Director, Government Relations

Payments Canada is at the forefront of the Canadian payment ecosystem. Our purpose is to make payments easier, smarter and safer for all Canadians. Every day we are working diligently to ensure your payments are cleared and settled. In 2023 alone, our systems cleared approximately $112 trillion or $450 billion each business day! If you are passionate about payments and want to help ensure that these financial transactions in Canada are carried out safely and securely, working with us is for you!

Who we are

We are a public purpose, non-profit organization situated at the centre of Canada's payment ecosystem. We own and operate payment systems that process hundreds of billions of dollars worth of payment transactions every business day. We convene ecosystem participants to discuss their multiple and diverse interests and ideas and to navigate industry-level challenges. We adhere to a set of values that are our north star: Inspire trust, build community and enable change.

Payments Canada - where our country connects:

Payments Canada - Who we are

Our culture

With our people in mind we have created a culture that fosters authenticity, collaboration, innovation and development. We empower one another, make meaningful contributions that not only impact the organization, but our country! We develop and nurture meaningful connections that drive innovation in our ecosystem. We are Payments Canada!

Do you want to make payments easier, smarter and safer for Canada? Join us today!

You need to work here if

• You love working with passionate, ambitious and collaborative colleagues.
• You want to be challenged and lead unique initiatives.
• You want to grow, develop and become a subject matter expert in your field.
• You want your work to make an impact in your community and country.

Come and join us - where payments meet purpose!

| What we are looking for

Payments Canada's mandate is to establish and operate national systems for the clearing and settlement of payments in Canada, and other arrangements for making or exchange of payments - while facilitating payment system interoperability and innovation. In fulfilling this mandate, Payments Canada works to promote the efficiency, safety and soundness of its clearing and settlement systems, while taking into account the interests of payment system users. Our systems are at the heart of the Canadian financial system, enabling the clearing and settlement of hundreds of billions of dollars of payments each day.

Payments Canada is leading an industry-wide initiative to modernize its core payments infrastructure, rules and policies. Guiding the journey are the needs of all Canadians, including consumers, financial institutions, corporates, small businesses, start-ups, regulators, and governments.

Reporting to the Vice President, Policy and Rules, Government Relations and Research, the Director, Government Relations will implement the organization's "always on" government relations and advocacy strategy that will support the delivery of the organization's corporate objectives. Key responsibilities will include fostering and maintaining strategic relationships with relevant political and regulatory stakeholders primarily at the federal level, and developing and implementing advocacy tactics to advance complex regulatory files.

| A day in the life

Responsibilities of the Director, Government Relations will include but are not limited to:

Strategic Engagement and Advocacy:

• Manage Payments Canada's proactive "always on" engagement with government, regulatory and political stakeholders, fostering relationships and support for the advancement of strategic government relations priorities.
• Execute government relations strategies to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes that support Payments Canada's objectives.
• Establish and maintain senior-level relationships with government and regulatory bodies to shape financial sector policy and drive Payments Canada's agenda.
• Track, analyze, and report on legislative and regulatory developments, providing strategic insights and recommendations to senior management.
• Oversee public sector communications including preparing reports, briefing notes, and presentations.

Leadership and Team Development:

• Provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to team members, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Support team development through strategic direction, collaboration, and the promotion of a culture of continuous improvement.

Executive Support and Communication:

• Prepare speaking notes, briefing notes and presentations for senior management and executives.
• Organize and ensure readiness for executive-level engagements, committee appearances, and other high-profile interactions.

|What you need to be successful

• Graduate or equivalent degree in Business Administration, Economics, Law, Political or Social Sciences or a related field.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in political affairs, government relations or regulatory affairs, including at least five (5) years in a leadership role.
• Excellent knowledge of the Canadian financial system, Canadian payment systems, and emerging trends, and experience navigating and influencing within the Canadian payments regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated results in advocating for and securing support for regulatory/legislative reform or program support at the federal and/or provincial levels.
• Proven ability to demonstrate lobbying capabilities and ability to act as a registered lobbyist federally.
• Experience developing and executing complex government relations and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Self-motivated, detail-oriented executor who can work collaboratively and independently to achieve results.
• Proven positive existing senior relationships and network with government departments and at the political level that demonstrates expertise in promoting, influencing and shaping federal financial sector, ideally payment systems, policy.
• Ability to build and maintain senior trusted relationships and effectively influence internal and external stakeholders to advance support for Payments Canada initiatives.
• Deep understanding of the Canadian political system, political environment, and legislative and regulatory processes.
• Demonstrated experience researching and monitoring public policy and legislative and regulatory developments.
• Problem solver who is self-motivated and can work collaboratively.
• Ability to work in a non-partisan manner and establish/maintain credibility and access across a broad sector of stakeholders.
• Experience briefing executives, subject matter experts and external stakeholders.
• Successful candidate must be based in Ottawa due to the nature of the role.
• Eligibility to successfully complete background checks that will be carried out by Payments Canada, including criminal, credit, identity, employment, and education checks.

| You will really stand out with

• Bilingualism (English and French) is an asset

| Salary range

• Based on qualifications and experience: $134,837 to $168,546.

Please submit your application by March 11, 2025.

What's in it for you?

• Flexible, hybrid (remote/office) environment.
• Competitive compensation package, including annual variable bonus and defined contribution pension plan with employer matching percentage (if eligible).
• Comprehensive health and dental benefit coverage, including mental health coverage, life insurance and a health spending account for you and your dependents (Permanent and temporary employees with contracts 12 months and over).
• Paid time off: minimum four weeks paid vacation, sick and personal days, December holiday shutdown and cultural holiday observance days.
• 26 weeks of paid maternity and parental leave top-up.
• Rewards and recognition program.
• Access to office gym facilities.
• Internal and external professional development opportunities.
• Fun team and organizational events.
• Monthly all staff forums led by our Executive Leadership Team.

Our diversity, inclusion and equity commitment

At Payments Canada, we are committed to making everyone feel they can be themselves and thrive at work. We will continue to build on a foundation of respect and appreciation for diversity in all forms and collectively create an inclusive and equitable culture where our differences are valued.

We are committed to employment equity and actively encourage applications from women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and visible minorities. If selected for an interview, please advise us if you require special accommodation by emailing hrinfo@payments.ca.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Only selected candidates will be contacted for an interview.