Government Relations Officer

Job Number:

J

Position Title:

Government Relations Officer

Department:

Office of the City Clerk

Appointment Status:

Full-Time Permanent

Employee Group:

Management

Job Category:

Public Administration

Compensation:

$86, $111,582.00/Year

Closing Date:

January 30, 2026

St. John's is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John's is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John's and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John's a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

Reporting to the City Clerk and working closely with the Mayor, the Government Relations Officer oversees government relations initiatives and represents the City, Mayor, and Council at high-level forums. This position helps to ensure that the City's interests are represented and opportunities for funding, policy influence, and partnerships are maximized.

• Lead the City's intergovernmental and advocacy efforts to advance Council and administrative priorities.
• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen relationships with provincial, federal, regional, Indigenous, and municipal partners.
• Represent the City, Mayor, and Council at senior-level meetings, negotiations, and forums to ensure City interests are protected and promoted.
• Provide strategic advice and briefing materials to the Mayor, Council, City Clerk, and senior leadership on legislative frameworks, regulatory changes, and emerging policy issues.
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, partnerships, and collaborative initiatives that align with Council's strategic plan.
• Coordinate internal input to ensure City positions on government issues and policy matters are consistent and well-informed.
• Plan and support meetings, delegations, and events involving the Mayor and external stakeholders, including agenda development, logistics, and follow-up actions.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials, senior public servants, and key partners to advance City priorities.
• Manage resources related to government relations initiatives, ensuring accountability and alignment with strategic objectives

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Education

• Bachelors Degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Commerce, Economics, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum five (5) year's experience in government relations, public policy or intergovernmental affairs
• In-depth knowledge of municipal governance, legislative frameworks, and intergovernmental processes.
• Understanding of public policy development and advocacy strategies.
• Familiarity with funding programs and partnership development at multiple levels of government.
• Experience in proposal writing and report preparation.

Monday to Friday

9:00 AM to 4:30 PM

The City of St. John's has a flexible work protocol which may apply to this position and is entirely dependent on operational needs.

Occasional national and international travel is a requirement of this position.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John's does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John's is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community's diversity.

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