Senior Manager, Government Relations in Toronto

TIFF is a charitable, cultural organization dedicated to presenting the best of international and Canadian cinema and creating transformational experiences for film lovers and creators of all ages and backgrounds in our home - TIFF Lightbox. Our mission: To transform the way people see the world, through film. TIFF is committed to embracing diversity and treating all individuals with respect, dignity and fairness by removing physical, social and economic barriers to participation.

The Senior Manager, Government Relations will be responsible for leading government advocacy efforts and maintaining strong relationships with political stakeholders. The Senior Manager will report to the Director, Government Relations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute comprehensive advocacy strategies to advance TIFF’s strategic plan, infrastructure needs, and operational funding goals.
• Prepare presentations and briefings for government stakeholders, effectively articulating TIFF's cultural and economic footprint, and community value proposition.
• Monitor, analyze, and report on public policy trends, legislative updates, and political shifts that impact the arts, culture, and non-profit sectors.
• Draft highly compelling policy briefs, position papers, pre-budget submissions, and speaking notes for executive leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with elected officials, political staff, and public service bureaucrats at all three levels of government.
• Act as a key point of contact for government partners, tracking commitments and follow-ups with government stakeholders and organizing high-impact meetings for TIFF leadership.
• Coordinate timely responses to urgent political or policy developments, or emerging GR issues.
• Translate complex institutional data (such as tourism metrics and economic impact studies) into persuasive advocacy narratives for government audiences.
• Work closely with the Manager, Government Relations, overseeing government protocol and engagement during the annual Toronto International Film Festival and year-round events at TIFF Lightbox.
• Identify funding and grant opportunities, ensuring alignment with current government mandates, policies and priorities.
• Represent TIFF in external meetings with government officials and senior public servants to advance institutional priorities.
• Manage and coordinate external government relations/lobbying agencies, ensuring alignment of messaging, priorities, and advocacy strategies.
• Work cross-functionally with key internal stakeholders/team to align GR strategy with organizational priorities.
• Track and report on outcomes of government engagement, funding success, and advocacy impact.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Post-secondary education in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum 7+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, political staff roles, or advocacy within a non-profit, cultural institution, or public agency.

COMMUNICATION

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate ideas and proposals persuasively to government partners during phone calls and meetings.

STAKEHOLDER RELATIONS

• Proven ability to build networks and influence stakeholders across the political spectrum with a high degree of diplomacy, discretion, and emotional intelligence.

ORGANIZATION/PROJECT RESPONSIBILITY

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Lead the team in meeting timelines for advocacy campaigns.

JOB SPECIFIC KNOWLEDGE

• Deep, nuanced understanding of Canadian political processes, public policy frameworks, and government budget cycles.
• Adaptable to a flexible work schedule including some evenings and weekends.
• This position requires being in office on a regular basis.

We thank everyone who applies for their interest, but only candidates selected for an interview are contacted. Candidates must be legally able to work in Canada at this time. TIFF regrets that it is unable to sponsor employment visas; however, TIFF considers and welcomes individuals on time-limited visa status for this position. For consideration to those on time-limited visa status, your visa must allow you to complete the full contract. TIFF may use artificial intelligence to screen, assess or select applicants for this position. TIFF is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment where employees feel valued and respected, and where every employee has the opportunity to realize their potential. As such, we welcome and encourage applicants who identify as racialized persons, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons across the spectrum of sexual orientation and gender identities. If you are a person with a disability and require accommodation and/or assistance during the application process, please contact us in advance at careers@tiff.net. We strive to provide reasonable accommodations whenever requested.