Government Relations Advisor in St. Catharines

Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.

About the Role:

• Monitor, identify and analyze emerging government policy developments and ongoing legislative and regulatory proposals which could impact the University;
• Ensure that actions and correspondence involving government are in compliance with all legislative acts as referenced in the Lobbying Act, Ethics Act, and Integrity Act;
• 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 advise senior administration;
• Provide advice to the Government & Community Relations team on public policy, government directions and government protocols;
• Provide research and information in support of advice to university departments to assist with the development of strategic provincial and federal government funding submissions and implementation of funded projects;
• Coordinate and provide support (e.g. reviewing and writing) towards Brock’s strategic government funding submissions;
• Prepare briefing materials and recommendations for senior administration, faculty and staff on government policy, programs and legislation;
• Prepare briefing materials on Brock initiatives and programs for government officials promoting Brock’s strategic priorities and strengths;
• Write correspondence and materials for government audiences;
• Develop and maintain strategic relationships with policy makers in government organizations to enhance Brock’s role as a partner with government entities and to assist in shaping public policy initiatives;
• Represent Brock University at meetings and events in the community and with government officials;
• Act as first point of contact for incoming government inquiries;
• Through events and tours, showcase Brock’s research, innovation, and academic strengths to government and other partners;
• Coordinate logistics, prepare itineraries, and ensure that government campus visits, events, and tours are executed with professionalism, a high degree of care, and meet the expectations of internal and external participants.

This role may occasionally require work outside regular business hours, including evenings or weekends, based on operational needs.

Key Skills and Experience:

• A university degree in political science or a related field and/or discipline. Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience;
• Work experience with government, whether through industry, or in a political or government office role;
• Understanding of the university sector, government and community leaders, and the Niagara region;
• Experience working with government officials, through industry government relations or working in a political or government office;
• Advanced research & analytical skills;
• Strong writing skills with experience in preparing briefing materials, proposals, and government submissions;
• Strong attention to detail and capacity to plan and execute government engagement activities;
• Capacity to interpret public policy and legislation and its impact on the university;
• Knowledge of government structure and government decision making process;
• Understanding of Brock’s relationship with government legislation and agreements and the role/importance of community engagement;
• Solid computer application skills including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word Processing, Excel, PowerPoint), Publisher, Adobe Acrobat and web applications/maintenance tools;
• Highly creative in designing communications materials;
• Proven ability to organize and handle a variety of projects, deadlines, and schedules simultaneously and independently.

Salary and Total Rewards:

• Job Grade L, Salary Scale ($67,721.00 - 108,353.00); Target Hiring Range: $76,721 - $79,000*
• This is a permanent position that includes:
• Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
• Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
• Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Hybrid work schedule available.
• Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.
• *The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.

Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region.

Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups. We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Please contact talent@brocku.ca if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met. Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process. We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.