Description
The Office of the President is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Director, Government Relations.
The University of Calgary is seeking a Director, Government Relations to advance the university's government relations activities. The ideal candidate is an innovative and experienced individual with a proven track record of advocacy success. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President (Government Relations), the Director, Government Relations manages the university's Government Relations Office and manages the institution's day-to-day government relations activities. The position is suited for an experienced individual who can provide solid leadership and effective management in all areas of advocacy, project management and administration.
As part of the Office of the President the Government Relations Office is mandated to position the university as a key partner with governments by developing and furthering the university's relationships with the three levels of government, and to promote to governments the university's perspectives, positions and priorities. It fosters and supports the university's overall engagement with government. In so doing, the team has strong working relationships with other university units, including the Office of the President, the Executive Leadership Team and faculties and business units across campus.
The Director, Government Relations works in close partnership with the Associate Vice-President to develop and implement the university's government engagement strategies, strengthen the university's relationships and position the university as a key partner with all levels of government. They stay abreast of key files and advise the Associate Vice-President on emerging issues, opportunities, public policy developments and the university's response.
Leading a small team of government relations professionals, the Director, Government Relations is responsible for creating and nurturing strong and mutually beneficial relationships between the university and all levels of government. They act as a key liaison between the university and government bodies, ensuring inquiries are dealt with promptly and strategically. The incumbent ensures regular meetings occur between senior university leadership and government representatives. They are also responsible for managing and/or preparing presentations, briefing materials, position papers, policy briefs, advocacy tools and other materials necessary to support interactions with governments at all levels.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
Strategic Advocacy
- Work closely with the AVP to develop an annual government engagement strategy with clear objectives, strategies and methods of evaluation and in alignment with the university's strategy and associated goals and objectives;
- Responsible for the creation and management of a corresponding implementation plan;
- Identify key policy issues in the municipal, provincial and federal governments, and provide strategic advice to the Associate Vice-President on those issues;
- Support the Associate Vice-President through policy research and developing advocacy materials;
- Develop project specific government engagement plans;
- Identify opportunities for the university to participate in and influence the development of public policy in areas central to its mandate.
Government Relations
- Prepare carefully considered written and oral briefings for use by the senior management in communicating with government;
- Build and maintain relationships with government officials, elected representatives and staff at all levels in the federal and provincial governments;
- Develop working relationships, and policy understandings of stakeholder groups that affect the university's interaction with government;
- Ensure the university community is aware of new policy, development of programs, announcements and legislation where the university's operations, development prospects, and/or performance may be impacted by legislative or regulatory change;
- Develop and maintain a contact map and database of governments;
- Keep government stakeholders informed of the university's impact, activities, needs, concerns and proposals;
- Actively seek opportunities for the university to access non-traditional government grants and funding, manage proposal writing and submissions and share information internally as required.
Supervision and Staff Management
- Manage personal and team time effectively to ensure implementation of annual engagement plan and that projects, reports and communications are completed on a timely basis;
- Direct the recruitment, selection, performance management and retention of Government Relations staff.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Post-secondary degree in business, public administration, political science, communications or a related field;
- At least 7 years of relevant work experience in an advocacy capacity and/or senior position within government, demonstrating gradually increasing responsibility;
- Proven track record of advocacy success;
- Comprehensive knowledge of government structures and decision-making processes at all levels of government;
- Thorough understanding of the relationship between the university and the different levels of government;
- The ability to develop positive working relationships with government officials, elected representatives and staff at all levels;
- Strong interpersonal skills, tact, creativity, analytical and strategic thinking;
- Superior written and verbal communication skills;
- Knowledge and expertise in formulating competitive strategies and managing policies, project management and industry best practices;
- Available for work related travel and other requirements outside traditional work hours.
Application Deadline: June 5, 2025
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
