Full time

Manager, Policy and Government Relations

AquaAction (with dedicated support to Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien)

About AquaAction

AquaAction is a binational (US & Canada) non-profit dedicated to building a water-secure future by addressing the many challenges of our freshwater systems. We drive innovation by supporting talented individuals to transform their ideas into market-ready technologies.

 

AquaAction facilitates collaboration and accelerates the growth of water tech enterprises through a range of programs. We offer water tech start-ups with educational resources, seed funding, business coaching and exposure opportunities with backing from governments, corporate sponsors, and individuals.

 

With a proven track record of launching and supporting over 100 water tech companies, creating hundreds of jobs, and generating over $200 million in GDP, AquaAction is having a significant economic and environmental impact.

Job Summary

Canada is at a pivotal moment in shaping its water future. AquaAction is seeking a Manager of Policy and Government Relations to play a defining role in influencing the policies, investments, and partnerships that will drive a national water innovation economy.

In this role, you will serve as the leading in-house expert on water governance across federal and provincial/state jurisdictions. While focused on Canadian systems, you will also monitor developments in the United States, with particular attention to Michigan and the Great Lakes Region.

AquaAction and Fondation de Gaspé Beaubien (the Foundation) share a strong commitment to advancing policies and investments that accelerate water security, water innovation and lead to healthier water systems. 

This position is formally based at AquaAction, with time and responsibilities equally shared (50/50) between AquaAction and the Foundation. Strategic alignment between both organizations will be ensured through regular government relations coordination meetings held on a monthly basis.

This is a unique opportunity to shape water policy at a critical moment in Canada, the United States and beyond. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the organization’s lead expert on water governance, monitoring and analyzing policy developments across relevant jurisdictions
• Develop and execute a joint government relations strategy for AquaAction and the Foundation, including clear policy priorities, objectives, and tactics
• Identify and advance opportunities to influence major policy initiatives, including Canada’s National Water Security Strategy 

Government Relations & Advocacy

•  Track and assess government announcements, funding programs, and policy shifts related to water, and advise leadership accordingly
• Lead the development of submissions for public consultations (e.g., federal/provincial budgets, national strategies)
• Drafting and developing correspondence to government officials.
• Assisting with reporting requirements and follow-up for government funding agreements.
• Coordinate high-impact engagements between organizational leadership and government representatives, including preparing briefing notes and strategic messaging
•  Lead advocacy efforts to advance key funding initiatives, including a proposed $100 million federal water technology fund 

Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement

• Facilitate and convene multi-stakeholder roundtables, synthesizing insights into clear policy recommendations and public-facing reports
• Represent AquaAction and the Foundation in key policy forums and policy conferences
• Support the development of the Canada Water Security Funders Group, including strategy, positioning, and stakeholder engagement
• Collaborate with municipal, provincial/state, and cross-border partners (with a focus on Michigan, Manitoba, Quebec, and Ontario) to expand programming and partnerships 

Internal Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead and coordinate external consultants supporting government relations efforts
• Partner with the marketing team to shape messaging and materials that support advocacy, partnerships, and funding proposals 

Reporting & Structure

• Reports to the Vice President of Communications and Growth
• Works closely with executive leadership across both AquaAction and the Foundation
•  Leads policy and government relations strategy across both organizations 
  

Location & Travel

• Location is flexible within Canada, with a preference for Ottawa, Montreal, or Toronto
• Regular travel may be required for government meetings, stakeholder engagement, and events
  

Inclusion

AquaAction is passionate about engaging the best talent from a diverse range of backgrounds. We want to work in an environment where everyone can reach their potential within an inclusive culture which respects individual differences and perspectives. We encourage applications from equity-deserving groups. Self-identifying as Indigenous or having first-hand knowledge or experience working with an Indigenous community will be considered an asset.

Salary and Benefits

AquaAction offers a competitive benefits package and additional perks, such as 3% RRSP matching payments. The salary will reflect the successful candidate’s experience.

Join Us

If you are passionate about public policy, government relations, and protecting North America's fresh water, we want to hear from you. Apply today to help shape the future of our blue economy.