Senior Associate GR

Sussex is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Ontario Government Relations Practice. In this role, you will work closely with senior team members, clients, and stakeholders to develop and execute sophisticated government relations and public affairs strategies that advance client objectives and deliver meaningful results.

The Senior Associate will play an active role in managing client files, providing strategic counsel, and maintaining strong relationships across Ontario’s political, public service, industry, and stakeholder communities. The successful candidate will bring sound political judgement, a strong understanding of the Ontario policy landscape, and the ability to translate complex developments into clear advice and actionable strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced government relations professional ready to take on greater client responsibility and contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced team.

• Support the development and execution of integrated government relations and public affairs strategies for clients across a range of sectors.
• Manage day-to-day client files, including workplans, deliverables, meeting preparation, follow-up, and coordination with internal teams.
• Provide timely, practical advice on Ontario political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and their implications for clients.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, political staff, public servants, industry representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, policy submissions, government correspondence, presentations, stakeholder materials, and client updates.
• Monitor and analyze proceedings at Queen’s Park, including legislation, regulations, committee activity, government announcements, and emerging political issues.
• Participate in client meetings and stakeholder engagements, helping to lead discussions and translate client priorities into effective advocacy approaches.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, proposals, and the identification of opportunities to expand client relationships.
• Support senior members of the team and mentor junior team members, contribute to a collaborative team culture, and ensure work is accurate, responsive, and completed to a high standard.

• A university degree in political science, public policy, public administration, business, communications, or a related field; a graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Approximately 5-9 years of relevant experience in the Ontario government, government relations, public affairs, a political office, an industry association, or a related environment.
• A strong understanding of the Ontario government, legislative and regulatory processes, and the province’s political and policy landscape.
• Established relationships within Ontario political, public service, industry, or stakeholder communities are considered a strong asset.
• Excellent research, analysis, writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple client priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound political judgement, discretion, and a client-service mindset, with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the confidence to take ownership of work while knowing when to seek input or elevate issues.
• Experience supporting business development, preparing proposals, or contributing to account growth is considered an asset.

AI Screening: This position does not utilize AI tools as part of the recruitment process, ensuring a…