams and divisions, to leverage our collective expertise and talents in support of organizational success and a culture of cooperation.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid work environment with two (2) days minimum weekly presence required in the office
- Dynamic and collaborative environment
What We Offer
- Benefit from a flexible work schedule that supports work-life balance.
- Enjoy a hybrid work environment that combines remote work with in-person collaboration at our Ottawa office.
- Access a comprehensive group benefits plan designed to support your health and well-being.
- Build financial security for the future through our pension plan.
- Take advantage of professional development opportunities that support continuous learning and career growth.
- Stay active with free access to on-site fitness facilities.
- Work in a prime downtown Ottawa location, close to restaurants, shops, services, and amenities.
- Enjoy convenient access to public transit, including the O-Train and major bus routes.
- Join a collaborative and purpose-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact across Canada.
Open to: CICan employees and external applicants
How to apply
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and résumé in a PDF format by October 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
CICan is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. We recognize that diverse teams generate unique solutions, ideas, and perspectives. Therefore, we welcome and encourage applications from women, persons with disabilities, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
Do not hesitate to contact Human Resources at hr@cican.org or 613-746-2222 ext. 3191 if you require alternative arrangements to submit your application. CICan provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed with the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.
Colleges and Institutes Canada does not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants. However, please be aware that some third-party tools we utilize in our recruiting and selection process may incorporate AI technology.
We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected to continue in the selection process will be contacted.
CICan’s offices in Ottawa are located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation.
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