National Specialist, Government Relations & Advocacy

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D.
We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflectswhat the T1D community needs now and next.
It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.
Breakthrough T1D is adding to our Government Relations & Advocacy team and we’re searching for an experienced specialist for the role of
National Specialist, Government Relations & Advocacy.
If you’re a proactive, analytical and dynamic professional who would like to serve as a subject-matter resource and project manager for advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement initiatives, government relations events, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.
Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:
Support and coordinate federal and provincial government relations activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
Manage relationships with government officials, political staff, coalition partners, healthcare stakeholders, researchers, and volunteers for assigned projects and activities.
Coordinate implementation of advocacy campaigns, policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement programs.
Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to type 1 diabetes and healthcare policy.
Lead operational planning and logistics for advocacy days, parliamentary events, conferences, webinars, consultations, and stakeholder meetings.
Prepare dashboards, reports, presentations, and activity summaries.
Track key performance indicators and support departmental reporting requirements.
Here’s what we’re looking for:Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, communications, health policy, or a related field;
equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
3-5 years of experience in government relations, advocacy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, public policy, project management, or a related field.
Experience independently managing projects involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience developing briefing materials, reports, and stakeholder communications.
Experience coordinating events, consultations, or public affairs initiatives.
Experience in healthcare, research, patient advocacy, charitable, or non-profit sectors is considered an asset.
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
Working Style
Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands simultaneously.
Strong ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative information.
Ability to translate data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
Ability to think outside the box and identify new opportunities, approaches, and solutions.
Other position requirements to note:
Bilingualism (English and French) preferred;
ability to communicate professionally in both official languages is considered a strong asset.
Experience using CRM systems, advocacy platforms, stakeholder databases, and reporting tools.
Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.
The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.
Location Preference: Anywhere within Canada
About Breakthrough T1DBreakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.
Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.
Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values;
Adapt and Thrive, Collaborate, Accountable, Innovate, Act with Purpose – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.
Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:
Remote-first
: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).
Health and Wellness Benefits:
Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not My...
Professional Development:
We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.
Other benefits include:
Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!
Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.
Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.
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