Senior Director of Government Affairs

4 weeks ago


Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada University of Saskatchewan Full time

Executive Director of Government Relations

Primary Objective:

Reporting directly to the Associate Vice President of Government Relations (AVP), the Executive Director of Government Relations is tasked with leading the Office of Government Relations while initiating and executing strategic initiatives in collaboration with senior administration and various stakeholders throughout the institution. This role is crucial in offering policy guidance, strategic oversight, and issues management counsel to the AVP, senior, and executive leadership across colleges, schools, institutes, and centers concerning the university's engagement with federal and provincial governments.

Nature of Responsibilities:

Under the guidance of the AVP, the Executive Director is expected to comprehend and assess the ongoing activities related to the university's government relations initiatives to further the institution's primary strategic goals in relation to governmental interactions. The Executive Director must also be aware of priorities and trends across all levels of government, employing a sharp analytical perspective to identify how the university's initiatives align with these priorities and trends. This position plays a pivotal role in developing strategies that enhance the university's reputation, public policy objectives, and resource acquisition through effective government relations.

The Executive Director of Government Relations is an integral member of the Government Relations team and will take a leadership role in fostering a cohesive approach to the university's government relations efforts, thereby promoting the institution's vision, presence, and influence at local, provincial, and national levels.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Counsel and Advisory

Provides strategic insights and recommendations to the AVP, senior, and executive leadership, as well as other internal stakeholders on a diverse array of government relations issues. Offers expertise in government relations to the AVP and senior leadership (including Deans and Directors) regarding emerging, sensitive, and urgent strategic interactions with government on a daily basis and as necessary for specific projects. Cultivates relationships with elected officials, public servants, and influential members of political parties to promote university interests with government. Evaluates current government relations activities and advises the AVP on their effectiveness and impact. Analyzes best practices from government relations offices at other prominent Canadian universities and provides recommendations to the AVP. Collaborates with the AVP and Vice President of University Relations to formulate government relations strategies applicable across the campus. Engages with colleges, centers, schools, and research institutes to provide guidance on the development and execution of tailored government relations strategies, ensuring a unified and coordinated university-wide approach.

Advance Key University Priorities with Government

Works alongside the AVP to manage and facilitate institutional engagement with government, prioritizing institutional initiatives. Shares information with campus partners regarding new developments, challenges, and opportunities arising from government engagement. Collaborates with key officials and ministries to promote comprehensive government approaches to critical issues. Utilizes the influence of regional and national partner organizations and stakeholders to enhance the university's national profile and voice.

Develop Advocacy Materials and Execute Strategic Events

Oversees the creation of targeted materials that enhance the university's reputation by effectively communicating its narratives to government audiences in each provincial and federal riding. Positions the university as a collaborative partner to government and the community, addressing public needs and tackling significant challenges. Works with colleagues across the university to organize tours, announcements, visits, and meetings with government officials in university facilities and external communities, showcasing the impact of public funding and research excellence. Ensures consistent communication with government officials, staff, and influencers.

Lead Intelligence Gathering and Issues Monitoring

Oversees research and monitoring efforts to provide timely, accurate, and strategic information on government leaders, priorities, legislation, issues, and opportunities. Prepares comprehensive briefings for meetings with government representatives. Builds and maintains strong, collegial relationships with a network of officials and staff to ensure the university has access to government leaders and opportunities for participation in government events and initiatives. Ensures that the President and the President's Executive Committee are well-prepared with background information, candidate analysis, key messages, and government relations support during elections. Collaborates with the AVP to develop the university's submissions to government, including operational forecasts and requests for information. Leads advanced preparations for missions to Ottawa for the President and AVP.

Scope of Work:

The Executive Director is a senior expert in government relations, frequently dealing with time-sensitive, complex, and confidential matters that significantly impact the university's relationships, resources, and reputation.

This role often serves as the initial point of contact for inquiries from senior university leaders and government officials, providing counsel and support on a variety of issues and initiatives.

Key university partners include the Office of the President, the Office of the Provost and Vice President Academic, the Office of the Vice-President Research, and various colleges and research institutes. Key external partners include government officials and staff in provincial and federal ministries and departments.

The Executive Director must possess exceptional problem-solving skills and will have the authority to manage and resolve complex, sensitive, and often urgent issues, working with both internal and external stakeholders. The consequences of errors in this role can be significant, directly affecting key relationships, resources, and the university's reputation.

Additionally, the Executive Director is responsible for coaching and mentoring senior administrators across the campus to articulate institutional priorities with government, identify opportunities, and lead government relations strategies.

Qualifications:

A bachelor's degree is required; an advanced degree is strongly preferred. A minimum of five years of leadership experience in government relations, with a substantial portion of this experience in higher education. Proven ability to think strategically and effectively communicate strategic advice and counsel. Extensive knowledge and experience working with provincial and/or federal government at a senior decision-making level. Significant leadership experience in an organization characterized by considerable organizational and political complexity. Familiarity with the post-secondary environment and/or public sector organizations at a decision-making level, along with experience in policy development and implementation.

Competencies:

A strong commitment to the mission of public universities and alignment with the University of Saskatchewan's mission, vision, and values. An open and collaborative leadership style that inspires, engages, and focuses on results. Demonstrated success in building productive, long-term relationships with senior university administrators, faculty, staff, government officials, and other external stakeholders. A strong commitment to team building and professional development. Creativity and the ability to inspire creativity in others. Familiarity with best practices in government relations, particularly among Universities Canada and U15 institutions.

The university is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Executive Director of Government Relations. This search aims to fill two roles: one permanent Executive Director position and one term position lasting 16 months, with the possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent role. Candidates will be considered for both opportunities as part of this selection process.



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