Government Relations Advisor

Employee Group:
**Administration/Management**
- Hours of Work (BCGEU):
- # of openings:
**1**
- Hours Per Week (BCGEU):
- Pay Level:
**8 - Administrative Salary Grid**
- Days of Work (BCGEU):
- Employment Type:
**Temporary Full Time**
- Internal Closing Date:
**Open Until Filled**
- Travel Frequency:
**Regular travel between campuses is required.**
- External Closing Date:
**Open Until Filled**
- Competition ID:
**2613**

**Kwantlen Polytechnic University**

KPU offers all learners opportunities to achieve success in a diverse range of programs that blend theory and practice, critical understanding, and social and ethical awareness necessary for good citizenship and rewarding careers. KPU strives to implement initiatives that will attract, support, engage, and retain KPU’s people and create an environment where all employees see themselves as contributing to student learning.

**JOB OVERVIEW: GOVERNMENT RELATIONS ADVISOR**

This role reports to the Vice President, External Affairs.

**PRIMARY FUNCTION**

Reporting to the Vice President, External Affairs, the Government Relations Advisor is responsible for overseeing day-to-day government affairs activities for the university. This includes establishing effective working relationships with government and elected officials in all KPU communities, and at all levels: civic, provincial and federal. The Advisor is also responsible for developing effective relationships with KPU’s four major advocacy associations: Universities Canada, Polytechnics Canada, Colleges and Institutes Canada and the BC Association of Institute and Universities. All these relationships will culminate in the development of effective advocacy and awareness strategies that will enhance the university’s reputation and collaboration with government stakeholders at all levels.

The Government Relations Advisor is a vital member of the External Affairs team, and will support the broader community engagement work of the Office of External Affairs. The Advisor is responsible for developing government relations plans and relationships that align with the goals and objectives of the university’s strategic, academic and campus master plans. The Advisor will also develop metrics to demonstrate the success of these plans. The position is accountable for writing confidential briefing notes, speeches, government and confidential submissions and proposals on behalf of the university, and will undertake specific government affairs projects as required by the university’s leadership team. Critically, the position ensures that the university is at all times non-partisan in its approach to government affairs.

**EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE**
- Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Communications or other relevant discipline, plus a minimum of three years’ recent related experience in an intermediate role.
- Or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Must be a self-starter with solid project management and event-planning skills.
- Effective communication skills, both oral and written, including the ability to respond diplomatically to both internal and external inquiries.
- Demonstrated ability to present information and convey appropriate and diplomatic responses to questions under pressure.
- Proven ability to effectively plan, schedule and collaborate with employees in a fast-paced environment to meet deadlines and project requirements.
- Excellent understanding of political processes and sensitivities, and issues management with a track record of positive relationships with media, politicians, senior staff, community leaders, decision makers, and stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and intercultural communications skills with high professionalism.
- Knowledge of processes, principles, theories and practices of politics and government administration.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively work, build relationships and communicate with external stakeholders and internal colleagues in a respectful, consultative manner.
- Results-oriented with high expectations for quality.
- Understands and models the importance of celebrating success, both internally and externally.
- Proficient using the latest versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, and mail merges; social media and web searches.
- Experience with website content management systems - working with Drupal an asset.
- Strong ability to exercise discretion and good judgment in dealing with confidential and/or controversial University and government matters.
- Possession of a valid BC driver’s license and access to a vehicle. Frequent inter-campus and community travel is required.
- Must be available to work evenings and weekends.

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