Senior Advisor, Government Relations; Federal​/Conseiller·ère sénior·e, Relations gouvernemen

Do you want to be part of our innovative and entrepreneurial team?

Mitacs is a national not-for-profit that helps industry and non-profit partners solve strategic challenges by leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary talent and a global network of industry, academic, and government partnerships. Through these collaborations, Mitacs helps business and community partners succeed, improves students’ on-the-job skills development, and strengthens Canada’s world-class innovation ecosystem. At Mitacs, we strive to develop the next generation of innovators with vital research and business skills.

In partnership with domestic and international companies, governments, and academia, we support a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people.

To get a better understanding of Mitacs and read the complete job description, please visit our website:

The Senior Advisor will serve as the lead for government relations at the Federal level. The Senior Advisor will build and maintain relationships with federal government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders, while monitoring innovation policy priorities.

• Federal Strategy Execution:
  Implement comprehensive strategies for government relations and partnerships at the federal level.
• Government Advisory and Relations:
  Act as a key advisor on policies and initiatives federally, ensuring Mitacs’ programs are strategically positioned to meet federal priorities.
• Partnership Cultivation:
  Establish and deepen strategic relationships with government partners to advance Mitacs’ objectives and ensure a cohesive approach.
• Strategic Capacity Building for Innovation:
  Drive the development of strategic capacities within Mitacs and among regional partners, enhancing the organization’s influence on and contribution to the national innovation ecosystem.
• Focused Stakeholder Engagement:
  Spearhead initiatives to significantly increase Mitacs’ visibility and influence among innovation ecosystem stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Leadership:
  Work in collaboration with internal teams, including business development, marketing & communications, programs, and policy, to develop and deliver effective government relations strategies and materials that resonate at the federal level.
• Performance and Impact Measurement:
  Monitor and report on the effectiveness of government relations and partnership strategies contributing to the continuous improvement of Mitacs’ engagements with government stakeholders.

• Undergraduate degree in political science, public policy, or a related field.
• 5+ years in government relations, politics or public policy.
• Experience with the Government of Canada, with demonstrated interactions with ministers, cabinet, central agencies.
• Experience with federal ministerial or prime ministerial offices.
• Experience with in the innovation and economic ecosystem, or with work integrated learning or government relations with an academic institution would be considered an asset.
• Proven track record of building and maintaining relationships across political parties and with the public service.
• Strong understanding of decision-making and legislative processes.
• Bilingualism (French and English) is required. Knowledge of written and spoken English is required in this role as you will interact with colleagues, clients, and stakeholders located across Canada.
• Must be able to comply with all lobbying registration requirements.

• Must be based in Ottawa.

$102,255 - $120,300

Typically, employees are hired, transferred, or promoted within the salary range, specifically between the minimum and midpoint in the hiring range.

The salary range refers to the range of base salaries for a given position, encompassing the minimum and maximum amounts. The midpoint of the range is positioned approximately halfway between the minimum and maximum, indicating a fully qualified employee with comprehensive job knowledge and experience for the role.

Only in rare and exceptional circumstances, where a candidate has the experience,…