Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations

Ottawa, Ontario | Full-Time | Remote (Virtual Organization)

The Canadian Ophthalmological Society (COS) is seeking a strategic advocacy professional to lead its federal government relations and policy portfolio. This role offers the opportunity to shape national health policy and position ophthalmologists as leaders in vision care across Canada.

About COS

COS is the national association representing Canada’s ophthalmologists — medical and surgical eye specialists. We promote excellence in ophthalmic care and advocate for policies that improve access to high-quality vision care. COS operates virtually, with periodic in-person meetings. Visit our website to learn more: cos-sco.ca.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO and working closely with the Board Advocacy Chair, the Manager leads COS’ federal advocacy strategy and government engagement efforts. The role builds relationships with federal decision-makers, provides policy analysis, and ensures COS is recognized as a trusted voice in vision health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Direction & Government Relations

• Develop and execute a proactive federal advocacy strategy aligned with COS’ Strategic Plan, including annual priorities and measurable outcomes, advancing priorities with COS’ government relations firm.
• Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Senators, political staff, senior public servants, and key partners in the vision health space.
• Prepare pre-budget submissions, election materials, briefings, and support COS leadership in federal meetings and pursue representation on key committees and advisory bodies.

Advocacy & Policy Leadership

• Oversee and operationalize the Advocacy portfolio with the Board Advocacy Chair.
• Lead priority initiatives (patient care pathways, surgical facilities policy, residency positions, scope expansion, workforce planning, access to care).
• Monitor federal legislative and regulatory developments; provide strategic analysis and recommendations.

Stakeholder & Issues Management

• Serve as liaison to COS’ Government Relations firm and as a strategic resource to Provincial Ophthalmology Associations.
• Build alliances with national health organizations.
• Coordinate national responses to drug and device shortages, including engagement with Health Canada and industry partners.
• Align advocacy messaging with Communications and Public Affairs.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years’ experience in federal government relations, public policy, or advocacy (health sector preferred).
• Strong knowledge of federal legislative and regulatory processes.
• Proven experience engaging federal political and bureaucratic stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, policy analysis, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience working with Boards, committees, and member-based organizations.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is a strong asset.
• The ideal candidate would be based in Ottawa, although this is a remote-work opportunity.

If you are passionate about advancing national health policy and improving access to vision care across Canada, we encourage you to apply.

This is a permanent, full-time position. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required. Some travel is required.

The COS is a high-performance organization, committed to the pursuit of excellence. Each member of the team is responsible for contributing to a culture of excellence and to adding to the member experience by increasing COS’ relevance and its value-add proposition to our members and to key stakeholders.

We offer a competitive annual salary, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes a matching RRSP program, health benefits, generous vacation and holiday package, monthly wifi stipend, professional development opportunities, and more.

COS is an equal opportunity employer that welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. We support inclusivity and oppose discrimination based on (but not limited to) religion, race, citizenship, country or ethnic origin, language, age, political affiliation or opinion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, cognitive or physical ability, and economic status.

COS welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Salary: Manager level, negotiable based on skills, knowledge, and experience.

To Apply:

Please submit a detailed resume and a cover letter with salary expectations to cos@cos-sco.ca by April 10, 2026. Please include “Manager, Advocacy and Government Relations” in the subject line.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected to be interviewed will be contacted.

For more information about the Canadian Ophthalmological Society, please visit our website at www.cos-sco.ca