Policy and Government Relations Advisor

Daily Bread Food Bank works towards long-term solutions to end hunger and poverty and runs innovative programs to support individuals living on low incomes and experiencing food insecurity. Daily Bread distributes fresh and shelf-stable food, and fresh-cooked meals to 132 member agencies and 207 food programs across Toronto. Daily Bread also publishes the influential Who’s Hungry report—an annual survey measuring trends in food insecurity and poverty in Toronto.

Job Title: Policy and Government Relations Advisor
Department: Research & Advocacy
Reporting to: Vice President, Research & Advocacy
Location: 191 New Toronto Street, Toronto, ON, M8V 2E7
Salary: $77,000-92,000 per annum, commensurate with experience (level 9)
Terms: 35 hours a week / Permanent, Full-Time, Hybrid

WHY WORK AT DAILY BREAD FOOD BANK
At Daily Bread, we are committed to creating a workplace where people are supported, compensated, and empowered to do meaningful, high-impact work.

Compensation & Benefit

• Competitive salary aligned with the Ontario Living Wage Network.
• 100% employer-paid health and dental benefits.
• RRSP matching after one year of employment.
• Paid sick leave and personal days.
• 15 days of paid vacation per year, with additional days earned each year.
• A hybrid work environment.

Learning, Culture & Community

• Professional development opportunities.
• Creative, kind, fun, and passionate team culture.
• Active social committee.
• Free daily lunches when working on-site.
• Free on-site parking

Recognition & Reputation

• Recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers.
• Awarded Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures by Waterstone Human Capital.
• Recognized as a 5-star rated charity by Charity Intelligence Canada.
• Recognized as Ontario Living Wage Employer.

POSITION OVERVIEW
As a Policy and Government Relations Advisor, you will play a central role in advancing Daily Bread’s mission to end poverty and food insecurity in Toronto. Reporting to the Vice President, Research & Advocacy, you will provide policy analysis, insight, and advice to inform advocacy priorities and influence public policy in the areas of income security, affordable housing, and decent work.

You will monitor and analyze the political and policy environment, assess emerging research and trends, and develop clear, compelling policy and advocacy materials for government, sector partners, and the public. This includes contributing substantively to major research and policy outputs, including Daily Bread’s annual Who’s Hungry report.

Building and maintaining strong relationships with public servants, political staff, and elected officials across relevant orders of government is expected, and being comfortable engaging government stakeholders with credibility and professionalism. You bring excellent writing and communication skills, sound policy judgment, and a strong understanding of government decision-making processes. Working closely with the Vice President, you will help identify policy windows and opportunities for influence, and contribute to advancing human rights-based solutions to poverty and food insecurity.

This role is well suited to a policy professional who combines strong analytical skills with the ability to translate complex issues into persuasive, accessible policy and advocacy materials.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Monitoring & Analysis

• Monitor government policy developments, political priorities, and public consultations to identify opportunities, risks, and policy windows aligned with Daily Bread’s strategic priorities.
• Track and synthesize emerging research, data, and sector trends to inform policy positions and advocacy efforts.
• Conduct policy analysis and develop evidence-informed, human rights–based options, recommendations, and briefing materials focused on poverty reduction (particularly in the areas of income security, affordable housing, and decent work.

Government Relations & Advocacy

• Draft high-quality policy and advocacy materials, including policy briefs, government and budget submissions, blogs, op-eds, presentations, and briefing notes.
• Support the implementation of the department’s Advocacy Strategy by providing analysis and advice on priority issues, targets, and opportunities for influence.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant public servants, political staff, and elected officials, including coordinating meetings and engagement opportunities.
• Track and report advocacy and lobbying activities in compliance with applicable regulations.

Research, Knowledge Mobilization & Collaboration

• Support the drafting, coordination, and release of Daily Bread’s annual Who’s Hungry report and other research outputs.
• Collaborate with colleagues across teams and with external partners to translate research and policy analysis into clear, compelling public-facing materials.
• Represent Daily Bread’s mission, values, and policy positions with government stakeholders, partners, and the public, as appropriate.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE (or equivalent)

• Post-secondary training or equivalent experience in public policy, public affairs, or related field.
• Demonstrated ability to create compelling policy, research, and knowledge mobilization materials that persuade, inspire action, and get results among different audiences.
• Experience working on policy issues at the municipal, provincial, or federal level, ideally relating to poverty reduction and/or food insecurity. Experience working for an elected official or political party is an asset.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with government officials, political staff, or decision-makers.
• Experience managing projects from inception to completion including developing timelines, sequencing tasks, tracking progress, and identifying and mitigating risks.
• Experience working directly with communities who face systemic discrimination an asset.
• Experience working in a network environment and/or member-based association an asset.

KEY COMPETENCIES

• Exceptional writing and communication skills with the ability to make research findings and policy recommendations clear, concise, and compelling for different audiences.
• Strong political acuity and deep knowledge of social policy issues and trends related to poverty and food insecurity.
• Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully with a diversity of people, including clients, donors, government officials, member agencies, partner organizations, staff across departments, and the public.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to change in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in monitoring and measuring outcomes to ensure continuous improvement.
• Organized, resourceful, highly motivated, and detail oriented.
• Excellent networking and interpersonal skills that facilitate strong relationships.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office – Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, MS Teams.
• A genuine commitment to ending poverty and food insecurity.

WORKING CONDITIONS
The incumbent has an office at 191 New Toronto Street in a warehouse environment and is occasionally required to travel to offsite meetings and events.

HOW TO APPLY
Please send your resume and cover letter by Monday, 11:59 PM EST, February 16th, 2026. Interviews for the position will be conducted on a rolling basis.

Note: This role is for the existing vacancy. Please note that artificial intelligence (AI) is not used at any stage of our recruitment process. All applications are reviewed and evaluated by the recruitment team.

Daily Bread Food Bank is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applications from members of designated groups and those with lived experience of poverty or food insecurity. Persons with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process, or those needing job postings in another format, please e-mail a request to Human Resources at hr@dailybread.ca.

Daily Bread Food Bank thanks all individuals who apply for this position and will only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.