Director, Government Relations

University Relations

Competition No. 26.06.143

Category

Salary

Closing Date

Full-Time Continuing (35 hours per week)

$106,018 to $143,323 per annum

August 10, 2026

Category

Full-Time Continuing (35 hours per week)

Salary

$106,018 to $143,323 per annum

Closing Date

August 10, 2026

About Us

MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton's diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.

Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 55 programs to more than 20,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.

Opportunity

MacEwan University is seeking a Director, Government Relations, for a full-time continuing opportunity with the University Relations department.

As the Director, Government Relations, you will lead the development, implementation and continuous improvement of MacEwan University's government relations function. Reporting to the AVP, Government and Community Relations, you will develop and advance institutional government relations strategies, foster productive relationships with government and key stakeholders, coordinate engagement across the university, and provide strategic advice and analysis to support institutional priorities and advocacy objectives.

Key responsibilities include:

- Supporting the AVP, Government and Community Relations in the development and continuous improvement of MacEwan University's government relations strategy and leading the execution of government relations initiatives aligned with the university's strategic priorities;
- Developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the university's strategic priorities, government priorities, public policy direction, legislation, funding frameworks and the broader political environment to identify and assess risks and opportunities for the institution;




- Providing expert advice and strategic recommendations to the AVP, Government and Community Relations and senior leaders regarding government priorities, emerging issues, and funding opportunities affecting the university;
- Coordinating cross-university assessment of government legislation, policy initiatives, funding programs and consultation opportunities, developing evidence-informed institutional positions, recommendations and response strategies;
- Identifying, assessing and prioritizing strategic government engagement opportunities that advance MacEwan University's institutional priorities and align with government priorities, policy objectives and funding opportunities;
- Advising the AVP, Government and Community Relations and senior leaders on stakeholder mapping, relationship development, engagement sequencing, appropriate institutional representation and strategies to maximize the effectiveness of government interactions;
- Supporting the cultivation and stewardship of relationships with elected officials, ministers' offices, senior public servants, government agencies, municipal leaders and post-secondary sector organizations through coordinated, purposeful and strategically aligned engagement;
- Leading the university's environmental scanning, analysis, and interpretation of government legislation, policy, funding, regulatory developments and emerging issues affecting higher education;
- Overseeing the preparation of policy analyses, stakeholder assessments, environmental scans, briefing notes, issue summaries and other decision-support materials;
- Working closely with Communications and Marketing and other University Relations teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated approaches to government communications and advocacy initiatives;
- Supporting the AVP in the planning and monitoring of the Government Relations budget and ensures activities are delivered within established financial parameters;
- Managing staff resources through effective recruitment and ensuring staff are well trained, competent, and supported to be successful in their roles; and
- Understanding, supporting, communicating, and implementing Occupational Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policies, procedures and initiatives.

Skills

You will have:

- The ability to lead by example, demonstrate integrity, flexibility, tact and perseverance, while maintaining confidentiality and successfully navigate sensitive situations;
- Strategic thinking, creativity, analytical, problem solving and decision-making skills, with keen attention to detail;




- The ability to interpret and apply institutional priorities within a government and community engagement context;
- Knowledge of community, social, and political environments relevant to the University, including awareness of emerging trends and stakeholder dynamics;
- The ability to gather, analyze, and synthesize information, and prepare briefings, reports, and recommendations for leadership;
- Strong and effective written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to diverse audiences;
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to effectively build trust, collaborate and influence wide and diverse range of internal and external stakeholders;
- The ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented collaborative environment;
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work on multiple projects, adapt to shifting priorities, and deliver on a variety of commitments and deadlines; and
- Knowledge of change management and process management techniques.

Qualifications

- A minimum of a bachelor's degree in political science, public policy or related field.
- A minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible experience in intergovernmental relations, public policy, or related field, including experience in a leadership or supervisory capacity.
- Experience building and managing relationships with government organizations, partners, and stakeholders.
- Experience working within a complex, multi-stakeholder environment.
- Established governmental networks within Edmonton and/or Alberta would be considered an asset.
- Experience in a post-secondary institution would be considered an asset.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Position Requirements

- This position is on campus only.

Benefits

When you become part of the MacEwan University team, you will enjoy a competitive salary. Our total compensation package includes:

- Competitive base pay
- Generous vacation time
- Secure pension plan
- Flexible perks package
- Continuous learning culture
- Opportunities for career growth

How to Apply

To apply, please head to our MacEwan University Opportunities Page, select the job opportunity and click Apply Now. If you require assistance, please contact us at [email protected].

If you are experiencing technical difficulties when submitting your application, please try submitting through a different browser (i.e., Safari, Firefox, Chrome, etc.). If the issue persists, please send a screenshot of the error message to [email protected] so we can assist and ensure your application is received.

This position is included under the Out of Scope employee policy (D1015). Applications sourced through this process may be considered for similar opportunities within MacEwan University.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

📌 Director, Government Relations (Canada)
🏢 MacEwan University
📍 Canada