Job Description

Position Overview The Department of Government Relations in the President\'s Office is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Relief Government Relations Specialist (Provincial Affairs) for approximately 6 months. Reporting to the Director of Government Relations, the Government Relations Specialist (Provincial Affairs) is a key member of the Government Relations team (GR). The GR\'s mandate is to position the university as a key partner with governments by developing and furthering the university\'s relationships with the three levels of government, and to promote to governments the university\'s perspectives, positions and priorities. The GR unit is led by the Associate Vice-President (Government Relations) and has strong working relationships with other university units, including the Office of the President, the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), and faculties. The Government Relations Specialist (Provincial Affairs) will manage the university\'s engagement with the Provincial government. On occasion the incumbent may represent the AVP (GR) or Director of Government Relations, and thereby the University of Calgary, in meetings with internal and external stakeholders. This role will often handle time sensitive and highly confidential information. As such, the incumbent must be comfortable exercising discretion, sound judgment, and diplomacy.
Position Description Summary of Key Responsibilities: Advocacy Related Activities

• Participate as a key contributor to the development of the university\'s broad advocacy and engagement strategy, and to positioning the university as a key partner with government
• Develop and implement file specific strategies and action plans for direct advocacy with federal government officials, in alignment with the university\'s broader government relations strategy and Eyes High strategic direction
• Work in partnership with other university units to identify and secure non-traditional sources of government funding for university activities and infrastructure
• Meet with government officials on a regular basis to discuss issues/policies that relate to or will impact the university and/or its stakeholders
• Develop and maintain relationships and partnerships with government officials
• Focus primarily, but not exclusively, on engagement at the provincial level by improving and enhancing ongoing communications

Strategic Planning

• Assist the Director in identifying key policy issues in the provincial government, and provide strategic advice on those issues
• Develop, for internal university community (senior university officials), project-specific government relations plans with clear objectives, strategies and methods of evaluation
• Assist the university in building and maintaining relationships with the political and civil service apparatus in the provincial government Research, Writing and Monitoring
• Monitor relevant policy, legislation and program developments within the provincial government and provide advice to the AVP or Director on the university\'s response to new developments
• Conduct post-secondary education policy research in support of the university\'s advocacy activities and of the university\'s membership on bodies like Universities Canada, U15, and COPPOA
• Conduct research in support of advocacy activities and the development of relevant public policy
• Prepare public policy proposals and funding applications for submission to governments and committees, and briefing material for internal and external stakeholders
• Propose policy recommendations to the AVP or Director based on this research and make necessary revisions when applicable

Production of Supporting Materials & Coordination of Events

• Produce materials in support of the government relations internal and external engagement strategies, including the development of government targeted messaging
• Write briefing notes for the President and other senior leaders in support of key meetings with government officials and on public policy issues
• Develop, update and maintain website content and contribute to government relations newsletters
• Variety of writing including the preparation of PowerPoint presentations and correspondence in support of advocacy initiatives
• Work in part

Qualifications / Requirements:

• University degree in political science, public administration, public relations or a related field
• 5-7 years of experience working in a government, public policy or advocacy role
• Demonstrable experience researching and monitoring public policy and legislative developments
• Experience preparing communications materials, including briefing and background notes, newsletters and website content
• Solid working knowledge of government, government programming, government decision making processes and the political process
• Excellent analytical skills, high attention to detail, and accuracy are essential
• Self-motivated with effective interpersonal skills and the ability to work both independently and as a contributing member of an energetic team
• Eligible to act as a registered lobbyist with the federal government and compliance with the Alberta Lobbyists Act
• Flexibility to deal with immediate or late-breaking situations is required
• Tact, diplomacy and excellent written/verbal communication skills are essential in order to meet the diverse needs of internal and external stakeholders
• Ability to perform multiple time sensitive tasks and/or projects simultaneously
• Knowledge of research-intensive industry sectors would be advantageous
• General understanding of the role the University of Calgary plays in the social economic growth of the province would be an asset

Application Deadline: October 30, 2023 We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted. Additional Information This position is classified in the Professional Career Band, Level 3 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework. To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. About the University of Calgary UCalgary is Canada\'s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada\'s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada\'s leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca. The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do. As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca). Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.