National Specialist, Government Relations & Advocacy

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D. We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next. It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Breakthrough T1D is adding to our Government Relations & Advocacy team and we’re searching for an experienced specialist for the role of National Specialist, Government Relations & Advocacy. If you’re a proactive, analytical and dynamic professional who would like to serve as a subject-matter resource and project manager for advocacy activities, stakeholder engagement initiatives, government relations events, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.

Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:

• Support and coordinate federal and provincial government relations activities and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Manage relationships with government officials, political staff, coalition partners, healthcare stakeholders, researchers, and volunteers for assigned projects and activities.
• Coordinate implementation of advocacy campaigns, policy initiatives, and stakeholder engagement programs.
• Monitor political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments relevant to type 1 diabetes and healthcare policy.
• Lead operational planning and logistics for advocacy days, parliamentary events, conferences, webinars, consultations, and stakeholder meetings.
• Prepare dashboards, reports, presentations, and activity summaries.
• Track key performance indicators and support departmental reporting requirements.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration, communications, health policy, or a related field; equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.
• 3-5 years of experience in government relations, advocacy, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, public policy, project management, or a related field.
• Experience independently managing projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience developing briefing materials, reports, and stakeholder communications.
• Experience coordinating events, consultations, or public affairs initiatives.
• Experience in healthcare, research, patient advocacy, charitable, or non-profit sectors is considered an asset.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.

Working Style

• Ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and competing demands simultaneously.
• Strong ability to collect, organize, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative information.
• Ability to translate data into meaningful insights and recommendations.
• Ability to think outside the box and identify new opportunities, approaches, and solutions.

Other position requirements to note:

• Bilingualism (English and French) preferred; ability to communicate professionally in both official languages is considered a strong asset.
• Experience using CRM systems, advocacy platforms, stakeholder databases, and reporting tools.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, Outlook, and SharePoint.

The salary range for this role is anticipated to be $75,000 - $85,000, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate. Location Preference: Anywhere within Canada.

Breakthrough T1D is committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.