Senior Associate, Ontario GR

The Opportunity

Sussex is seeking a Senior Associate to join its Ontario Government Relations Practice. In this role, you will work closely with senior team members, clients, and stakeholders to develop and execute sophisticated government relations and public affairs strategies that advance client objectives and deliver meaningful results.

The Senior Associate will play an active role in managing client files, providing strategic counsel, and maintaining strong relationships across Ontario’s political, public service, industry, and stakeholder communities. The successful candidate will bring sound political judgement, a strong understanding of the Ontario policy landscape, and the ability to translate complex developments into clear advice and actionable strategies. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced government relations professional ready to take on greater client responsibility and contribute to a collaborative, fast-paced team.

Ways You Can Contribute

• Support the development and execution of integrated government relations and public affairs strategies for clients across a range of sectors.
• Manage day-to-day client files, including workplans, deliverables, meeting preparation, follow-up, and coordination with internal teams.
• Provide timely, practical advice on Ontario political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and their implications for clients.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with elected officials, political staff, public servants, industry representatives, and other key stakeholders.
• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, policy submissions, government correspondence, presentations, stakeholder materials, and client updates.
• Monitor and analyze proceedings at Queen’s Park, including legislation, regulations, committee activity, government announcements, and emerging political issues.
• Participate in client meetings and stakeholder engagements, helping to lead discussions and translate client priorities into effective advocacy approaches.
• Contribute to business development initiatives, proposals, and the identification of opportunities to expand client relationships.
• Support senior members of the team and mentor junior team members, contribute to a collaborative team culture, and ensure work is accurate, responsive, and completed to a high standard.

Who You Are

• A university degree in political science, public policy, public administration, business, communications, or a related field; a graduate degree is considered an asset.
• Approximately 5-9 years of relevant experience in the Ontario government, government relations, public affairs, a political office, an industry association, or a related environment.
• A strong understanding of the Ontario government, legislative and regulatory processes, and the province’s political and policy landscape.
• Established relationships within Ontario political, public service, industry, or stakeholder communities are considered a strong asset.
• Excellent research, analysis, writing, presentation, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex issues for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple client priorities, projects, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Sound political judgement, discretion, and a client-service mindset, with a high degree of professionalism and attention to detail.
• A proactive, collaborative approach and the confidence to take ownership of work while knowing when to seek input or escalate issues.
• Experience supporting business development, preparing proposals, or contributing to account growth is considered an asset.

Pay Grade: $90,000 – 115,000 (commensurate with experience)

Recruitment Process

AI Screening: This position does not utilize AI tools as part of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and efficient evaluation of applicants.

Vacancy Status: This posting is for a new role in our organization.

Interview Notification: Applicants selected for interviews will be notified of hiring decisions within 45 days following their final interview.

Record Retention: All recruitment-related materials will be retained for a minimum of 3 years.

About Us

Sussex offers exceptional advisory services and empowers businesses, corporations, associations, and non-profit organizations to navigate complex public, government, and regulatory landscapes. Our expertise lies in developing and implementing comprehensive public affairs plans that shape public opinion, influence government policy, and advocate for our clients' interests.

Since our founding in 1998, we have proudly remained Canadian-owned and independently operated. With offices in Toronto and Ottawa and a network of accomplished affiliates nationwide, Sussex possesses unparalleled knowledge of government affairs, strategic communications, and digital advocacy to help achieve your business goals. At Sussex, we don't just understand the challenges our clients face, we embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Sussex is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Our hiring process and decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We strive to create a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us of your requirements. We will work with you to provide accommodations based on your individual needs to ensure a fair and accessible process.