Director, Washington Office

Role Responsibilities

Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for international relations, economic development, and public policy? Do you thrive in high-stakes environments where diplomacy, advocacy, and leadership intersect?

The Government of Alberta is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to join our Washington, D.C. team. As a key member of Alberta’s international network, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Alberta’s economic, policy, and trade interests in the United States.

What You’ll Do:

• Champion Alberta’s Interests: Build and deepen strategic relationships with U.S. policymakers, business leaders, and Alberta stakeholders to promote trade, attract investment, and enhance Alberta’s visibility.
  
  
• Drive Policy Influence: Provide politically sensitive advice and insights on U.S. developments, helping shape Alberta’s strategic approach to North American integration and energy security.
  
  
• Lead with Purpose: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Alberta Washington Office, manage a high-performing team, and ensure seamless coordination across Alberta’s U.S. offices.
  
  
• Be a Connector: Facilitate meaningful connections between Alberta ministries and U.S. stakeholders, opening doors and creating opportunities where none existed before.
  
  
• Shape the Narrative: Ensure Alberta’s story is heard, understood, and respected in Washington and beyond.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Develop Networks: Builds and maintains strategic relationships with key stakeholders to promote Alberta’s interests and influence outcomes through effective communication.

Drive for Results: Takes initiative to achieve and exceed goals, holding self and others accountable while collaborating to deliver meaningful outcomes.

Build Collaborative Environments: Fosters open communication and mutual respect, leveraging team strengths and diverse perspectives to achieve shared objectives.

Agility: Adapts quickly to change, remains composed under pressure, and seeks innovative solutions to navigate complex and evolving environments.

Qualifications

What you bring: 

• A university degree in Economics, Public Administration, International Relations, or a related field.
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in policy advocacy, economic development, or international relations.
• A proven track record of building high-level networks and driving strategic outcomes independently.
• Deep understanding of U.S. political and economic systems—especially in Washington, D.C.—and familiarity with Alberta’s key sectors such as energy and agriculture.
• Leadership experience in managing teams, strategic planning, and operational excellence. 

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

The location of the position is based outside of Alberta and Canada. Successful candidates must be Canadian Citizens who must be eligible to work internationally.

Final candidates will be required to undergo Top Secret Federal Security Clearance screening.

Guidelines for Alberta’s Posted Staff (GAPS) forms part of the terms of employment for staff that the Government of Alberta (GoA) posts both domestically and internationally. The principle of GAPS is that an employee of the GoA who is posted should be placed in neither a more nor less favourable situation than would a public servant employee working in Alberta. More information can be found here: https://www.alberta.ca/guidelines-for-albertas-posted-staff. 

• Successful candidates must provide clearance to be medically fit for service abroad.
• This competition will be used to fill four-year contract full-time position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• For Internal candidates, please note this is a contract position, not a secondment or temporary assignment. You must seek approval from your home Ministry to hold your base position for the 4-year term. These approvals must be in writing and signed off by the Deputy Minister for your base position.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Applicants are advised to provide information that clearly and concisely demonstrates how their qualifications meet the advertised requirements, including education, experience and relevant examples of required competencies.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. Please also indicate whether your work experience was part-time or full-time.

For example: January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Executive Director of Job Title (Full time)

Notes (Continued)

Links and information on what the GoA has to offer to prospective employees:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement
• Leadership and mentorship programs