GENERAL SUMMARY
The Project Coordinator, Government Relations & Advocacy (PCGRA), plays a key role in advancing VDJI’s efforts to improve access to Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) for Black justice-involved individuals across Quebec and Canada. Working at the intersection of policy, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, the Project Coordinator leads the development and implementation of advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting legislative and systemic change within the criminal legal system. The role is responsible for coordinating government relations activities, engaging with justice-sector stakeholders, developing advocacy and briefing materials, monitoring policy developments, and supporting strategic communications and reporting. Through this work, the Project Coordinator helps advance equitable access to justice and supports efforts to address wage inequities affecting IRCA Assessors nationwide.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the development and implementation of VDJI’s advocacy strategy to increase access to Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs) for Black justice-involved individuals in Quebec and across Canada;
- Advocate for legislative and policy reforms, including amendments to sections 718.2(e) and 493.2 of the Criminal Code, to strengthen the consideration of systemic anti-Black racism within the criminal legal system;
- Coordinate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including Legal Aid organizations, provincial justice officials, community partners, members of the Black Justice Strategy Steering Group, and advocacy groups.
- Support government relations activities by identifying engagement opportunities, preparing correspondence, and participating in meetings with public officials and decision-makers;
- Develop briefing notes, policy papers, advocacy materials, presentations, and other resources to support VDJI’s advocacy objectives;
- Monitor and analyze legislative, policy, and sector developments relevant to IRCAs, criminal justice reform, and pay equity initiatives;
- Ensure advocacy activities are aligned with and support the objectives of VDJI’s Pay Equity Program and IRCA Support Fund;
- Contribute to the preparation of reports, funding updates, and strategic communications for internal and external stakeholders;
- Collaborate with staff, consultants, and partners to advance organizational priorities and advocacy campaigns; and
- Maintain accurate records of advocacy activities, stakeholder engagements, policy developments, and project outcomes.
QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience:
- A post-secondary degree or diploma in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Law, Social Sciences, Community Development, Communications, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience;
- At least 2–5 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, public policy, stakeholder engagement, community organizing, or a related field;
- Demonstrated experience developing and implementing advocacy strategies, campaigns, or public policy initiatives;
- Experience engaging with government officials, public institutions, community organizations, or justice-sector stakeholders;
- Experience conducting policy research, monitoring legislative developments, and preparing briefing notes, policy papers, reports, or advocacy materials;
- Strong understanding of the Canadian criminal legal system, public policy processes, and government decision-making structures is considered an asset;
- Bilingualism in English and French;
- Knowledge of Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs), criminal justice reform, or equity-focused policy initiatives is considered an asset;
- Experience working in a nonprofit, community-based, advocacy, or social justice organization is preferred; and
- Demonstrated knowledge of anti-racism, equity, and social justice principles, particularly as they relate to Black communities and systemic barriers within Canadian institutions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Ability to develop and implement advocacy strategies and initiatives that advance organizational goals;
- Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders and navigate complex political and institutional environments;
- Ability to analyze complex policy issues and communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences;
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative in a dynamic environment;
- Ability to collaborate effectively within a team and contribute to cross-functional projects;
- Ability to manage sensitive information with professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality;
- Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges;
- Ability to approach work through an equity, anti-racism, and community-centered lens;
- Knowledge of public policy development, government decision-making processes, and legislative advocacy in Canada;
- Knowledge of the Canadian criminal legal system and issues affecting Black justice-involved individuals;
- Understanding of systemic anti-Black racism, equity, and social justice principles and their impact on public institutions and legal outcomes;
- Knowledge of stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, and advocacy strategies;
- A strong understanding of the Impact of Race and Culture Assessments (IRCAs).
- Strong advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, community organizations, legal professionals, and other partners;
- Excellent written communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefing notes, policy analyses, reports, presentations, and advocacy materials;
- Strong verbal communication and public speaking skills;
- Research and analytical skills, including the ability to interpret legislation, policy developments, and emerging issues;
- Project coordination and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously;
- Strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify opportunities to advance advocacy objectives and influence decision-making; and
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, virtual meeting platforms, and other relevant project management and communication tools.
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a part-time contract position with a tentative start date of July 13, 2026. The successful candidate will work remotely for approximately 20–25 hours per week at an hourly rate of $30.00. The position is anticipated to have a duration of three years, with the contract end date to be determined based on funding and organizational requirements. The role requires flexibility to attend virtual meetings, consultations, and stakeholder engagement activities with government officials, Legal Aid organizations, community partners, and other stakeholders. Occasional evening or daytime meetings may be required to accommodate partner availability and advocacy priorities. Employees are eligible for health and dental insurance benefits in accordance with VDJI’s employee benefits program. The successful candidate must be able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and contribute effectively within a remote and collaborative work environment.
Pay: $30.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
Work Location: Remote
