Director Public Policy

Position Summary

Philanthropic Foundations Canada (PFC) has made a strategic shift to play a more active  role in engaging governments, civil society partners and influencers to create enabling environments for a more inclusive, resilient, sustainable, and prosperous Canada. PFC’s purpose is to support Canadian philanthropy – in all of its diversity – to contribute to a just and sustainable world. To that end, the Director of Policy is responsible for aligning and amplifying PFC’s efforts in public policy and advocacy based on insights from our research and programs as well as current affairs and external events.

The Director of Policy will be responsible for devising and delivering a coherent PFC public policy and advocacy strategy centered on issues related to the effectiveness and impact of philanthropy, including the legislative regulatory framework. This strategy will include leading government relations, eliciting broad members and community engagement, developing strategic insights, and steering robust, timely and effective communications efforts. The Director of Policy will engage in strategic and thought partnership with the leadership team, (i.e the President, Director of Members Relations and Research, the Director for Partnerships and Learning) as well as the PFC Board and Committees. S/he will seek out and maintain strong relationships with national, provincial and thematic organizations similarly advocating for philanthropy and the not-for-profit sector.

The bilingual candidate is a strategic thinker with experience and knowledge in advocacy, government relations, policy development and strategic communications. The successful candidate is a problem-solver and strong analytical thinker who can quickly adapt to changing needs and opportunities. S/he excels at using evidence to develop persuasive fact-based briefs and information. The Director of Policy must have high standards of excellence as s/he develops a small team of staff and contractors engaged in public policy and advocacy as well as communications.