Political Action Officer

POLITICAL ACTION OFFICER (EXTERNAL POSTING) The Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) is seeking to fill the regular, full-time position of Political Action Officer. CAUT is a progressive labour and professional organization representing more than 75,000 faculty, librarians, researchers, academics, and general staff at public universities and colleges. It promotes the economic and political interests of its members, advances the standards of the profession, and seeks to improve the quality and accessibility of post-secondary education in Canada. Reporting to the Director of Political Action and Communications, and under the coordination of the Senior Political Action Officer, this position is responsible for representing and advancing CAUT’s priorities with the federal government through direct advocacy and campaigns. Key responsibilities include planning, developing and executing government relations and campaigns strategies. Duties and Responsibilities * Work in consultation with the Senior Political Action Officer to execute the operational priorities and work plans for all policy, government relations, and campaigns initiatives in support of CAUT’s priorities. * Monitor, analyze and interpret political, legislative and policy developments affecting CAUT members, and identify opportunities and actions to advance CAUT’s interests. * Engage in direct lobby activities with Members of Parliament and Senators. * Develop and coordinate campaigns that influence policy outcomes. * Build and leverage a network of relationships with the federal government, Members of Parliament, external stakeholders, and solidarity partners. * Work with CAUT organizing officers to engage provincial, federated, and member associations in advocacy efforts. * Engage members and supporters in campaign efforts. * Coordinate, write and edit policy and campaign materials, including briefs, submissions, speaking notes, correspondence, articles, and advocacy materials. * Work with CAUT education officers to develop training programs on political action, including lobby training, online toolkit materials, webinars, and conference workshops. * Bring ideas, energy, and a strong sense of political judgment to ensure continuous improvement and impact. * Contribute to the maintenance of advocacy tracking systems, including lobbying records and stakeholder engagement tools. Work Hours & Location * Full-time position, 35 hours per week. * May be required to work overtime on occasion. * Some travel within Canada may be required. * Hybrid or in person at the CAUT office, as per CAUT’s working from home policy Qualifications Education & Experience: * Completion of post-secondary education degree in political science, public policy, industrial relations, or relevant field. * A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a similar capacity, including extensive work in policy, government relations, or political action. * Significant experience in labour and/or social justice movements. * Considerable experience in developing campaign strategies, projects, and plans. * Professional experience in an association, trade union, and/or not-for-profit organization preferred. Language Requirements: * Ability to work in both official languages at an advanced level is required; consideration will be given to candidates with advanced English and intermediate French in the absence of fully qualified bilingual candidates. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: * Minimum of five years of experience designing and leading extensive advocacy on a national scale and/or professional work experience in a political environment. * Excellent knowledge of the Canadian political environment, including parliamentary processes, government decision-making, and public policy development. * Effective communication skills with the ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing to a range of audiences. * Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build constructive relationships with internal and external contacts, founded on credibility and trust. * Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and with tact as part of a team. * Ability to work independently in consultation with the Senior Officer while exhibiting a high degree of initiative and sound judgment. * Demonstrated planning, time management, and project-management skills to effectively balance competing priorities and deadlines. * Strong research and analytical capabilities. * Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software for the purposes of campaigning is an asset * High degree of professional ethics and integrity. * Understanding of and commitment to CAUT’s policies, practices and procedures and alignment with CAUT’s values and objectives, including social justice, equity, and human rights. CAUT IS COMMITTED TO THE PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT EQUITY IN HIRING AND IN ALL ITS EMPLOYMENT PRACTICES AND SEEKS TO DIVERSIFY ITS WORKFORCE. INDIGENOUS PEOPLE, PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES, PEOPLE WHO IDENTIFY AS 2SLGTQIA+, RACIALIZED PEOPLE, AND WOMEN ARE ACTIVELY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. Compensation and Benefits: This position has been classified as Category 4 in the Collective Agreement between CAUT and COPE Local 225. The current hire rate for this category as of July 1, 2025, is $126,224.00. The position supports work-life balance through hybrid work and generous paid leave including five (5) weeks of vacation per year, sick and personal days, summer hours (Fridays off in July and ½ Fridays off in August), and winter holiday closure between December 22 and January 1 annually. In addition, the position is eligible for excellent benefits including extended health and dental benefits, disability and life insurance, employee and family assistance, a defined contribution pension plan with 11.5% employer contributions after six (6) months of employment, and various employer paid learning and development opportunities. How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit their applications by 5:00 PM on September 6, 2026. This is a current vacancy, and the position will remain posted until filled. All applications must be addressed to the Executive Director including a cover letter and resumé demonstrating how the candidate meets the job requirements. All applications will be treated confidentially. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Political Action Officer is responsible for planning and executing government relations and campaign strategies to advance CAUT's priorities. This includes direct lobbying, monitoring policy developments, and coordinating advocacy efforts with internal and external stakeholders.

Candidates must possess a post-secondary degree in a relevant field and at least five years of professional experience in policy, government relations, or political action. Proficiency in both English and French is required, along with strong research, analytical, and communication skills.

• Extended health and dental benefits • Disability and life insurance • Employee and family assistance • Defined contribution pension plan • Paid vacation • Sick and personal days • Summer hours • Winter holiday closure • Learning and development opportunities

• Gestion de projetSouhaitée
• CommunicationSouhaitée

Relevées dans la description du poste. Confirmez les exigences importantes ci-dessus.

• Government relations
• Campaign strategy
• Advocacy
• Policy analysis
• Lobbying
• Public policy
• Political science
• Labour relations
• Project management
• Research
• Communication
• Interpersonal skills
• Strategic planning
• Stakeholder engagement
• CRM software
• Employment Equity
• Influencing Skills
• Tactfulness
• Influencing Without Authority
• Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software
• Effective Communication
• Ethical Standards And Conduct
• Planning
• Multilingualism
• Customer Relationship Management
• Decision Making
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Economics
• Industrial Relations
• English Language
• Equities
• French Language
• Web Conferencing
• Interpersonal Communications
• Project Management
• Political Sciences
• Public Policies
• Social Justice
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Time Management
• Writing
• Coordinating

• Government & Public Sector
• Social Services
• Management & Leadership
• Education
• Consulting
• Political Officer
• Legislative Policy Analyst
• Policy Administration Professionals
• Political Scientists

Formation minimale

Baccalauréat

Expérience minimale

5+ ans

Langue de l’offre

anglais

Heures de travail

35 heures par semaine