Associate Vice President, External Relations, Canada - Start January 2025

Role purpose

Start date: January 2025

As the AVP, External Relations, Canada at IDP, you’ll drive our strategy to shape international education policies and regulatory frameworks.

You'll leverage our data to engage with government bodies, influence legislation, and build key partnerships. With your deep expertise in government affairs and proven track record in policy impact, you’ll play a crucial role in aligning policies with IDP’s goals and advancing our mission within the Canadian higher education eco-system. 

Reporting to and working closely with the SVP Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement, North America, if you are a strategic, politically astute, government relations professional who excels in navigating political landscapes and fostering influential relationships, this role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in international education. 

Key responsibilities

You will -

• Lead the region’s government relations, communications, sector partnerships, events, and thought leadership streams for IDP Canada.

• Develop and lead comprehensive external relations and government affairs strategies to build and nurture relationships with Canada government bodies, policymakers, and regulatory agencies, and leverage these relationships to shape policies and commercial strategies that align with IDP’s mission and growth goals. 

• Monitor legislative and regulatory trends in education, technology, immigration, and skills development and identify opportunities and challenges that could impact IDP’s operations and strategize accordingly. 

• Engage with government officials to advocate for policies that advance international education and provide insightful analysis and recommendations to our partners on the implications of policy changes. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key partners, including government agencies and industry associations, to support IDP’s strategic objectives, and be a prominant voice in international eduction in the region.

• Lead and develop a high performing team that will deliver IDP's strategic objectives 

• Develop contingency plans and manage communications during sensitive or high-stakes situations, ensuring IDP’s interests are represented effectively.

What you will bring

You have -

• An extensive politically astute background in Canadian government affairs, relations, or public policy advising, with a deep understanding of the political and policymaking landscape. 

• Expertise in navigating Canadian government structures and forging strong relationships with key decision-makers. 

• Experience advising senior leaders and spearheading external relations and government communications strategies, with a track record of aligning these strategies with organizational objectives. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex and sensitive issues persuasively to represent IDP’s interests. 

• Proven ability to thrive in a dynamic environment, demonstrating excellent problem-solving skills and sound judgment. 

You are ideally - 

• bilingual (French/English)

• located in Ottawa/Toronto

About IDP

IDP is the global leader in international education services, delivering global success to students, test takers and our partners, through trusted human relationships, digital technology and customer research. An Australian-listed company, we operate in more than 50 countries around the world.

Our team is comprised of over 7,000 people of various nationalities, ages and cultural backgrounds. Proudly customer-first, our expert people are powered by global technology. Together, we offer unmatched services, helping local dreams become realities, all over the world.

Learn more at www.careers.idp.com