Public Sector Business Development and Public Policy Director

Your work days are brighter here.

We’re obsessed with making hard work pay off, for our people, our customers, and the world around us. As a Fortune 500 company and a leading AI platform for managing people, money, and agents, we’re shaping the future of work so teams can reach their potential and focus on what matters most. The minute you join, you’ll feel it. Not just in the products we build, but in how we show up for each other. Our culture is rooted in integrity, empathy, and shared enthusiasm. We’re in this together, tackling big challenges with bold ideas and genuine care. We look for curious minds and courageous collaborators who bring sun-drenched optimism and drive. Whether you're building smarter solutions, supporting customers, or creating a space where everyone belongs, you’ll do meaningful work with Workmates who’ve got your back. In return, we’ll give you the trust to take risks, the tools to grow, the skills to develop and the support of a company invested in you for the long haul. So, if you want to inspire a brighter work day for everyone, including yourself, you’ve found a match in Workday, and we hope to be a match for you too.

About the Team

The Corporate Affairs team at Workday sits at the vital intersection of innovation, policy, and business growth. We are a collaborative, fast-moving global team dedicated to building trust, shaping the future of technology policy, and expanding Workday's footprint in the public sector.

In Canada, we operate at the very core of the enterprise—HR, finance, and IT—where precision matters and the margin for error is effectively zero. By tightly coupling AI with business context, guardrails, and trusted processes, we move beyond assistive tools to intelligent agents capable of driving measurable outcomes. Our mission is clear: empower the public sector for tomorrow by delivering modern IT solutions and responsible AI to help federal and provincial organizations achieve their goals.

If you are energized by the chance to shape how governments adopt and benefit from technology, while working alongside a team that values collaboration, curiosity, and impact, this is the place for you.

About the Role

Are you passionate about public sector technology modernization, government procurement, and technology policy? As the Public Sector Business Development and Public Policy Director, you will drive Workday's growth and reputation with the Government of Canada and provincial governments by advancing technology modernization and shaping the Canadian technology policy environment. This is an entrepreneurial, high-impact role where you will serve as a critical connector between Canadian policymakers and public servants, industry partners, and the business.

Responsibilities:

• Government Relations: Develop and carry out growth-oriented strategies through direct engagement. At the federal level, you will engage with Parliament, key central agencies (e.g., Treasury Board Secretariat, Shared Services Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada, and the Privy Council Office), and key departments (e.g., Department of Innovation, Science and Economic Development). At the provincial level, you will engage with premier's offices, key ministries, procurement agencies, and members of provincial parliaments.

• Policy Advocacy and Campaigns: Identify, design, and lead policy advocacy campaigns that advance Workday's technology policy objectives across AI governance, digital sovereignty, workforce development, data privacy, and cybersecurity.

• Commercial Alignment: Partner closely with Workday sales, marketing, and solution leaders to translate policy and regulatory developments into actionable commercial strategies, positioning Workday as a trusted advisor to the Government of Canada and provincial governments.

• Industry Association Leadership: Actively engage in trade associations to shape collective positions, influence policy initiatives, and use association networks to support Workday-led advocacy.

• Internal Intelligence Sharing: Monitore, interpret, and synthesize the Canadian policy, legislative, and regulatory landscape—with emphasis on federal procurement vehicles and budgetary estimates processes—sharing actionable insights with executive leadership.

• Consultant and Partner Management: Manage external government relations consultants at the federal and provincial levels to optimize the deployment of external resources and maximize impact.

About You

Required Qualifications:

• 12+ years of relevant role or industry experience.

• 5+ years of experience working in or closely with the Canadian federal government or a Canadian provincial government (e.g., political offices, public service roles, relevant trade associations, or corporate government affairs teams).

• 5+ years of experience directing technology policy advocacy campaigns, specifically navigating complex spaces such as AI governance, data sovereignty, and workforce development.

• Direct experience engaging public sector leaders on federal and provincial procurements, IT modernization, or digital government initiatives.

• Deep familiarity with the Canadian federal budget and estimates process, Treasury Board submissions, and fair, open competition principles administered by Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC).

Other Qualifications:

• Public Policy Development: Experienced in researching, analyzing, and shaping public policy to address complex issues at the intersection of technology and government, including understanding the legislative process, conducting policy analysis, and developing strategies for policy advocacy and implementation.

• Government Relations and Lobbying: Skilled in influencing and building consensus with decision-makers, including legislators, regulators, and senior public service officials, to advance policy positions and outcomes that benefit both the organization and the public interest.

• Trade Associations: Experienced in engaging with trade associations to shape industry positions, influence policy direction, and build networks that support coordinated advocacy efforts.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Adept at involving diverse individuals, groups, and organizations in the decision-making process, with a focus on understanding their needs, developing effective communication approaches, and fostering positive relationships that lead to successful outcomes.

• Communication and Professional Presentation: Exceptional written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate highly complex technical and policy concepts into clear, accessible, and compelling language for executive briefings, parliamentary summaries, and public forums.

• Business Mindset: Demonstrated ability to balance rigorous policy analysis with corporate commercial objectives, identifying opportunities that advance mutual goals for Workday and the public sector.

• Mindset and Approach: A dedication to action, high comfort operating independently through ambiguity, sound judgment, a collaborative spirit, and a sense of humor.

• Language: Bilingualism (English and French) is highly desirable given the depth of engagement required with the Canadian federal government and provincial governments.

Workday Pay Transparency Statement 

The annualized base salary ranges for the primary location and any additional locations are listed below.  Workday pay ranges vary based on work location. As a part of the total compensation package, this role may be eligible for the Workday Bonus Plan or a role-specific commission/bonus, as well as annual refresh stock grants. Recruiters can share more detail during the hiring process. Each candidate’s compensation offer will be based on multiple factors including, but not limited to, geography, experience, skills, job duties, and business need, among other things. For more information regarding Workday’s comprehensive benefits, please click here.

Primary Location: CAN.ON.Home Office

Primary CAN Base Pay Range: $167,400 - $251,000 CAD

Additional CAN Location(s) Base Pay Range: $167,400 - $251,000 CAD

Our Approach to Flexible Work
 

With Flex Work, we’re combining the best of both worlds: in-person time and remote. Our approach enables our teams to deepen connections, maintain a strong community, and do their best work. We know that flexibility can take shape in many ways, so rather than a number of required days in-office each week, we simply spend at least half (50%) of our time each quarter in the office or in the field with our customers, prospects, and partners (depending on role). This means you'll have the freedom to create a flexible schedule that caters to your business, team, and personal needs, while being intentional to make the most of time spent together. Those in our remote "home office" roles also have the opportunity to come together in our offices for important moments that matter.

Pursuant to applicable Fair Chance law, Workday will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Workday is an Equal Opportunity Employer including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

At Workday, we are committed to providing an accessible and inclusive hiring experience where all candidates can fully demonstrate their skills. If you require assistance or an accommodation at any point, please email accommodations@workday.com.

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