Government Relations Specialist; Provincial Affairs), External Relations

Description The Department of Government Relations in External Relations is currently seeking a Full-time Temporary Government Relations Specialist (Provincial Affairs) for approximately 4 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 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.

• 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.
• 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.

• 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 and 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 APSN.
• 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 and Director based on this research and make necessary revisions when applicable.

• 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 partnership with other units to coordinate special events involving government and other external stakeholders within the community.
• Other Related Duties as Assigned.

• 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 in compliance with lobbyist legislation.
• Flexibility to deal with immediate or late-breaking situations…