Director, External Affairs

Final date to receive applications: Monday, June 22, 2026

Fin Dev Canada seeks a Director, External Affairs to build and lead a high‑performing, integrated external affairs function. The organization has a newly expanded mandate backed by government support, and the role will help shape our external engagement across government, private sector investors, and stakeholders.

The External Affairs function is responsible for all end‑to‑end communication, government relations, and stakeholder engagement. The Director will guide strategic narratives, influence policy, manage media relations, and ensure a coordinated approach that supports Fin Dev Canada’s growth and reputation.

Location: Headquartered in downtown Montreal, with the possibility of Ottawa or Toronto for the right candidate. Hybrid work with a minimum of three in‑office days per week (subject to change).

Salaries typically range from $129,928 to $173,235 annually, plus a performance‑based incentive.

• Build and lead an integrated external engagement function that stewards Fin Dev Canada’s reputation across government, financial markets, and civil society.
• Shape and drive the organization’s government engagement strategy, managing core relationships with Global Affairs Canada and other central agencies.
• Own and evolve Fin Dev Canada’s external communications platform across media, digital, publications, executive visibility, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure communications reflect the realities and expectations of a sophisticated financial institution, aligning with investment activities and risk considerations.
• Design and deliver integrated external engagement strategies that support investment priorities and position Fin Dev Canada as a leader in development finance.
• Maintain clear, consistent internal communications that support employee engagement and reinforce the organization’s external narrative.
• Navigate competing expectations across government, partners, and public stakeholders, providing advice on reputational risk and trade‑offs.
• Bring pace and execution discipline to the function, prioritizing workflows and ensuring timely delivery.
• Build and lead a high‑performing team, setting expectations and raising standards for strategic thinking and execution.
• Serve as a senior advisor to the Chief Strategy Officer and Executive team on reputation, stakeholder dynamics, and external positioning.

• 12+ years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or government relations in fast‑paced, high‑stakes environments.
• Experience with private or public financial institutions, understanding the reputational and regulatory considerations of deploying capital.
• Demonstrated success leading integrated communications, government relations, and public affairs with measurable stakeholder outcomes.
• Ability to operate in complex, fast‑moving environments with structure, prioritization, and disciplined execution.
• Exceptional writing and editorial judgment, translating complex themes into clear, compelling narratives for senior stakeholders.
• Experience leading and developing teams, raising performance standards and quality of output.
• Robust judgment and political acuity, advising senior leaders on high‑stakes reputational risk.
• Experience engaging with government, policy, or regulatory environments and understanding central agencies.
• Proven ability to advise senior financial executives on strategy, public policy, and external reputation.
• Bilingual in French and English.

• Established network within the Government of Canada, including central agencies and key departments.
• Familiarity with development finance, international affairs, or ESG narratives.
• Direct experience with development finance institutions (DFIs), multilateral development banks (MDBs), or similar global financial institutions.
• Experience spanning both public sector and private or financial institutions.

• Impactful work that promotes sustainable inclusion in emerging markets and developing economies.
• A diverse, talented team with rich experience and passion.
• A culture centered on collaboration, agility, impact, and respect.
• Comprehensive total rewards package tailored to diverse needs and life stages.

Fin Dev Canada is committed to fostering employment equity and building a diverse workforce. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for everyone.