Director, Government Relations

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**** Posting Reason:
** Replacement of a regular position
** Job Type:
** Employee
* * Anticipated Duration in Months** (for contracts and temporary assignments):

N/A
** Job Family:
** Communications and Advisory Services**# of Open Positions:
** 1
* * Faculty/Service - Department:
** Office of Communications and Public Affairs
** Campus:
** Main Campus
** Union Affiliation:
** N/A
** Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):
** 2026/03/03
** Applications must be received*
* **** BEFORE**** **(YYYY/MM/DD):
** 2026/03/30
** Hours per week:
** 35
* * Salary Grade:
** Non-Union Grade NM4
** Salary Range:**$ - $
** Position Purpose
** Reporting to the Chief Communication and Public Affairs Officer, The Director’s primary responsibility is to forge and enhance strategic relations with governments, to our mutual benefit, with a focus on the University’s privileged relationship with the Government of Canada, in order to advance government understanding of and support for the University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. The Director also ensures the monitoring of the University’s performance in these circles, through surveys and polls, with a view to bringing change to the results, as required.

Further, to provide intelligence and strategic advice to the President and the CA on the University’s dealings with governments, and to implement a course of action in the University’s government relations activities as mandated by the Chief Communications Officer and the Administrative Council.
** In this role, your responsibilities will include:
*** Serve as confidential government relations advisor to the President, Vice-Presidents and Board of Governors and provide strategic advice on the implementation of the University’s strategic government relations activities. This includes high level government relations expertise relating to emerging and time-sensitive interactions with government.
* Establish and cultivate a strong working relationship with key government decision-makers to advocate the University’s agenda and facilitate the two-way flow of timely, relevant information; develop and lead advocacy programs and enhance strategic relationships. Measure and assess return on the investment to guide future decisions.
* Investigate potential for the university to access government grants and funding opportunities for research, operational and capital investments; coordinate and prepare appropriate proposals and documents necessary to secure such funding.
* Monitor, analyse and assess government policies and activities pertaining to higher education that may have an impact on the University in order to capitalize on opportunities and to provide the University with an awareness and understanding of emerging government policy issues and trends. Maintain a running brief on various government and inter institutional files at the University and advance them strategically, consistent with the academic plan of the University.
* Develop and implement a sophisticated and robust government relations plan, based on an analysis of sector issues, government policies and University priorities in order to build profile and reputation for the University of Ottawa, to achieve progress on key issues and to increase community engagement. Monitor and adjust plan based on trends, policies and events.
* Prepare and present policy options, briefing materials, proposals, reports and other materials for the development of strong advocacy programs at the University. Prepare briefing notes for the President and senior administrators in advance of meetings with elected representatives and government officials; prepare University influential position statements regarding legislative and regulatory initiatives for appropriate University officials and spokespersons.
* Identify opportunities for the University to participate in and influence the development of public policy, government initiatives and programs in areas central to the University’s mandate. Proactively anticipate the needs of government and act in a responsive way to find solutions within the University community to create or enhance the relationship ie. identify or develop programs at the…