University Chief of Government Relations

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is one of the world’s top research-intensive universities and Canada’s flagship university, bringing together the brightest minds from every conceivable background and discipline to collaborate on the world’s most pressing challenges. We’re home to discoveries such as insulin, stem cells, and deep learning, and have a deep and rich history of thought leadership in law, public policy, global affairs, and the humanities writ large.

We are consistently ranked among the top 25 universities globally, and among the top 50 in 46 subject categories, more than any other university in the world.

Our commitment to inclusive excellence, a commitment to advancing the public good, an operating budget of $3.62B and an endowment of $3.93B enable us to provide access to a transformative education at a scale that is unsurpassed in Canada and rare in North America. Across our three campuses in Mississauga, downtown Toronto and Scarborough, U of T prepares students for success through an outstanding global education rooted in excellence, inclusion, and close-knit learning communities.

Our mission of excellence in teaching and research positions U of T as both a major institutional actor and a trusted advisor to government, with a long-standing commitment to supporting sound policy development and strengthening Canada’s public systems. It is within this context that U of T is seeking an accomplished government relations leader, strategist, and trusted advisor to serve as its next Chief of Government Relations
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As Chief of Government Relations, you report to and directly support the President and serve as a key member of the University’s senior leadership team. You lead the University’s government relations and advocacy function, advancing policies and positions that align with U of T’s mission while supporting governments at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels in the development of sound, evidence-based public policy.

Through sustained engagement and influence, you ensure the University maintains a strong, credible, and visible presence across all levels of Canadian government.

Working closely with the President, you guide the University’s advocacy strategy with all three levels of government on issues of strategic importance, working to proactively cultivate and sustain relationships with senior elected officials, political staff, and senior public servants. At the executive leadership table, you advise your colleagues on relevant and emerging legislation, policy directions, and their operational, financial, and reputational implications for the University.

You oversee the monitoring, analysis, and interpretation of government agendas, legislation, and regulatory activity, translating complex policy developments into actionable advice and coordinated advocacy strategies. Working closely and collaboratively with departments and teams across the institution, you develop informed narratives and nuanced messages that position the University as a trusted advisor and national leader in higher education, research, and innovation.

Across three campuses, you align advocacy priorities, mobilize internal expertise, and ensure consistent, well-coordinated engagement with government partners and officials.

As the ideal candidate, you are a principled, strategic, and politically astute leader who brings clarity, foresight, and disciplined execution to advocacy efforts, while fostering collaboration across a large, complex, and highly decentralized institution. You bring a deep understanding of Canadian public policy and demonstrated success engaging at senior levels of government, ideally across multiple jurisdictions. You have led integrated advocacy strategies, advised executive leadership on high-stakes issues, and built durable relationships grounded in credibility, trust, and mutual respect.

You are an effective communicator and listener, able to distill complex analysis into clear, persuasive messages that resonate with political and bureaucratic audiences alike. Thoughtful, diplomatic, and steady, you exercise sound judgment in ambiguous and politically sensitive…