Location: Calgary or Edmonton, Alberta

Reporting: CEO

ABOUT US

Big Picture Public Affairs is an Alberta-based public affairs and strategic communications firm supporting clients across government relations, strategic counsel, web & digital communications, stakeholder engagement, regulatory expertise, and corporate communications. We help organizations navigate complex issues with clarity, strategy, and impact.

THE OPPORTUNITY

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a Director, Government Relations to lead our government relations practice and serve as a trusted advisor to clients navigating complex political and regulatory environments.

This senior leader will manage a high-value client portfolio, represent clients at the most senior levels of government, and drive new business for the firm. They bring deep roots in Alberta's political landscape, sound political judgment, and the entrepreneurial drive to grow a practice, and they are as comfortable in the Premier's office as they are in a boardroom.

WHAT YOU WILL LEAD

Client Portfolio Leadership

- Lead and grow a high-value portfolio of clients, serving as a trusted strategic advisor to C-suite executives, boards, and senior government officials.
- Design and oversee government relations strategies that translate complex policy and political environments into clear, actionable advocacy plans.
- Oversee client budgets, fee arrangements, and delivery standards to ensure consistent quality and value across the portfolio.

Senior Government Engagement & Advocacy

- Draw on and expand a senior-level network spanning the Premier's Office, Cabinet, caucus, Deputy Ministers, and federal counterparts.
- Represent clients in ministerial meetings, Cabinet briefings, and regulatory hearings.
- Direct the development of advocacy materials, including Cabinet submissions, regulatory interventions, ministerial briefings, and position papers.
- Design and lead multi-stakeholder engagement, coalition-building, and government consultation strategies.

Political Intelligence & Strategic Counsel

- Anticipate political, legislative, and regulatory shifts, and brief clients and the Big Picture team on what they mean.
- Provide senior-level counsel, present to boards and executive leadership, and deliver regular strategic briefings and recommendations.

Strategic Communications Support

- Provide senior oversight of integrated government relations and communications strategies,



keeping advocacy objectives and public positioning aligned.
- Guide executive-level key messages and media strategies for high-profile issues and campaigns.
- Prepare clients for government consultations, legislative committee appearances, regulatory proceedings, and public hearings.

Business Development & Firm Growth

- Grow existing client relationships, identify new mandates, and expand the firm's scope of services across the portfolio.
- Originate opportunities, author proposals, pitch prospective clients, and close new mandates.
- Represent Big Picture at senior industry forums, conferences, and professional associations to build the firm's brand and market position.

Team Leadership

- Lead, mentor, and develop government relations professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE ROLE (How You Operate)

- Sharp political acumen: you read the room and know how decisions really get made, and by whom.
- Strategic thinker who connects dots across policy areas and builds proactive rather than reactive strategies.
- Trusted advisor who delivers on commitments and communicates proactively.
- Persuasive communicator who adapts style and message to government officials, clients, and the public.
- High ethical standards; transparent with clients and colleagues and owns outcomes.
- Executive presence and the entrepreneurial drive to grow a practice.

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS

- 10+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, public policy, or a closely related field, including significant leadership responsibility.
- Expert-level knowledge of Alberta's political and legislative landscape, with a demonstrated ability to operate at the most senior levels of the political and bureaucratic system.
- Deep, established relationships with Cabinet ministers, senior political staff, Deputy Ministers, and key influencers at the provincial and federal levels.
- Demonstrated experience leading a government relations practice or large portfolio,



including managing and mentoring a skilled team.
- Executive-level written and verbal communication skills, with experience presenting and advising at the board and CEO level.
- Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Business, or a related discipline; graduate degree or legal training an asset.

ASSETS

- Proven track record of originating and closing new business.
- Senior government experience, such as ministerial staff, senior political appointments, or Deputy/Assistant Deputy Minister roles.
- An existing book of business or portable client relationships.
- Sector expertise in energy and natural resources, post-secondary education, infrastructure and capital projects, health, or municipal affairs.
- Bilingualism (English/French).

WORKING CONDITIONS & WHAT WE OFFER

- Work-from-home model, with regular travel between Calgary and Edmonton and occasional travel to Ottawa or elsewhere for client engagements.
- Evening and weekend availability during sitting legislative sessions and key advocacy periods; valid driver's licence and reliable vehicle required.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus performance-based incentives.
- Benefits package including a health spending account.
- Professional development support, flexible work hours, and clear pathways for advancement within a growing firm.

HOW TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and résumé in a single PDF

Pay: $120,000.00-$170,000.00 per year

Benefits:

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision care
- Work from home

Application question(s):

- Do you have 10+ years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, or public policy, including direct engagement with senior political or bureaucratic decision‑makers in Alberta?
- Please describe your most senior relationships within Alberta’s political or bureaucratic landscape (e.g., Cabinet, Premier’s Office, Deputy Ministers) and how you’ve leveraged them in past mandates.
- Have you previously led a government relations practice or managed a multi‑client portfolio with responsibility for strategy, budgets, and team leadership?
- Do you have experience originating new business (e.g., pitching, proposals, closing mandates) in a consulting or advisory environment?

Work Location: Remote

📌 SENIOR DIRECTOR, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS (Alberta)
🏢 Big Picture Public Affairs
📍 Alberta