Associate Director, Government Relations

One of Canada’s leading comprehensive universities and a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara, and named one of Canada’s Best Employers compiled by Forbes and Statista, Brock University is an inclusive, welcoming campus community that offers a wide range of unique career opportunities for those with passion, energy and expertise. We’re looking for team members who want to help us continue to deliver an exceptional student experience, perform impact-driven research and generate life-changing breakthroughs for our world. Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.

Post End Date:

Note to all candidates: This posting will close at 12:01 am on June 26, 2023.

A Day in the Life…

Reporting to the Director, Government & Community Relations, the Associate Director, Government Relations aids in the management of advancing Brock University's strategic priorities in areas impacted by local, provincial and/or federal government programs, policies and legislation. The role oversees Brock's compliance with federal and provincial lobbying requirements; provides advice and helps plan and lead the development of government submissions, government relations materials for senior administrators, as well as Brock University's government relations strategy.

As the Associate Director, Government Relations, you will:

• Provide research, policy analysis, and analytical support on a broad range of issues stemming from Brock University's interactions with government, institutional partners, and other external stakeholders to better advise senior administration;
• Develop and facilitate positive and productive relationships with senior municipal, regional, provincial and federal levels of government, postsecondary institutions and other stakeholders;
• Mitigate Brock’s exposure to risk and criticism through proactive analysis and implementation of strategic actions;
• Provide leadership in the planning and development of advice and recommendations to faculty and staff on government directions, public policy, funding programs and any other local, provincial and federal government activity in order for Brock to maximize funding opportunities and influence policy directions;
• Lead writing of correspondence, reports, and presentation materials for senior government officials including Ministers and Deputy Ministers;
• Prepare communication and briefing materials, reports and proposals for external and internal audiences on local, provincial and federal government policy, programs and legislations;
• Provide guidance for staff in understanding and complying with University policies, procedures, guidelines and applicable legislation.
• Provide advice and strategic direction to any University department to assist with the development of strategic government funding submissions and implementation of funded projects;
• Provide mentorship and leadership to the Government Relations Advisor and oversee contributions to briefing materials, reports and proposals; support their development of grant submissions; and help them build relationships with government officials;
• Oversee compliance with federal and provincial lobbying requirements, including monthly communication reports;
• Engage and assist with leading the development and maintenance of relationships with government officials on Brock's behalf in order to influence public policy, programs and legislation to advance Brock's strategic priorities;
• Oversee research and analysis of public policy, programs and legislation impacting the University;

What you need to Succeed…

• Persuasive argument technique with the ability to reason in a logical manner;
• An undergraduate degree in a related field;
• Deep knowledge of government legislation, public policy, government cycles, and priorities at all three levels with the ability to analyze and interpret government actions;
• Deep knowledge of government granting processes and cycles;
• Knowledge of Provincial and Federal legislation and regulatory processes as well as public and industry consultative processes;
• Ability to quickly establish rapport and gain support for University initiatives;
• Team player with the proven ability to build strong relationships and influence individuals at all levels of an organization, as well as external constituents;
• Exceptional knowledge of public policy, programs and legislation at all three levels of government impacting Ontario Universities;
• Knowledge of government relations strategies and approaches;
• Exceptional understanding of the culture, motivations, and expected outcomes of government officials;
• Ability to identify opportunities and provide strategic advice and direction to senior officials in the University.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in government relations, stakeholder management and legislative support either for engagement with Government or within Government;

Preferred or Asset Skills:

• Master’s degree is an asset; and
• Experience in a postsecondary institution is a considered an asset.

Salary and Benefit Information

• This position includes full comprehensive benefits, including tuition waiver.
• Job Grade O, Salary Scale ($78,665 - $112,025)

* The salary range indicated is representative of all positions evaluated at this level. Actual salary is determined by assessing related skills, experience, internal equity, and market competitiveness, subject to available budget.

Applicants are required to upload a resume and cover letter as part of the application process.

Brock University is actively committed to diversity and the principles of Employment Equity and invites applications from all qualified candidates. Women, Aboriginal peoples including those who identify as members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples, members of visible minorities and racialized groups, people with disabilities, and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) persons are encouraged to apply. We will accommodate the needs of the applicants and the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) throughout all stages of the selection process, as outlined in the Employment Accommodation Policy https://brocku.ca/policies/wp-content/uploads/sites/94/Employment-Accommodation-Policy.pdf.

Please advise: [email protected] to ensure your accessibility needs are accommodated through this process. Information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

It is Brock University’s policy to give consideration to qualified internal applicants.

We appreciate all applications received; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca