Senior Government Relations Advisor
The senior government relations advisor provides strategic leadership in advancing the university’s priorities through engagement with federal and provincial governments. This position leads the development and coordination of government relations strategies that align with institutional goals and government priorities. Key responsibilities include building strong relationships with elected officials and public servants, enhancing the university’s visibility, and supporting high-level institutional initiatives. The advisor offers expert policy advice, issues management, and strategic counsel to senior leadership across the university. Through research, communications, and collaboration, this role helps position the university as a trusted partner in addressing public challenges.
Duties and Responsibilities
Provides intelligence and strategic counsel and recommendations to senior and executive leadership and other internal stakeholders on a wide range of government relations matters.
Provides government relations expertise to the executive and senior leadership on emerging, controversial and time sensitive strategic interactions with government.
Assesses current government relations activities and provides recommendations regarding the impact of the activities.
Consults with internal communications experts and academic units to develop and implement coordinated, campus-wide government relations strategies and to manage institutional engagement and prioritization of initiatives.
Collaborates internally to develop the university’s submissions to government including operations forecast, submissions to committees or reviews, and requests for information from government officials and departments.
Leads the advanced preparation prior to, during, and after missions to Regina and Ottawa.
Ensures that the President and the President’s Executive Committee is fully prepared with background information, candidate and platform analysis, key messages and government relations support in advance of and throughout elections.
Prepares detailed briefings for meetings with government.
Coordinates the research and monitoring undertaken to provide timely, accurate and strategic information on government leaders, priorities, legislation, issues, and opportunities.
Exchanges information with campus partners on new developments, challenges and opportunities resulting from engagement and activities with government.
Provides regular communications to government officials and staff.
Oversees the production of targeted materials that advance the university’s reputation by telling our stories in a way that resonates with, and connects to, government audiences in each provincial and federal riding in Saskatchewan.
Collaborates with colleagues across the university to plan tours, announcement, visits and meetings with government officials in university facilities and in external communities to demonstrate the impact made by public funding and to showcase expertise and research excellence.
Positions the university as a partner to government and the community, serving the needs of the public and solving grand challenges.
Fosters relationships with government decision makers in order to advance university interests with government.
Cultivates and maintains strong, collegial relationships with a network of officials and staff to ensure that the university has access to government leaders and opportunities to participate in government events, initiatives and activities.
Works with key officials and ministries to advance pan-government approaches to critical issues.
Leverages the reach and influence of regional and national partner organizations and stakeholders to enhance the university’s national presence and voice.
Reviews best practices of government relations offices and strategies at other major Canadian universities and makes recommendations.
Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree in a related field such as political studies, public management, or communications; a master’s degree is preferred.
Minimum five years of experience in government relations with a significant portion of this experience in higher education.
Experience in policy development and implementation within large, complex organizations, ideally in the post-secondary or broader public sector.
Experience coaching and mentoring senior administrators to articulate institutional priorities, identify opportunities, and lead effective government relations strategies.
Demonstrated ability to manage time-sensitive, complex, and confidential matters that significantly impact institutional relationships, resources, and reputation.
Excellent problem-solving and strategic thinking skills while exercising significant autonomy in navigating politically complex and high-stakes environments.
Knowledge of provincial and federal government operations and decision-making processes.
Familiarity with best practices in government relations, particularly within Universities Canada and U15 institutions.
Familiarity with the mission of public universities and alignment with the university’s mission, vision, and values.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills to effectively lead teams, advise leaders, and engage with diverse stakeholders.
Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office applications.
Department: Government Relations Office
Status: Permanent
Employment Group: Exempt
Shift: 8:00 to 4:30
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $93,004.00 - 155,808.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Phase/Band: Salary Band 4
Posted Date: 10/27/2025
Closing Date: 11/9/2025 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus
The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources for assistance.
