Your Mission

The Canadian Association of Defence and Security Industries (CADSI) is seeking a motivated and energetic public policy professional to join a dynamic team within CADSI.

This is an exciting career opportunity to build on your five or more years’ experience working for a trade association, the private sector, or government. The core functions of the position are to provide analysis, advice and advocacy on the policies and procedures that affect Canadian defence procurements and exports.

The role will require engagement and consensus-building among the association’s membership to develop and ultimately advance policy positions with Government of Canada officials at various levels.

Through this work, you will build on your understanding of how government legislation, regulations and policies affect small, medium and large companies operating in the defence and security industry.

This role will work closely with other cross-functional teams within CADSI to ensure consistent, professional member value delivery.

Core Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the position are to:

• Represent CADSI by building and maintaining effective relationships with CADSI members, internal/external stakeholders, and government officials, including at the executive level, in accordance with the Lobbying Act.
• Create and manage member engagement processes (e.g. including organizing all aspects of workshops, meetings, working groups, webinars, and research projects) that obtain the industry expertise and insights required to formulate industry views and, where possible, build industry consensus.
• Provide sound strategic and technical policy analysis and advice on matters pertaining to Canadian defence procurement to CADSI’s executive team, Board of Directors and operating committees (of member companies) through written briefs or oral presentations.
• Develop, in consultation with CADSI colleagues and members, strategies and tactics on how to engage government and other stakeholders in policy development that reflects industry’s views.
• Provide support to CADSI’s executive team, Board of Directors, operating committees, and members, including for internal and external communications and presentations (e.g. drafting reports).
• Monitor, identify and develop responses to emerging policy opportunities, challenges or roadblocks.
• Provide support in organizing conferences and meetings for members (e.g. CANSEC, Outlooks).
• Lead various research projects, often directing the work of outside research consultants.

Other duties as assigned, including occasional travel outside of Ottawa.

Above all, CADSI values a willingness to learn and adapt. You’ll have ample opportunity to drive your professional development by exploring new tools, learning marketing strategies, and working alongside a collaborative team committed to continuous growth.

Qualifications and Experience

CADSI is looking for a motivated, flexible, self-starter who has:

• Five or more years’ experience working in a trade association, the private sector, a consultancy, or government, in a role that required interaction with government and companies.
• Strong policy research, analysis and written/oral briefing skills.
• Been involved with engagement/consultation processes that developed consensus on complex issues.
• Effectively advocated or advanced policy positions with or within government.
• A post-secondary degree in a related discipline (e.g. public administration/policy, political science, economics, business administration). A graduate degree in a similar field would be an asset.
• Worked independently and in a small team environment.
• Worked with Government of Canada officials, including designated public office holders.

You can set yourself apart from other candidates if you have:

• Some knowledge of the Canadian defence or security industries and/or emerging and disruptive technologies.
• Some knowledge of federal government procurement policies, legislation and regulations that affect defence acquisitions, economic benefits and the export of defence goods and services.
• An ability to communicate in both official languages.
• Experience in managing consultants and service providers.

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive compensation package – including a competitive salary ($75,000- $90,000), vacation, health and wellness credits, and professional development opportunities – which will be discussed during the initial interview. CADSI offers a flexible, hybrid working arrangement with a mix of in-office and remote work, ergonomic workstations, and a supportive team culture that values teamwork and professional growth.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

CADSI is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

How to Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit one writing sample (e.g. research report, article, newsletters), along with your resume and a cover letter of no more than two pages that addresses the following points:

1. Why do you want to work for CADSI?
2. How does your background and skills ideally suit you to fulfil this position?
3. Ways in which your work experience demonstrates your results-oriented professional approach.
4. Compensation expectations.

Submissions should be sent by email to [email protected] by no later than midnight EDT on Friday, August 22, 2025. Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.

About CADSI

CADSI is the voice of Canada’s defence and security industries, representing more than 1,000 companies nationwide. These industries employ over 81,000 Canadians and generate $14.3 billion in annual revenues, with half coming from exports. Learn more at www.defenceandsecurity.ca or follow us on LinkedIn.