Director-Policy-and-Government-Relations - Director of Policy and Government Relations - System-Wide Housing Advocacy Role

Sep 21, 2026

Recruiting a bilingual Director of Policy and Government Relations for the Canadian Housing and Renewal Association (CHRA) to drive system-wide action toward the right to housing for all. The role oversees advocacy and policy-related program content, represents CHRA with ministers and officials, and supports development of campaigns and Housing on the Hill Day. It includes hybrid work based in downtown Ottawa for in-person meetings, leadership collaboration, and responsibilities covering research, communications, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing partnerships. Qualifications require policy, advocacy, government process experience, and eligibility as a registered lobbyist.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Position Overview

Reporting, Hours, Compensation, and Benefits

Location and Application

Responsibilities

Advocacy and Government Relations

Program Development and Stakeholder Engagement

Leadership

Qualifications

Are you ready to provoke system-wide action toward the right to housing for all? The Canadian Housing and Renewal Association, the national voice of the community housing sector, is recruiting a bilingual Director of Policy and Government Relations. Director of Policy and Government Relations Reports to: Executive Director, CHRA Hours: 35 hours per week Compensation: starting wage $81,298 to $90,398 depending on qualifications and experience. Maximum wage $111,768 . Benefits: Starting at 15 days/year paid vacation, plus 2 annual discretionary flex days Reduced work week in July & August with Fridays off 12 paid sick days/year Extended health benefits Matched RRSP payments at additional 5% of salary Location: CHRA offers a hybrid work environment. The Director of Policy and Government Relations must be available for in-person meetings in downtown Ottawa. Application: Send cover letter and resume to Ray Sullivan, Executive Director ( [Ray@chra-achru.ca](Ray@chra-achru.ca)) before 3:00 pm ET, Friday, March 15, 2024 . CHRA’s mission is to lead and provoke system-wide action toward the right to housing for all by serving as the national voice of the community housing sector and creating the conditions for community housing providers to achieve their goals. Our strength comes from our members. As a national membership-based organization, we represent organizations and individuals from every Canadian province and territory. Our members include affordable and social housing providers, Indigenous housing providers, municipalities, provincial and territorial housing departments, housing associations and networks, non-profit organizations, business partners, and individuals. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Policy and Government Relations oversees advocacy, policy-related program content, and works with members, external stakeholders and the Board of Directors to represent CHRA and put forth a strong national advocacy voice to ensure a holistic human rights framework and guide housing funding and investment in Canada. The Director of Policy and Government Relations works with the Executive Director and CHRA membership to make CHRA the go-to partner to gain expertise and collaborate on housing outcomes and foster connections and a community of practice toward housing solutions in Canada. Responsibilities: Advocacy and Government Relations • Responsibility to lead CHRA efforts to plan and develop research, program, policy, and advocacy strategies, such as for national campaigns, Federal elections, budgets, and other related activities, as directed by the Executive Director and the Board Advocacy Committee. • Represent CHRA at meetings with Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials, and key decision-makers to share the experience and expertise of CHRA members and to influence public policy. • Communicate to CHRA members and stakeholders on affordable housing public policy, programs, government announcements and advocacy results. • Write position papers, articles, and policy analysis to advance CHRA’s objectives. • Support the Advocacy Committee, setting agendas, recording minutes, and translating their direction into action. Program Development and Stakeholder Engagement • Lead the strategic planning and content development of the annual Housing on the Hill Day, coordinating with the Director of Programs, Partnerships and Events on logistics. • Contribute to CHRA education activities as needed, including webinars, Congress, and other program content, collaborating with the Senior Manager of Education. • Work with other CHRA staff to ensure CHRA events and programs advance advocacy priorities. • Identify emerging issues and trends relevant to the social and nonprofit housing policy and public programs and develop strategies to disseminate knowledge of these trends through CHRA programs. • Assist in identifying sponsorship opportunities, networks and funding

FAQs

Who does the Director of Policy and Government Relations report to?

The position reports to the Executive Director, CHRA.

What are the main responsibilities of the role?

The role leads CHRA advocacy and government relations, develops policy-related program content (including Housing on the Hill Day), and supports communication, research, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge-sharing activities.

What qualifications are required for the position?

Candidates need a university degree (social sciences or public affairs preferred), at least 5 years of experience in stakeholder relations, policy development, or advocacy, strong knowledge of housing and government policy processes, excellent English writing and communication skills, and bilingualism in English and French. Candidates must also be eligible to be a registered lobbyist in Canada.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Bill Black