Immediate Opportunity: Government Relations SpecialistSubmission deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5PM ESTAbout Colleges OntarioColleges Ontario is the association representing the province’s 24 public colleges. We shape the future of education, workforce development and economic growth across Ontario, acting as the collective voice of Ontario’s public colleges and polytechnic institutions to strengthen communities, support employers and create opportunities for students.Job SummaryColleges Ontario is seeking a Government Relations Specialist to join our growing team. The ideal candidate is a trustworthy and collaborative team player who operates with integrity and embraces a rapid‑paced working environment and competing priorities while exercising discretion, maintaining confidentiality, and supporting the success of our organization and our 24 college members. Passionate about politics in Canada and Ontario, the Government Relations Specialist will research, report and inform our team of legislative and regulatory changes to mitigate risk, leverage opportunity, and operationalize our Government Relations strategy.Position DescriptionThis position reports to the Director of Government Relations and Stakeholder Advocacy.CompensationEligible for participation in the CAAT defined benefit pension plan, a comprehensive health and dental benefits package, generous vacation time and an annual salary range of $75,000 to $115,000 per annum.Position ResponsibilitiesProactively develop and implement plans demonstrating Colleges Ontario’s advocacy role and promoting the public college sector.Support the advancement of relationships with governments, our 24 Ontario colleges, and stakeholders.Build, maintain, monitor, and enhance relationships across all core groups while fully understanding the legislative and regulatory foundation of the system.Provide research, critical‑thinking, analysis,



and report/paper‑writing expertise to advocacy and outreach planning and to content‑specific issues and priorities supporting Colleges Ontario’s objectives; collect, analyze,and report data related to government priorities and the impact of outreach.Coordinate the engagement of core groups, including governments (MPPs, MPs, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, etc.); develop and draftengagement plans, briefing notes, reach‑outs, contact reports, and follow‑up correspondence.Support the development of written and oral submissions to government, including pre‑budget submissions, committee representations, and funding proposals.Work closely with the Director and other areas of Colleges Ontario (Policy, Marketing and Communications) to ensure a coordinated approach to all aspects of advocacy and relationship management.Maintain strict confidentiality and exercise discretion, using sound judgement and political acumen, raising issues and important matters in a timely and appropriate manner to mitigate risk and avoid reputational damage to Colleges Ontario and its members.QualificationsPost‑secondary education credential in a related field, preferably a bachelor’s degree.Experience and knowledge of the post‑secondary/college sector or education/nonprofit environment strongly preferred, with five (5) years relevant experience preferred.Strong political acumen, focus on confidentiality and issues‑management sensitivity.Ability to “think politically”, typically gained through prior experience working at Queen’s Park, in a Minister’s Office, inside the provincial government or with a provincial political party.Excellent communication skills and demonstrated ability to conduct research, write reports, letters, and briefing notes.A team‑oriented approach with the ability to support engagement and collaboration within Colleges Ontario, our members and across other external stakeholder groups in a skilled and responsive manner.Working ConditionsHybrid workplace: minimum three days per week in the office at 130 Queen’s Quay East, with arrangements subject to review. The position requires some travel across Ontario and flexibility for occasional evening/weekend work for events and deadlines.#J-18808-Ljbffr

📌 Government Relations Specialist (Toronto) - C$75,000 - C$115,000 A Year (Winnipeg)
🏢 Colleges Ontario
📍 Winnipeg