Director, External Affairs

Application deadline: Monday, June 22, 2026.

Director, External Affairs – FinDev Canada

FinDev Canada is entering a pivotal moment in its evolution. As a growing institution with an expanded mandate, we need a hands‑on leader to build and lead a high‑performing, integrated external affairs function. You will shape clear, credible narratives, advise senior leadership, and ensure a dynamic team delivers thoughtful, high‑quality work.

Location & Employment

Location: FinDev Canada headquarters in downtown Montreal; Ottawa or Toronto considered for the right candidate. Flexible hybrid model with a current requirement of three in‑office days per week (subject to change).

Employment Type: Permanent

Compensation: Salaries typically range from $129,928 - $173,235 annually, based on qualifications and experiences, plus performance‑based incentive.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead an integrated external engagement function that stewards FinDev Canada’s reputation, credibility and influence across government, financial markets and civil society, aligning communications, government relations and stakeholder engagement into a single, high‑performing capability.
• Shape and lead the organization’s approach to government engagement, managing core relationships with Global Affairs Canada and driving proactive, strategic engagement across central agencies and Parliament.
• Own and evolve FinDev Canada’s external communications platform as a strategic instrument of reputation and influence, spanning media, digital, publications, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure communications and public positioning reflect the realities and expectations of a sophisticated financial institution.
• Design and deliver integrated external engagement strategies that shape narratives, support investment priorities, and position FinDev Canada as a leader in development finance.
• Ensure internal communications are clear, consistent and aligned with corporate priorities, supporting employee engagement and key initiatives.
• Navigate complex and competing expectations across government, partners and public stakeholders, providing clear advice on reputational risk, positioning and trade‑offs.
• Bring pace and execution discipline to the function, including clear prioritization, streamlined workflows and consistent delivery against tight timelines.
• Build and lead a high‑performing external affairs team, setting clear expectations and raising standards for strategic thinking, judgment and execution.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive team on reputation, stakeholder dynamics and external positioning.

Qualifications

Must‑have

• 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs or government relations, ideally in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.
• Experience working in or advising private or public financial institutions.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications, government relations and public affairs efforts in complex environments.
• Proven ability to operate in complex, fast‑moving environments.
• Exceptional writing and editorial judgment.
• Experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong judgment and political acuity.
• Experience engaging with or advising on government, policy or regulatory environments.
• Demonstrated ability to operate as a trusted advisor to senior financial services executives.
• Bilingual in French and English.

Nice‑to‑have

• Established network within the Government of Canada and Canadian media.
• Familiarity with development finance, international affairs or ESG/investment narratives.
• Direct experience working in or alongside development finance institutions.
• Experience spanning public sector and private or financial institutions.

Benefits

• Impactful Work: Promote sustainable and inclusive growth in emerging markets.
• Inspiring Colleagues: Diverse and talented team with global experience.
• Core Values: Collaboration, Agility, Impact, Respect.
• Perks and Benefits: Comprehensive Total Rewards package tailored to employees’ diverse needs.

Eligibility

FinDev Canada is committed to Fair Employment Practices and preference will be given to a candidate who is able to work legally in Canada at the time of application (Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents). Candidates must meet the requisite government security screening requirements. The position is open to those who meet the essential requirements and whose applications are received by the closing date.

Employment Equity

FinDev Canada is dedicated to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive environment that respects people from all cultures, backgrounds and abilities. We actively encourage applications from women, Indigenous peoples, visible minorities, persons with disabilities and members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community. We provide accommodations and a confidential process for any required support.

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