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About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

The Government and Institutional Relations (GIR) department within University Relations is aimed at advancing University priority initiatives in alignment with public and government interests while also further developing and enhancing relationships and partnerships at the provincial, federal and municipal level. It is a very high profile, highly energetic environment that is both demanding and fast-paced.

Reporting to the Director, GIR and receiving day-to-day direction from the Director, Community Relations the Policy Analyst, Government Relations is responsible for providing analytical, research, administrative and project management support to facilitate strategic decision making. This includes preparing briefing/speaking notes, reports, proposals, correspondence, etc. on behalf of both directors and, as required, the VP, University Relations. In addition, the Policy Analyst, GIR serves as contact for the unit, providing information and advice to stakeholders regarding University and Government priorities and initiatives, participates on committees and working groups and acts as the directors’ delegate when necessary.

Job Description

• Provide data analysis and research support for the department of GIR by collecting, synthesizing and interpreting complex material and data related to University and Government priorities and initiatives in order to facilitate strategic decision making that may have University-wide implications. Contribute to the development of GIR/community relations strategies and advocacy plans.
• Assist with the planning of ministerial visits and government announcements as well as delegation visits. Manage the execution of these plans.
• Monitor media reports, university and government announcements to track and report on trends, policy issues and opportunities. Pro-actively identify areas of strategic opportunity for Queen’s University and other partners. Recognize urgency and timeliness of government relations issues and the need to inform horizontally across the campus.
• Prepare briefing/speaking notes, correspondence, reports, presentations, proposals and other short-term and long-term planning documents that are often sensitive and/or confidential in nature.
• Provide support for community relations activities including attending consultation meetings, taking and distributing detailed notes, and assisting with follow-up. Attend City Council and committee meetings as appropriate and prepare reports for the Director, GIR on any relevant information.
• Liaise and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including senior university administrators, academic and administrative units, colleagues at other universities, and officials from various levels of Government. Serve as contact for the unit, answering questions and providing information and advice regarding University and Government priorities and initiatives. Represent the GIR unit at meetings across campus as appropriate.
• Prepare draft briefing/speaking notes, reports and presentations for use by the VP, University Relations and the Principal.
• Manage and coordinate special projects with well-defined objectives and outcomes from start to finish, which includes developing plans, investigating and seeking feedback, effectively managing risks, anticipating challenges, making recommendations, revising accordingly and implementing.
• Maintain and coordinate all reporting related to lobbying registries at the Provincial and Federal level.
• Support internal coordination on internal and external reporting as required. This includes initial outreach and coordination of information against deadlines.
• Maintain, update and ensure accuracy and integrity of information and data contained within office databases such as Maximizer and electronic and working files.
• Provide work direction, and technical/functional guidance to staff. Schedule and assign work and oversee its completion. Coordinate and monitor workflow.
• Undertake other duties as required in support of the GIR department and its initiatives.

• University degree in communications, political studies, or related field combined with 5+ years of experience within government providing comprehensive research and analytical support, project management and implementation, and proposal and report writing.
• Proven project management skills and capacity along with demonstrated advanced computer skills including extensive knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Prezi and database management systems.
• Education and/or experience in public policy, higher education administration, or marketing and communications would be considered an asset.
• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Knowledge of University policies, procedures and organizational structures. Familiarity with the political, administrative, research and intellectual climates within the University.
• Knowledge of post-secondary sector issues as they pertain to the provincial government. Knowledge of government relations strategies and tactics/practices.
• Understanding of stakeholder management, best practices, templates and strategies.
• Knowledge of the structure and workings of the federal, provincial, and municipal government.
• Sound judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information and the ability to manage risks.
• Proven interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, to interact professionally and effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, with various levels of government and community organizations.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports, presentations, briefing/speaking notes, proposals, etc. on behalf of the directors, the Office of VP, University Relations and the Principal.
• Proactive, self-motivated, resourceful, and results driven with the ability to work independently with little supervision and in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, planning and administrative skills with the ability to cope with multiple demands, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, research and problem solving skills with the ability to synthesize and interpret information, make recommendations and manage complex situations.
• Willingness to work flexible hours on occasion is required.

• Allocate time, prioritize tasks and determine workflow to meet expectations and conflicting deadlines. Continually assess and adjust priorities and manage tasks in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
• Establish approaches to analytical problems and make recommendations for action. Determine options or range of solutions to problems where no clear guidelines exist. Find solutions to administrative problems within guidelines.
• Determine appropriate sources for researching and collecting information and data and decide on the content, tone, and substance of reports, presentations, briefing/speaking notes, proposals, communications, etc.
• When representing the unit on committees and working groups and acting as a delegate of the VP, University Relations at meetings, decide which issues the GIR department should be involved in, and which issues need to be raised with the VP for action or follow-up.
• Determine what advice and information to provide to internal and external stakeholders regarding University and Government priorities and initiatives. Coordinate information flow and determine how best to present or report on information at hand.
• In consultation with the Director, GIR, determine strategies and tactics to effectively and efficiently build relationships and implement special projects and initiatives.
• Determine when decisions and recommendations should be referred to the Director, GIR.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen’s is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca.