Public Affairs Intern

McMaster University fuels curiosity, inquiry and discovery. Every day, we push the boundaries of knowledge through our world-class, interdisciplinary research and our ground-breaking approaches to teaching and learning. Our students, researchers and staff are among the best and brightest.

Communications, Marketing & Public Affairs (CMPA) at McMaster encompasses the areas that build the University's relationships, reputation, and resources. It is our values that help us to achieve our vision and mission; they are integrity, quality, respect, service, strategy and teamwork.

**Primary Functions**:Research, Writing and general Government Relations support

**Job Profile**:
The office of Public Affairs at McMaster University seeks an individual with an interest in public policy and government relations to join our dynamic team. Public Affairs plays an important role at our institution given the highly regulated nature of the sector. We undertake public affairs activities with all three levels of government. Our main goal is to ensure that McMaster is an active participant in the public policy process particularly in areas with the greatest impact on our sector. We work to develop positive relationships with political decision makers and civil servants in an effort to become a trusted partner of government.

Reporting to the Associate Director of Public Affairs, the Intern may be responsible for any or all of the following:

- Preparing drafts of advocacy submissions to government
- Providing support in the development/drafting of government relations presentations
- Monitoring press conferences and preparing briefing materials
- Reviewing provincial and federal debates (Hansard) for opportunities and challenges
- Drafting introductory letters and thank you letters to key government officials
- Writing briefing notes on opportunities and challenges for review
- Drafting briefing materials for meetings (e.g., researching biographies)
- Preparation of newsletters

**Skills**:

- Excellent writing and copy-editing skills
- Exceptional research abilities
- Proven experience working with PowerPoint presentations
- Strong computer skills
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Organized, self‐motivated, and able to work both independently and as a team member

**Job Requirements**:

- A graduate from an undergraduate or graduate/post‐graduate program in public policy, social science, humanities, or a related field. A McMaster degree is an asset
- Have a theoretical and/or practical understanding of how government works
- Work experience as a researcher, writer, and/or in government is an asset

We are looking forward to the opportunity to help you enhance and develop knowledge and skills that will be useful for your career success; familiarize you with the opportunities that exist for careers in government relations and government, and provide you with extensive knowledge in the public policy realm at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government. At the end of this opportunity, you should be well placed to advance in your career.

This is a full-time position consisting of 35 hours per week. Please note occasional evening and weekend work will be required. Hourly rate is commensurate with experience within the range of $21-24/hour.

**Employment Equity Statement**

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

**Vaccination Policy Statement**

The University is committed to providing and maintaining healthy and safe working and learning environments for all workers, students, volunteers and visitors. Effective October 18, 2021, all McMaster community members, including employees, accessing a McMaster campus or facility in person are required to be fully vaccinated or to have received an exemption from the University for a valid human rights ground. This is a term and condition of employment. As defined by the provincial government, people are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series. Vaccines approved by Health Canada or the World Health Organization will be recognized. The University will continu