The Alzheimer Societysvision is a world without Alzheimers disease and other dementias. Our mission is to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimers disease and relateddementiasand to promote research.

Our Values

CollaborationAccountabilityRespectExcellence

At the Alzheimer Society of Canada (ASC ) were in an exciting time of growth, working with our Federation partners to advocate for meaningful systems change and support. Join us as we work to make dementia a national priority.

About the Role

The Director, Public Affairs is an experienced professional with strong expertise in federal advocacy and stakeholder relationship management. This role drives ASCs federal public affairs strategy in close collaboration with Federation (provincial) partners, prioritizing trust-building, partnership, and consistent information-sharing.

Focused exclusively on federal issues and national priorities, the Director develops consistent national messaging adaptable for provincial and local contexts. This role supports all national government relations and advocacy strategies, including national campaigns, federal elections, budgets and funding opportunities, Ministerial mandates, and federal agency agendas aligned with ASC leadership priorities.

WhatYoull be Doing

Strategy and Planning

• Develop and advance ASCs annual Public Affairs Strategy in alignment with the Federations Strategic Plan, ASCs marketing and communications priorities, and other national plans.
• Incorporate federation partner input to co-design Public Affairs roles and responsibilities and articulate shared policy priorities.
• Provide expert strategic advice to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team on public affairs and communications.
• Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive advocacy and communications strategies that are proactive, timely, and aligned with ASCs mission, values, and Board-approved directions.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with federation partners, including:
  • Establishing a federation-wide advocacy working group;
  • Co-designing public affairs roles;
  • Developing a Public Affairs playbook and standard operating procedures;
  • Defining KPIs to track progress on shared objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with federal government contacts, adjacent sectors, and external stakeholders to strengthen ASCs national presence.
• Manage the Public Affairs budget, including advocacy initiatives, events, travel, and external consultancy.

Federal Advocacy

• Lead ASCs federal government relations efforts, covering national campaigns, federal elections, budget cycles, funding opportunities, Ministerial mandates, and agency priorities.
• Own ASCs relationships with key government audiences, identifying existing connections and gaps.
• Track, analyze, and report on federal policies and initiatives; lead timely responses to protect and advance ASCs interests.
• Employ sound issue management practices to navigate high-profile political, media, and community situations.
• Build and expand strategic relationships across government, political leaders, policy sectors, and civil society.
• Guide federation partners and internal teams through a federal advocacy roadmap aligned with shared policy goals.

WhatYou Bring

Education & Experience

• Bachelors degree from a recognized university in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• A minimum of ten (10) years experience in providing expert advice on government affairs, communications, public affairs, and building strong partnerships with high profile stakeholders in the public or private sector.
• Experience in the non-profit or health sectors is strongly preferred.
• Must be eligible to lobby under the Lobbying Act (i.e., not subject to the 5-year restriction).

Skills & Attributes

• Bilingualism (English/French) is required written and verbal fluency.
• Located in Ottawa, with capacity to travel locally and occasionally to Toronto.
• Skilled relationship-builder with a deep understanding of the federal landscape.
• Strong communicator with excellent judgment, political acuity, and strategic thinking.
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact advocacy campaigns and manage complex stakeholder networks.
• Organized and proactive, with strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the dementia or health care landscape in Canada is an asset.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

The Alzheimer Society recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processesin accordance withthe Human Rights Code and AODA.

Application Deadline: June 20, 2025