Director, Government Relations and Policy

Director, Government Relations and Policy

Friends of Canadian Media is a people-powered movement that stands up for Canadian voices—in public broadcasting, journalism, and culture. A strong CBC, fearless journalism, and our shared stories make us who we are. Friends of Canadian Media conducts leading-edge policy and opinion research on issues affecting Canadian media and culture, and advocates to strengthen our public broadcaster, defend Canadian journalism, and support great Canadian storytelling on air and online. Friends of Canadian Media is not affiliated with or funded by CBC/Radio-Canada or any other media outlet, industry group, or political party.

Ideal Candidate

The Director, Government Relations and Policy will be a strategic and politically astute leader with deep knowledge of Canada’s media, broadcasting, and public policy landscape. You have a passion for public service, Canadian storytelling, and the role of strong, independent journalism in our democracy.

You are a skilled communicator and relationship builder, equally comfortable briefing Members of Parliament, preparing testimony for committee hearings, or collaborating with sector partners and advocacy coalitions. You can translate complex regulatory and legislative developments into clear, actionable strategies—and you bring sound judgment, political acuity, and an understanding of how policy and communications intersect.

You thrive in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and are energized by the opportunity to influence national conversations around media policy, regulation, and public broadcasting.

Role

As Director, Government Relations and Policy, you will report to the Executive Director and serve as a key member of Friends of Canadian Media’s senior management team. You will lead Friends of CanadianMedia’s advocacy and government relations strategy across Canada, ensuring that our voice is heard clearly by policymakers, regulators, and partners at every level.

You will collaborate closely with the Director, Strategic Communications, Campaigns and Engagement and Direcor, Fund Development to align public messaging with policy priorities and ensure Friends of Canadian Media’s advocacy is cohesive, evidence-based, and impactful.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and execution of Friends of Canadian Media’s advocacy and political strategies to advance strong Canadian media, independent journalism, and public broadcasting.
• Represent Friends of Canadian Media in meetings with Parliamentarians, government officials, the CRTC, and relevant industry and community coalitions.
• Monitor federal legislation, regulatory developments, and policy initiatives; brief the Executive Director and recommend strategic responses.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with MPs, government departments, regulators, and key stakeholders across the media and cultural sectors.
• Draft policy briefs, submissions, and written testimony for Parliamentary committees, government consultations, and regulatory proceedings.
• Collaborate with communications and campaigns colleagues to ensure advocacy priorities are reflected across digital, media, and grassroots engagement.
• Identify and pursue strategic partnerships with organizations aligned with Friends of Canadian Media’s mission and values.
• Support event planning and public engagement initiatives that advance Friends of Canadian Media’s policy and advocacy objectives.
• Provide subject-matter expertise and media context to the Executive Director, Board, and team.
• Occasionally contribute content for digital channels to communicate policy issues to Friends of Canadian Media’s supporter base.

Qualifications and Experience

Required:

• In-depth knowledge of the Parliamentary system and the Lobbying Act, with experience engaging the Office of the Lobbying Commissioner.
• Understanding of the CRTC, its policies, and procedures, as well as related federal departments (e.g., Canadian Heritage, ISED).
• Proven ability to influence public policy or media regulation through research, advocacy, or coalition-building.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into clear, persuasive messages.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to identify issues, develop strategies, and execute under pressure.
• Self-starter with a strong work ethic, able to work independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends as needed.

Nice to Have:

• Bilingualism (English/French).
• Law degree (LLB or equivalent).
• Experience managing staff or project teams.
• Knowledge of the Competition Act and the Competition Bureau’s policies and procedures.

Position Details

Location: Friends of Canadian Media is based in Toronto. This position offers a hybrid work model (inoffice and remote). Candidates in the Eastern Time Zone are encouraged to apply, regardless of proximity to the GTA.

Compensation: $105,000 – $120,000 annually, commensurate with experience, plus benefits and a generous vacation package.

Application Deadline: Friday, November 24, 2025, by 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time).

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter and résumé (Word or PDF) using this file-naming convention: Director, Government Relations and Policy – YOUR NAME – Application

Email your application to fcbadmin@friends.ca by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, November 24, 2025. Please indicate the position title in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.