Salary:
Head of Government Relations
Location: Ottawa, Ontario
Department: Corporate / Government Affairs
Company Context
The Canadian Strategic Missions Corporation (CSMC) is a mission driven space and defence company focused on building strategic, dualuse systems that address critical challenges on Earth and enable sustained activity beyond it. We are building Canada's next great nuclear company, developing a micro nuclear reactor for remote applications like the Arctic, defence, and space exploration. We operate at the intersection of defence, energy, space, and advanced technology, with active programs in nuclear systems, quantum, deeptech R&D, and nationalscale infrastructure. Our work requires sustained engagement with government stakeholders across defence, central agencies, and regulators. We are building longlived capabilities that demand credibility, trust, and disciplined execution.
Role Overview
CSMC is seeking a Head of Government Relations to lead and own the companys engagement with the Government of Canada. This role is responsible for shaping and executing our federal government engagement strategy across defence, security, nuclear, and strategic technology portfolios.
The Head of Government Relations will serve as CSMCs senior interface with departments and agencies including DND/CAF, PMO, central agencies, and nuclear and security stakeholders, ensuring alignment between government priorities and CSMCs longterm programs. This is a senior role requiring judgment, discretion, and the ability to operate effectively within Ottawas institutional environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Own and execute CSMCs federal government engagement strategy across defence, nuclear, and strategic technology domains.
- Serve as the primary senior point of contact with Government of Canada stakeholders, including departments, agencies, and central offices.
- Lead engagement with DND and defencerelated organizations, supporting alignment with national defence priorities and procurement pathways.
- Manage relationships and engagement strategies involving PMO and central agencies, with an understanding of decisionmaking processes and timing.
- Support government funding, partnership, and program engagement across nuclear, defence, space, and strategic infrastructure initiatives.
- Coordinate internally with executive leadership, legal, engineering, and program teams to ensure consistent and accurate government messaging.
- Monitor and assess policy, legislative, and strategic developments relevant to CSMCs programs and advise leadership accordingly.
- Represent CSMC in formal and informal government forums, briefings, and consultations as appropriate.
- Ensure all government engagement is conducted with professionalism, transparency, and adherence to applicable laws and ethical standards.
Qualifications
Required
- Demonstrated experience engaging with the Government of Canada in senior or consequential contexts.
- Direct experience working with or within DND / defencerelated organizations, or in closely adjacent national security environments.
- Strong familiarity with PMO and central agency processes, decisionmaking structures, and stakeholder dynamics.
- Experience operating in nuclear, defence, or other highly regulated sectors.
- The candidate must be a highly motivated self starter, capable of working through complex issues to solve problems that are not off the shelf. They should be capable of moving through setbacks and finding ways to persevere.
- Ability to represent an organization credibly with senior public servants, political staff, and institutional stakeholders.
- Excellent judgment, discretion, and written and verbal communication skills.
Preferred
- Experience spanning both publicsector and privatesector roles.
- Familiarity with federal procurement, contribution agreements, or strategic partnership models.
- International experience is plus, including with NATO, NORAD, ESA, and other relevant organizations.
- Exposure to space, energy, or critical infrastructure programs.
- Existing professional relationships within relevant federal departments or agencies.
Working at CSMC
At CSMC, senior roles carry real responsibility and real consequence. The Head of Government Relations will operate with a high degree of autonomy, working directly with executive leadership to shape how the company engages with government over the long term.
This role is suited to individuals who value rigour, trust, and sustained institutional building, and who are comfortable operating in environments where credibility matters more than visibility.
We have an affinity for diverse people and thinkers with unique perspectives and life experience. CSMC is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity and inclusion.
Application
Applications for this role are accepted through the CSMC careers page. Candidates should submit a resume outlining relevant experience and qualifications. Additional materials may be requested during the process.
Must be eligible to work in Canada, and able to attain appropriate security clearances requisite with an space, defence, & nuclear company of this type. Candidates will be subject to background checks.
