Senior Advisor, Quebec and Francophonie Public Affairs

Universities Canada (UC) is the voice of Canadian universities, at home and abroad. We are a membership organization providing university presidents with a unified voice for higher education, research and innovation. Universities Canada advances the mission of our member institutions to transform lives, strengthen communities and find solutions to the most pressing challenges facing our world. As one of Canada’s leading advocacy organizations, we are seeking an accomplished results-oriented leader to join our team as Senior Advisor, Quebec and Francophonie Public Affairs.

Reporting to the Vice-President, Public Affairs, the Senior Advisor, Quebec and Francophonie Public Affairs ensures that Quebec and francophone perspectives are meaningfully reflected in Universities Canada’s federal advocacy, policy development, and public positioning. This role provides senior-level strategic advice and works across Policy, Government Relations, Communications, and Member Relations teams to integrate Quebec and Francophonie considerations into organizational priorities, strategies, and engagement.

Working closely with senior leaders and internal teams, the Senior Advisor leads research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement efforts, helping shape advocacy strategies and ensuring Universities Canada’s credibility as a bilingual national voice.

Your responsibilities will include;

• Lead the integration of Quebec and Francophonie perspectives into federal advocacy priorities, policy development and public affairs strategies.
• Translate organizational priorities into clear Quebec- and Francophonie-informed insights, including identifying risks, opportunities, and strategic considerations.
• Establish and support delivery of annual objectives and priorities related to Quebec and Francophonie advocacy work.
• Conduct research and policy analysis on issues affecting Quebec and francophone universities, including higher education, research, and innovation policy.
• Develop and contribute to policy briefs, position papers, and advocacy materials incorporating Quebec and francophone perspectives.
• Monitor and analyze emerging policy trends and federal–Quebec dynamics to inform proactive advocacy and engagement strategies.
• Provide evidence-based advice to senior leadership, including analysis of data and policy developments relevant to Quebec and francophone institutions.
• Lead and support federal government relations activities related to Quebec and the Francophonie, including developing and executing engagement strategies.
• Represent Universities Canada in French-language and Quebec-focused forums, including meetings, consultations, and conferences.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with Quebec and francophone political, academic, and stakeholder networks.
• Collaborate across Policy, Government Relations, Communications, and Member Relations to ensure aligned and integrated advocacy approaches.
• Support engagement with Quebec-based university leaders and francophone member institutions, including preparation of briefing materials and strategic advice.
• Ensure communications and advocacy materials reflect appropriate language, tone, and context for francophone audiences.
• Contribute to organizational planning and continuous improvement of Quebec and Francophonie engagement and advocacy.

The ideal person for this job will have the following;

Education:

• A bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, public administration, communications, law, or a related field.

Knowledge and Experience:

• At least 6 years of progressive experience in public policy, government relations, political environments, and/or research.
• Demonstrated experience working on Quebec public policy issues and/or within francophone governmental, institutional, or stakeholder contexts.
• Strong understanding of federal decision-making processes and federal–Quebec dynamics.
• Experience in higher education, research, associations, membership-based organizations or other stakeholder-driven environments is a strong asset.
• Experience working in complex, matrixed environments with cross-functional teams.

Abilities:

• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret complex political and policy environments.
• Sound political judgment and understanding of advocacy, engagement, and policy development processes.
• Ability to lead and coordinate cross-functional initiatives and influence without direct authority.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with the ability to build trusted relationships with stakeholders such as member institutions, government partners and internal stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in both English and French. Bilingualism is required.
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

The position is based in Ottawa. Universities Canada has adopted a hybrid work model where employees are expected to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

The hiring range for this position is from $107,527 to $118,000; with the ability to progress to a maximum of $154,571. To ensure fair and equitable pay at Universities Canada, placement on the salary range will be based on years of experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the position. Candidates who do not meet all of the position requirements may be considered in an underfill capacity, in which case the candidate would be hired at a lower level than the position level.
Universities Canada is a National Capital Region Top Employer. We offer a comprehensive benefit package which includes four weeks of vacation, an attractive pension plan, group insurance, free gym membership and scholarships for children of our employees.

Interested candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae and a cover letter to the human resources service, Universities Canada, via email at [email protected] by June 15, 2026.