Public Affairs Manager

Overview

As Public Affairs Manager at Sage, you’ll join our Global Public Affairs team to lead Sage’s public policy engagement in Canada and strengthen our voice on issues affecting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). You’ll develop and execute advocacy strategies at the federal and provincial levels, build and maintain relationships with policymakers and industry stakeholders, and provide strategic counsel to internal teams on regulatory, legislative, and political developments, including digital and AI adoption, open banking, and data governance.

You’ll represent Sage in external forums, contribute to thought leadership on digital and SMB policy, and support initiatives that promote a competitive and innovative environment for Canada’s entrepreneurs.

Why Sage?

Sage empowers small to medium-sized businesses, the backbone of our economies, to knock down barriers and succeed with AI-powered Accounting & Financial Management software. Knowing that millions of our global customers depend on our solutions, motivates us to keep innovating so they keep growing. Sage Copilot is a prime example:

• Lead and coordinate Sage’s engagement with policymakers, government entities, regulatory authorities, and public institutions across Canada.
• Build and manage relationships with think tanks, business organisations, industry associations, and political groups to advance Sage’s policy priorities.
• Proactively identify opportunities for Sage to participate in relevant policy debates, consultations, and regulatory reviews.
• Design, develop, and deliver policy projects, partnerships, and advocacy initiatives that support Sage’s business objectives.
• Brief and provide strategic counsel to the senior leadership team on key policy developments, trends, and risks.
• Draft high-quality position papers, consultation responses, and policy materials on priority issues.
• Work collaboratively across Public Affairs, the Canadian leadership team, Strategic Alliances and Global Corporate Affairs to integrate policy insights into PR, social media, marketing communications, and internal communications ensuring clear, consistent messaging.

• 6+ years of experience in an in-house public affairs role in tech or a corporate environment. Or advanced knowledge of the Canadian political environment, policy development, legislative and regulatory systems, with the ability to quickly grasp complex technical and compliance issues.
• You are known for your strong networking skills and the ability to build effective relationships quickly and influence.
• Experience advancing advocacy or public policy positions that support SMBs or digital/technology policy topics such as AI, consumer-driven banking, digital identity, or data governance.
• Confidence and competency in managing cross-functional projects and partnerships, including contracts with external organisations and vendors.
• Proven ability to communicate with impact across a wide range of audiences through compelling writing, video content, and public speaking.
• A proactive, creative mindset, comfort working in a global, agile environment.
• Excellent project management, analytical, and organisational skills.
• Experience working as part of a global or multinational team, bringing a clear national perspective to global strategy and decision-making.

Hybrid; 3 days per week from our Toronto office with the ability to travel to Ottawa on a monthly basis.

Compensation offered will be determined by factors such as location, level, job-related knowledge, education, and experience. For certain provinces in Canada, a reasonable salary range is provided: CA $120,000 to CA $150,000 base, plus a bonus plan of 20% based on company and individual performance. The range is one component of Sage’s total compensation package.

• 100% paid premiums for health, dental, and vision coverage
• RRSP contribution match (100% up to 4%)
• 35 days paid time off (11 holidays, 16 vacation days, 3 personal days, 5 sick days)
• Work Away program: 10 weeks in a country of your choice (from a Sage-approved list)
• 18 weeks of paid parental leave for birth, adoption, or surrogacy (1 year after start date)
• 5 days paid yearly to volunteer (through Sage Foundation)
• $5,250 tuition reimbursement per calendar year (starting 6 months after hire)
• Sage Wellness Rewards Program (annual fitness reimbursement)
• Library of on-demand career development options and ongoing training offerings

Mid-Senior level

Full-time

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Software Development

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Note:

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