Job Summary

The Director of Government Relations at the University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is a high-stakes executive role situated at the intersection of academia and public policy. As the university’s “Chief Diplomat,” you are responsible for navigating the complex corridors of Parliament Hill and Queen’s Park to secure the funding, partnerships, and legislative support necessary to advance uOttawa’s mission. This role requires the “wit” to translate academic research into government priorities and the “grit” to maintain an influential presence in a rapidly shifting political landscape.

Job Details

Employer: University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
Location: Ottawa, ON (The “heart of the capital”).
Salary Range: $142,833 – $178,542 per year.
Status: Full-time.
Reporting to: Chief Communication and Public Affairs Officer.

Key Responsibilities: The Advocacy Lifecycle

You serve as the strategic bridge between the University’s Administrative Council and the federal and provincial governments.

Strategic Advisory: Act as the confidential advisor to the President and Board of Governors, providing intelligence on emerging policy trends and time-sensitive political interactions.
Funding Procurement: Investigate and secure government grants for research, operations, and capital investments. You coordinate the complex proposals required to unlock these multi-million dollar envelopes.
Policy Influence: Proactively identify opportunities for the University to serve as the “partner of choice” for the Government of Canada, positioning uOttawa as a primary provider for public agency training and research.
Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate deep relationships with elected officials and senior bureaucrats. You also manage community relations with neighborhood associations adjacent to the campus to maintain the university’s local reputation.
Legislative Monitoring: Liaise with the Universities Canada and the Council of Ontario Universities to stay aligned on national and provincial legislation affecting the post-secondary sector.

Candidate Profile & Qualifications

Experience: A minimum of 10 years in government or government relations at a senior level.
Education: Master’s degree in Public Policy or a related field (or equivalent high-level experience).
The “Bilingual Standard”: Absolute fluency in French and English (spoken and written) is mandatory for this flagship bilingual institution.
Established Network: A “Day One” Rolodex of political and senior bureaucratic contacts within granting agencies and central government departments.
Communication Wit: Exceptional ability to prepare briefing notes and “influential position statements” for high-profile individuals on sensitive topics.

Technical Insights: Navigating the “Tri-Council” & Granting Agencies

In the Canadian university context, “Government Relations” is inextricably linked to the federal research funding ecosystem.

Granting Agencies (The Tri-Council): You will navigate the specific requirements of NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering), SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities), and CIHR (Health Research) to maximize uOttawa’s research footprint.
Lobbying Compliance: You must ensure all institutional interactions are compliant with the Lobbying Act, maintaining accurate records in the Registry of Lobbyists.
The Budget Cycle: Your advocacy spikes during the “Pre-Budget Consultation” phase (typically Autumn/Winter), where you present the University’s priorities to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Finance.

Why the University of Ottawa?

The University of Ottawa occupies a unique geographical and symbolic position in the Canadian landscape.

Privileged Proximity: Located just steps from Parliament Hill, uOttawa is the only major research-intensive university in the world that is truly bilingual in English and French.
Strategic Impact: With over $400 million in annual research funding, your work directly supports breakthroughs in fields like vascular health, AI ethics, and Indigenous law.
Community Integration: You aren’t just managing “The Crown”; you are managing the delicate balance between a 40,000-student campus and the historic neighborhoods of Sandy Hill and the ByWard Market.
2026 Policy Landscape: In the current 2026 environment, government relations focus heavily on “Innovation Clusters” and the “Green Transition,” areas where uOttawa aims to be a global leader.

Job Description

Do you believe that the right conversation at the right time can change the future of education? The University of Ottawa is seeking a Director of Government Relations. We aren’t looking for a “lobbyist”; we are looking for a strategic architect who has the “grit” to navigate complex multi-year funding negotiations and the “wit” to ensure the University is the first phone call the Government of Canada makes for expert solutions. If you want to shape the policy that shapes the next generation of leaders, you belong here.

In this role, you are a “Catalyst for Innovation.” You understand that a university’s success is tied to its ability to be seen as a national asset. Your goal is to provide “Excellence in Strategic Advocacy,” ensuring uOttawa’s voice is heard in every relevant committee room in the country. We look for “Integrity-first” professionals who are bilingual, networked, and ready to lead our most critical external relationships.

Joining uOttawa means leading a high-impact team at one of Canada’s top 10 research universities. We offer a competitive executive salary and the opportunity to work at the very heart of Canadian power. If you are a public policy leader with a commitment to “Strategic Growth and Bilingual Excellence,” we invite you to apply and help us build a brighter future for the University of Ottawa.

University of Ottawa: Open Minds, Brighter Futures

The University of Ottawa (uOttawa) is the world’s largest bilingual (English-French) university, defined by a culture of openness, linguistic duality, and research intensity. Its mission is to “provide excellence in education by supporting interdepartmental collaboration and leveraging tools for a digital age.” The internal environment is multidisciplinary and inclusive, guided by the “Transformation 2030” strategic plan, which aims to make the institution more agile, connected, impactful, and sustainable. uOttawa fosters a culture that values “community, social accountability, and wellness,” emphasizing that “openness” is the key to personal and professional growth.

In 2026, the University of Ottawa is a massive urban engine, deeply integrated into the fabric of the nation’s capital:

Downtown Powerhouse: The main campus is a 42-hectare “living laboratory” located in the heart of Ottawa, within walking distance of Parliament Hill, the Supreme Court, and various national research agencies. It serves nearly 50,000 students and is home to 10 faculties offering over 550 programs.
The “U15” Research Leader: As a member of Canada’s U15 group of research-intensive universities, uOttawa is a global leader in health, science, social sciences, and humanities. In 2026, the OVPRI Strategic Roadmap 2030 is supercharging its capacity for large-scale, interdisciplinary grants, particularly in AI, health care, and climate resilience.
Linguistic Duality: The university remains a unique global hub where students can study entirely in English, French, or a mix of both. This “bilingual advantage” is central to its identity, attracting talent from over 150 countries and fostering a truly international perspective.
Kanata North Connection: uOttawa has extended its presence to the Kanata North Technology Park (Canada’s largest tech cluster), bridging the gap between academic research and the private sector. This hub facilitates co-op placements, industry-led R&D, and the commercialization of new technologies.
Economic & Social Anchor: With an annual economic impact of approximately $7 billion, uOttawa is a primary driver of the regional economy. It trains the nurses for local hospitals, the teachers for neighborhood schools, and the tech leaders of Silicon Valley North.
Health & Wellness Innovation: Through its partnership with The Ottawa Hospital and the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the university is at the forefront of medical education and cardiac research, recently launching the ARCHIMEDES Data Platform to transform patient care through AI.

Working or studying at uOttawa in 2026 means being part of a “University of Tomorrow.” Whether it’s participating in the 2nd largest co-op program in Ontario or conducting research at the Advanced Research Complex (ARC), the experience is defined by a commitment to “shaping a greener, healthier, and more prosperous Canada for all.”

To apply for this job please visit www.uottawa.ca.