LAA-- Director, Government Relations

LAA-26-03 - Director, Government Relations  

Job Description  Posted Friday, January 16, 2026 at 9:00 AM
Legal Aid Alberta is seeking to fill a full-time, Director, Government Relations position in our Edmonton office.

This position will appeal to an individual that likes to take initiative, is client focused and is exceptionally strong in delivering high-quality results.
Who We Are
As a publicly funded, non-profit organization, Legal Aid Alberta provides affordable legal services in family law,domestic violence, child welfare, immigration, and youth and adult criminal defense. We are Alberta-wide, with 300 staff and 1,200 private practice lawyers helping people overcome their legal challenges in more than 75 communities across the province.
Who You Are
Reporting to the Vice President, People, Culture & Communications, the Director of Government Relations provides executive advice, leadership and strategic direction for the organization’s government and community relations portfolio. The Director is responsible for advancing Legal Aid Alberta’s (LAA) interests at the provincial level, with a primary focus on the Ministry of Justice as LAA’s principal funder. The position also supports engagement with municipal and federal governments and key community and justice sector stakeholders.
This role leads the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of LAA’s Government Relations Strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, operational objectives, and key funding relationships. The Director brings significant political acumen and strategic insight to anticipate emerging issues, drive organization-wide engagement plans, and position LAA effectively in a complex and evolving public policy environment.
The Director plays a central role in supporting organizational strategy—supporting executive decision-making, guiding operational planning related to government-facing initiatives, and ensuring that reporting, commitments, and relationships with government partners and stakeholders are proactively managed.
Alongside the CEO and VP, the Director supports Board engagement by preparing government relations updates, briefing materials, strategic analysis, and insights that help inform Board decision-making and oversight.
The Director oversees government relations operations, leads stakeholder engagement programming, and ensures that the organization advances its mission while maintaining strong, collaborative, and trusted relationships across government and community sectors.

Job Description
Reporting to the Vice President, People, Culture & Communications, some of the key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Planning
Lead the development, execution, and evaluation of LAA’s Government Relations Strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities.
Provide strategic counsel to the VP, executive team, and Board related to government priorities, political dynamics, legislative changes, and stakeholder impacts.
Drive organization-wide operational strategies related to government reporting, compliance requirements, and external accountability.
Anticipate and assess emerging political, legislative, or public policy issues with potential impact on LAA; advise executive leadership on risks, opportunities, and strategic responses.
Government Relations & Advocacy
Lead LAA’s interactions with the Government of Alberta, with a primary focus on the Ministry of Justice as LAA’s principal funder, ensuring coordinated, strategic, and consistent engagement. Coordinate engagement with municipal and federal government officials to support GR strategy.
Develop high-impact government engagement plans, including advocacy positions, briefing materials, communications, and strategic messaging.
Build and maintain relationships with elected officials, senior bureaucrats, and key partners to advance LAA’s operational, strategic, and reputational objectives.
Oversee all government reporting requirements, collaborating with executive leadership to ensure accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Lead the design and implementation of stakeholder engagement plans…