Director of Government Relations

**Classification & Regular Hours**: Hours per Week: 35 Salary will be commensurate with experience. **About Western**: Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth. We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference. **About Us**: Western creates, disseminates and applies knowledge for the benefit of society through excellence in teaching, research and scholarship. Our graduates will be global citizens whose education and leadership will serve the public good. The Government Relations team represents Western at all levels of government and community to advocate on behalf of the overall university community. Through advocacy directly on behalf of Western to various government Ministries and Departments, as well as working with our association partners at Universities Canada, The U15 and the Council of Ontario Universities, the Government Relations team ensures that Western is represented in a professional, beneficial and effective manner. The Government Relations team interfaces with and supports various faculties, departments/offices, faculty, and staff who are seeking advice and assistance on engaging with government on advocacy and promotion of priority files. **Responsibilities**: Reporting to the Executive Director, Government Relations, the Director of Government Relations will create and enhance relationships between the University and all levels of government, with a primary focus on the municipal government and London community. The role will provide advocacy and advice regarding Western University’s government relations, and lead the development and maintenance of strategic relationships with officials at the City of London, as well as other public sector institutions and community groups. The Director will also coordinate and prepare briefing materials for meetings, support the development and implementation of university priority projects, and assist with determining the University’s position on government-related issues. The role will lead the coordination of campus-wide government relations strategies, activities and information sharing, and organize various visits and events involving visitors of local, provincial, national, and international importance. **Qualifications**: **Education**: - Undergraduate Degree in a related field **Experience**: - 5 years’ experience working in a government relations role or in a government office - Experience in a post-secondary environment is preferred - Experience coordinating projects in a complex environment would be an asset - Experience in a government office or government relations role in London, Ontario is preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities: - In-depth knowledge of London and Ontario’s political and policy climate, including key stakeholders and relevant issues - Proven ability to build both formal and informal professional relationships within, across, and external to organizational boundaries - Compelling and persuasive communication skills to engage individuals and teams inside and outside the University - Discretion, tact and maturity to deal with public relations issues related to higher education - Knowledge of communications best practices, processes and tools - Ability to establish effective routines for excellent communication with all members of the team to maximize productivity - Media skills with solid communications judgment to present and package information to maximize interest - Ability to remain highly motivated, resilient, innovative, and collaborative when faced with challenges - Ability to work within a flexible schedule to accommodate the University’s events and activities - Computer skills with the ability to learn and use relevant software that achieves required outcomes and is in line with best practices - Intermediate computer skills in Microsoft Office Suite - Project management skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines and perform well under pressure - Ability to work independently and effectively as a member of the team to achieve departmental goals - Strong Political Acuity with an ability to navigate complex political landscapes with strategic insight **Western Values Diversity**: Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194. **Please Note**: We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.