Director, Government Relations

Proof Strategiesis an independent, Canadian-owned strategic communications agency that charts its own path. Built on a simple philosophy - that you can do great work with great people and be a great place to work - Proof has grown into an award-winning agency where curiosity, integrity, and collaboration are deeply valued. Today, we are proud to be one of Canada's leading communications agencies, partnering with some of the world's most respected brands and trusted organizations.

Guided by this foundation and a belief in the power of strong human relationships, we are on a mission to help our clients capture attention, earn trust, and move people to action. To support our team on this journey, we’re hiring a Directorwho is excited to learn, build and grow with us.

The Opportunity

The Director, Government Relations supports clients in government relations, stakeholder relations and communications across Canada. As an integral part of the Proof Strategies team, this role provides day-to-day account support to a variety of clients, as well as supporting team members across the organization with ad hoc needs. Leading teams and developing client relationships is an important part of the role, as well as seeking new ways to provide value and expand opportunities.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Work with colleagues and our clients to develop and implement strategies for Public Affairs and Government Relations to support our clients.
• Develop and implement strategies to help clients navigate government decisions to help create the conditions for success for our clients.
• Proactively communicate and collaborate with stakeholders, from within and outside of our client’s sector, about the development of legislation, regulations, and government approaches and provide insights and strategies into implications.
• Build relationships with key government officials at the Municipal/Provincial/Federal level and make direct contact with those officials as needed to support clients.
• Leverage an integrated GR approach by using communications tools to develop, write, and edit persuasive government relations and public affairs content.
• Monitor major policy and political developments that may impact our clients.
• Establish a network of contacts and build relationships with business associations, government decision-makers, influencers, and external subject matter experts to support client mandates.
• Evolve and challenge client briefs - and teams - to deliver on business and communication objectives. Strategy lead engagements for clients.
• Lead clients through government processes.
• Develop strategic plans and proposals.
• Contribute to regular client status meetings and manage/maintain up-to-date client reports.
• Stay up to date on trends and platforms and be equipped with creativity and innovative ideas.
• Participate in and lead business development activities with both existing clients and prospects.
• Actively participate in agency life - from social activities to mentorship and learning.
• Contribute to the firm's commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Carry out all other reasonable duties assigned by the company.

Qualifications and Experience

• Excellent team player
• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in politics, public service, government relations, public relations or journalism, with a minimum of 1-2 years’ leadership experience is considered an asset.
• Understanding of how government functions at all levels.
• Able to register with Federal, Provincial and Municipal lobbying commissioners’ offices as required is considered an asset.
• High degree of professionalism in representing the organization at meetings with government officials, affiliated organizations, and the public.
• Demonstrated experience in client relations and project management.
• An understanding of the principles of stakeholder relations.
• Excellent communication, organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to move quickly to capitalize on opportunities and address issues.
• Strong written communication ability: specifically, a succinct and professional writing style.
• Strategic orientation and business acumen and ability to work under pressure, with a sense of diplomacy.
• Recognition that work can entail public meetings and events on evenings or weekends.
• Recognition that some travel may be required.
• Ability to manage budgets.
• Strong self-awareness. Seeks feedback and responds well to constructive input.
• Proficiency working in MS Office and keenness to embrace other software and monitoringand measurement tools.
• Knowledge and understanding of industry trends and current affairs
• Proficiency with multiple languages is considered an asset
• Completion of post-secondary education in public relations, government relations, communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field is considered an asset

Skills

Behavioural

• Leadership: an empathetic leader who contributes to a collaborative work environment through enthusiasm, support, and open communication; confident when managing direct reports and when 'managing up' to higher levels within the organization to advance business goals; committed to the growth and success of themselves and others including mentorship of peers.
• Curiosity: has a demonstrated passion for learning and growth in familiar and new areas.
• Communication: a developed ability to communicate clearly, actively listen, ask better questions, and provide strategic counsel; utilizes excellent interpersonal, written, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills for a variety of assignments.
• Empathy: operates with self-awareness and professionalism, while following the Platinum Rule (treating others the way they would like to be treated).
• Collaboration + Feedback: seeks feedback and responds well to constructive input when it’s received; highly collaborative and works well with those within their practice area and across the entire business.
• Autonomy + Prioritization: proactive, self-motivated, and accountable; owns and rectify mistakes, and share learning.
• Problem Solving + Judgment: resourceful, solution-oriented, and demonstrates good judgment for clients’ and Proof Strategies' businesses.
• Planning + Organizing: ability to manage a multitude of tasks and clients and manage time and deadlines appropriately; highly organized with strong attention to detail and responsiveness to stakeholders.

Technical

• Demonstrated ability to plan and produce integrated strategies for clients and push beyond traditional ways of operating
• Senior-level government, media, and stakeholder relations skills.
• Understanding of agency economics and business models: forecasting, billing time, budgeting, team utilization.
• Understanding of key tactical elements of government relations & public affairs including lobbying, budget submissions, policy development, committee prep, role of press gallery, advocacy and stakeholder relations.
• Understanding of key tactical elements of communications consulting including content marketing, executive support, issues management, internal communications, media relations, influencer relations, social media, paid support and measurement.
• Demonstrated ability to confidently engage in networking activities to foster strong relationships with external parties and drive business performance.
• Proactively explores and uses AI tools to enhance quality, creativity, and efficiency. Comfortable in the use and experimentation of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, and Claude.

Compensation and benefits

Expected compensation for this role is $120,000-$140,000 annually, with placement within this range dependent on the candidate’s years and level of experience relative to the requirements of the role.

Full-Time Employees at Proof Enjoy:

• A collaborative, inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives
• Collaboration with a team exploring AI and building contemporary services to reflect growing work and new behaviours
• Competitive benefits package (health, dental, counselling, etc.) coverage to care for you and your loved ones from day one
• Mental health resources (EAP, Headspace)
• Parental leave benefits
• And more!

Other

• Hiring manager: SVP / VP, Public Affairs and Government Relations
• Vacation: 4 weeks

Use of Artificial Intelligence: We may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.