Senior Government Relations Officer

About the job
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 2024 alone, our systems cleared approximately $107 trillion or $424 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 Director, Government Relations, the Senior Government Relations Officer, Government Relations will play an important role in implementing 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 supporting the strategic relationships with relevant political and regulatory stakeholders primarily at the federal level, building and maintaining internal and external networks of contacts and relationships at the working level, developing materials to support engagement with key stakeholders, and analysing and keeping abreast of government initiatives including relevant tracking and reporting on legislation and regulation, Parliamentary committees, government consultations, and supporting the implementation of advocacy tactics to advance complex legislative and regulatory files in the interest of Payments Canada.

| A day in the life

Responsibilities of the Senior Government Relations Officer role include but are not limited to:

Government Relations Oversight

Coordinate regulatory submission processes, including material preparation and internal collaboration.
Monitor and report on compliance with legislative and MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) requirements.
Develop internal processes and documentation to ensure obligations under legislation and MOUs are met.

Government Engagement & Advocacy

Act as liaison with public office holders, political staff, and government officials to support advocacy efforts.
Plan and execute meetings and events with key government stakeholders, including briefings and roundtables.
Provide insights into government proceedings and prepare high quality materials such as reports, correspondence, and speaking notes.

Policy & Communication Support

Collaborate with internal teams to draft submissions to government (e.g., consultation responses, pre-budget submissions).
Draft, edit, and manage official communications with external stakeholders, including government and industry.
Prepare presentations and briefing documents to support executive participation in government meetings.

Stakeholder & Relationship Management

Build and maintain working-level relationships with key political, regulatory and other relevant contacts.
Support senior leaders in managing strategic relationships aligned with government relations strategies.
Convey complex messages effectively and escalate sensitive policy or relationship issues as needed while maintaining effective cross-functional collaboration.

|What you need to be successful

Undergraduate or equivalent degree in political science, public policy, public administration, or relevant discipline.
A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years of professional experience in government relations or related fields.
Ability to think strategically to identify opportunities for government relations and engagement with government officials, both at the political and public service level.
Superior research, writing and analytical skills with direct experience in developing backgrounders, briefing notes, presentations, speaking notes, and summarizing strategic information aimed to articulate an organization’s position on an issue and influence or guide decision makers.
Superior interpersonal skills to work internally as support and adviser on public affairs, as well externally building and leveraging a network of stakeholder relationships.
Ability to manage and prioritize multiple files, while completing tasks in a timely manner, and helping to drive issues to remedy or completion.
Experience working with internal and external stakeholders at various levels.
Ability to lobby as defined in the Lobbying Act and the Conflict of Interest Act.
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

Strong political acumen and issues sensitivity. Political campaign experience at the federal (or provincial) level is considered an asset.
Deep understanding of politics and political parties, including legislative processes and proceedings. Understanding of the bureaucracy and machinery of government is considered an asset.
Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

| Salary range

Based on qualifications and experience: $93,637 and $117,046.

Please submit your application by August 20, 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.