Government Affairs and Public Policy Director (Government & Community Relations)

While this position welcomes applications from the public, please note that preference will be given to current employees at the University of Alberta. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

The University of Alberta is seeking a highly collaborative, innovative and influential Government Affairs and Public Policy Director to join the External Engagement team. The position will report to and work closely with the Associate Vice-President of Government and Community Relations to provide leadership to government relations strategies in support of the University of Alberta’s key strategic priorities. 

Leading with an in-depth understanding of the political, regulatory, public policy and post-secondary environments, this position is responsible for providing government relations’ leadership and services to the Colleges and Faculties, as well as for the development of comprehensive government relations strategies for Colleges and Faculties that drive institutional relationship building and improve reputation. The Government Affairs and Public Policy Director will provide policy leadership, strategic advice, collaborative support and coordination, advising and supporting the Colleges and Faculties in relationship management with all orders of government and advancing key strategic priorities with government stakeholders. 

In all facets of this role, the Director endeavors to integrate and advance the University’s commitments to equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Responsibilities:

• Provides government relations leadership and support to Colleges and Faculties in collaboration with Deans, the AVP, Government and Community Relations, the Director of Government Relations and the Government Relations team to ensure that there is an integrated government relations vision and approach across the institution

• Manages and ensures legislative compliance, including the Lobbying Act and the Lobbyists’ Code of Conduct

• Represents the university in high level conversations with government for the purpose of developing the institution’s relationships, reputation and influence, and to secure resources and policy objectives

• Develops and leads strategies within a 2-3 year planning horizon to position the university as a partner to government and the community, services the needs of the public and solving grand challenges

• Serves as an expert in government relations on behalf of the university, constantly honing skills and developing a deep understanding of stakeholder priorities and mindsets as well as barriers to government relations priorities and subsequently offering creative solutions

• Manages a portfolio of priority government ministries (provincial and federal) as well as Alberta municipalities and related stakeholders

• Provides strategic advice and support to senior leadership on a wide range of government relations issues and in preparation for external interactions and for institutional positioning with all orders of government and with strategic community partners

• Builds and maintains key strategic relationships on behalf of the university with elected officials, public servants, political staff, key members of political parties, sector partners across Canada, associations, third-party advocates, members of the lobbyist community and influences

• Influences and develops institutional policy and provides provincial and national influence to policies that affect the postsecondary sector

• Plans, coordinates and delivers pan-university government and stakeholder relations programs, initiatives and events

• Monitors and provides insight into federal, provincial and municipal government agendas, operationalizing Acts and regulations to develop and affect policy, practices and directions of the university, its research and operations

• Develops communities of practice internally and externally to the University (locally, provincially and nationally)

• Manages the university’s strategic relationships with sector advocacy partners, key stakeholders and government influencers

• The Government Affairs and Public Policy Director is responsible for keeping up with and understanding the political and policy landscape as well as industry best practices and emerging strategies that will keep institutional government relations relevant and ensure the university maintains a competitive edge

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field, an advanced degree is strongly preferred

• Minimum  8 to 10 years of working experience focused on government relations, intergovernmental relations, advocacy and strategic relationships building and management. Experience within the postsecondary education sector is an asset

• Superior understanding of all orders of government, government decision-making, policy development, protocol and trends in government and the postsecondary education sector

• Working understanding of relevant legislation, regulation and compliance requirements related to Lobbying is preferred

• Vast proven and successful experience building and sustaining strategic relationships with government officials, stakeholders and influencers

• Superior ability to think and perform strategically, to effectively communicate strategic advice and counsel, and to provide leadership and focus through complex, high profile and sensitive situations and during crises.

• Excellent interpersonal skills and written and oral communication skills including the ability to resolve issues that are often time-sensitive, sensitive in nature, high profile, complex and confidential

• High level of critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

• Ability to act decisively and to exercise initiative and strong judgement on a wide range of issues

• Demonstrated experience leading and implementing change

In accordance with the Management and Professional Staff (Excluded) Handbook , this position is a full-time, continuing appointment and offers a comprehensive benefits package found at Faculty & Staff Benefits  and an annual salary of $79,776 - $132,960 (Hay Points 700). Salary will be commensurate with experience.

A review of applications and initial interviews will begin mid Augustbut the competition will remain open until filled. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

Along with a resume, interested candidates should submit a cover letter stating qualifications and outlining how they make meaningful contributions as a government relations professional, and the name of three references.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.