Manager, Government Affairs (Western Canada)

About Us 

Our vision at Diabetes Canada is a world free from the effects of diabetes. That’s why we work together to improve the lives of those living with diabetes – sharing knowledge and resources, supporting health-care professionals to improve patient care, advocating for change through policy, and funding research to advance treatments and discover a cure.

Living with diabetes is a complex and often relentless journey, testing the resilience of every individual affected. Diabetes Canada is here to help—providing tools, resources, and support to make that journey easier.

Join us in leading with strength and compassion – so no one faces diabetes alone.

About the Role  

We’re seeking a Manager, Government Affairs to play an important role in leading Diabetes Canada’s government affairs activities across Western Canada. This role advances priority policy initiatives, strengthening relationships with policymakers and elected officials, and supporting cross provincial and national advocacy efforts aligned with Diabetes Canada’s mission.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Government Affairs, Advocacy & Policy (GAAP), the Manager, Government Affairs brings strong policy analysis skills, political acuity, and the ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations. Working closely with internal and external stakeholders, supporting the organization’s mission to improve the quality of life for people living with diabetes.

Location: While our National Office is located at 1000–170 University Avenue, Toronto, Ontario, we welcome applications from candidates located in Western Canada. We offer a flexible work arrangement, allowing employees to work remotely or hybrid, and with the occasional expectation of being on-site for team meetings.

Compensation: The hiring salary range for this role is $85,000 – $95,000 annually, depending on skills and experience with meeting the requirements of the role.

What You’ll Do

Government Affairs Strategy & Leadership

• Lead and execute government affairs strategies for primarily Western Canada and may include other regions of Canada, aligned with organizational priorities
• Develop and advance regional policy strategies and priority advocacy initiatives
• Provide subject matter expertise to national and cross‑jurisdictional advocacy efforts
• Build, maintain, and manage productive relationships with elected officials, policymakers, civil servants, and sector partners
• Plan and deliver provincial and national advocacy strategies to improve access to essential programs and services
• Establish and sustain multistakeholder coalitions and partnerships to amplify advocacy impact
• Plan, coordinate, and deliver public‑facing advocacy initiatives (e.g., roundtables, sector forums, stakeholder events)
• Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy activities and messaging

Policy Development, Analysis & Advocacy Campaigns

• Lead development of government‑facing materials, including pre‑budget submissions, policy briefs, and consultation submissions
• Monitor and analyze emerging legislation, regulations, and provincial/federal policy proposals
• Assess policy risks, opportunities, and gaps, and develop clear, evidence‑informed recommendations
• Design and lead targeted advocacy campaigns using digital mobilization, stakeholder outreach, and earned media
• Manage time‑sensitive and year‑end advocacy initiatives aligned with government decision‑making cycles
• Oversee the delivery or transition of funded advocacy initiatives, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and partner commitments are met
• Conduct stakeholder mapping and develop outreach strategies to support long‑term program sustainability

Operations, Compliance & Impact Measurement

• Ensure compliance with lobbying regulations, including registration, reporting, and documentation requirements
• Track and report on engagement activity and policy progress using advocacy tools
• Partner with GAAP colleagues to support advocacy training and capacity‑building initiatives
• Equip, align, and activate volunteers at critical policy moments
• Identify evidence gaps and support research and data development to strengthen advocacy positions
• Develop dashboards and monitoring tools to measure engagement, policy outcomes, and impact
• Contribute to Mission evaluation and the monitoring of operational and strategic KPIs
• Support development of annual advocacy budgets and monitor regional expenses, forecasting, and financial performance

National Volunteer Advocacy Network Leadership

• Recruit and onboard volunteer advocates representing diverse lived experiences and regions.
• Design and deliver training programs, toolkits, message guides, and policy briefings.
• Maintain regular communication with volunteers, sharing policy updates and engagement opportunities.
• Align volunteer activities with strategic advocacy priorities, mapping strengths to key issues.
• Track participation, impact, and training needs to evaluate and strengthen the network.

Change the Conversation & IDEA Work

• Integrate Change the Conversation (CTC) and IDEA priorities into day‑to‑day GAAP strategies and activities
• Apply equitable and inclusive policy analysis across legislative strategy and advocacy planning
• Embed inclusive engagement practices in coalition building and stakeholder relationships
• Demonstrate culturally competent communication in all government and stakeholder interactions

Note: This role is not limited to the responsibilities listed above and may include other duties as required.

What You Bring 

• Undergraduate degree in public policy, political science, health sciences, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• 3–5 years in government relations, public policy, advocacy, or political environments.
• Experience working with elected officials, policymakers, and multistakeholder coalitions.
• Knowledge of healthcare systems, policy environments, and legislation.
• Strong policy analysis and political acuity.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines and priorities.
• Relationship building, diplomacy, and stakeholder engagement expertise.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and advocacy systems
• High attention to detail, professionalism, and collaboration
• Flexibility to travel across Canada.
• Understands and demonstrates a commitment to Diabetes Canada’s Mission, Vision and Core Values.

Working Conditions:

• A flexible work arrangement allows this role to work remotely while occasionally coming into the office as required by their manager or the organization.
• The role is expected to travel to attend meeting or events across Canada.

Why Join Us? 

Diabetes Canada is a national organization with an entrepreneurial spirit, where your contributions are valued, recognized, and rewarded. This role is a great opportunity to support meaningful work that positively impacts the lives of Canadians living with diabetes. You’ll join a team that values collaboration, learning, and purpose-driven work, while contributing to initiatives that support research, advocacy, and community programs across the country.

What We Offer: 

• Impactful Work Environment: Join a high-performing, collaborative team committed to building a healthy and engaged workplace culture.
• Flexibility: Our flexible work agreement allows for remote and hybrid schedules, supporting work-life balance on a 35-hour work week.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Receive competitive compensation plus a group benefits package, including health and dental coverage, life insurance, disability coverage, Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), and company-matched Pension/RRSP. Also access to a $350/year healthcare spending account.
• Day-One Coverage: Most group benefits including health, dental, life insurance, and EFAP, start on your first day.
• Wellness Support: Access to a mental wellness app with guided meditation and self-paced learning on a variety of topics.
• Generous Time Off: Enjoy additional paid holidays beyond provincial statutory holidays and an end-of-year office closure.
• Employee Engagement & Recognition: Be part of a culture that celebrates contributions at all levels through our rewards and recognition platform (WorkTango), enabling peer-to-peer, team, and manager-to-employee appreciation..
• Inclusive Culture: Join an organization that celebrates diversity and fosters an inclusive environment where everyone has equal opportunities to thrive

Our Core Values:

ACE-IT: Agility, Collaboration, Excellence, Integrity, Taking Initiative

Additional Information 

• You must be legally eligible to work in Canada. Where applicable, you must hold a valid work permit or study permit that allows you to fulfill the requirements of this role.
• Diabetes Canada welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including people of all genders, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities. We value a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
• We are committed to providing accommodations during the recruitment process. If you require any support or adjustments, please let us know.
• We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
• Please note that this posting is to fill an existing vacancy at Diabetes Canada.