Associate Director, Government Relations

• Job Title: Associate Director, Government Relations
• Requisition #: 24-0464
• Location: 3065 King
• Department: Government Relations
• Payband: 12
• Payband Range: $102,287.00 - $136,382.00
• Hours/Week: 37.5
• Posting Date: Friday, May 10, 2024
• Closing Date: Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST
• Vacancy Type: Administration - Full-time
• Description:

Administrative Full-Time New Position The Associate Director of Government Relations at Conestoga leads efforts to engage with all levels of government. This individual is responsible for generating broader understanding and support for Conestoga’s vision of leadership in polytechnic education, as well as the role of career-focused education and applied research in creating economic prosperity for the community and for Ontario. The Associate Director plays a lead role in Conestoga’s government relations efforts and engages key internal and external target audiences through a variety of creative channels, including digital and traditional media, social networking, direct marketing, video, print and website communications. Successful candidates will be required to conduct work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus as required. It is anticipated that this position will meet the needs of the department through a hybrid work arrangement with 1 day on-site and 4 days remote. Responsibilities

• Leads Conestoga’s government relations activities by establishing positive relationships with elected officials, civil servants and community partners for the purpose of advancing Conestoga’s strategic goals
• Develops and implements strategies to profile Conestoga and the contributions of polytechnic education among municipal, regional, provincial, and federal government representatives as well as community partners; identifies strategies for engagement in public policy input and government and community relations
• Engages in government relations activities on behalf of Conestoga with partners and affiliated organizations, including Polytechnics Canada, Colleges Ontario, and College and Institutes Canada (CICan)
• Serves as a contact for the coordination of government announcements and events at Conestoga; participates in event planning and logistics
• Maintains current lists of key government contacts and representatives
• Monitors news media and government sources for potential changes in regulatory and legislative areas to support effective responses to emerging opportunities and challenges
• Represents the college at government and community relations functions and meetings
• Develops appropriate communications or briefing materials for distribution to target all levels of government and community partners in collaboration with college departments to advance Conestoga’s mission
• Assists in responding to all levels of government and community partners
• Manages responses to inquiries from government officials and supports the writing and coordination of proposals to government programs
• Proactively monitors, analyzes, and interprets government programs and activities and provides advice on the implications and opportunities for the College
• Prepares briefing notes, presentations, analyses and reports for senior leadership in advance of meetings with government officials and community partners
• Recommends key officials for meetings
• Develops and implements effective communications tools and strategies to keep college elected officials and stakeholders informed of key developments
• Maintains an archive of news and success stories for use in the development of reports, presentations, etc.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Communication, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
• Minimum of nine years of senior-level experience in government relations, preferably within the post-secondary or not-for-profit sector
• Extensive knowledge and experience in the application of theories, principles and practices of communications as they relate to public information services
• Knowledge of the latest advances in digital and social media for effective corporate and organizational communication, including online communities, search engine optimization and other digital marketing tools
• Comprehensive understanding of Ontario’s post-secondary sector, including knowledge of programs, partners, policies and directions
• Proven ability to develop and implement multi-faceted communications strategies in collaboration with a diverse team to advance organizational policies and strategic priorities
• Ability to handle multiple projects under time and resource pressure
• Ability to develop and maintain strategic networks of people and organizations to advance institutional goals
• Detail and results-oriented, with advanced research skills, writing and interviewing skills, negotiating skills, conflict resolution skills; commitment to the provision of outstanding client and customer service

Apply Now Apply to this requisition | Print this requisition Conestoga College is a leader in polytechnic education. Our career-focused education, training, and applied research programs prepare students for success, support industry, and workforce needs and promote economic prosperity throughout our region and across Ontario. We thank all applicants but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Conestoga College is committed to workplace diversity and provides accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources via the Contact page.