Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice-President Communications and Institutional Relations (CIR), the Director, Public Affairs provides strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s government relations, media relations and issues management functions. The Director also serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on issues related to government relations, institutional advocacy, policy developments, external stakeholder engagement and media relations. The Director advances the University's priorities by building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, public sector partners, external stakeholders and media. Primary Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategies aligned with the University's strategic priorities. Advise the Vice-President and senior leadership on public policy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement matters. Monitor emerging political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and assess potential impacts on the University. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Issues Management team including emerging issues and reputational risk mitigation. Identify opportunities to advance institutional priorities through proactive engagement with government and external partners. Lead the development of briefing materials, strategic analyses, position papers, and recommendations for senior leadership. Government Relations: Build and maintain productive relationships with municipal, provincial/state, federal, and international government representatives. Lead institutional advocacy efforts related to funding, research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and public policy. Represent the University in meetings, consultations, working groups,



and sector associations. Provide strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders in government meetings, public policy discussions, and stakeholder engagements. Develop engagement strategies to strengthen the University's visibility and influence with key decision-makers. Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, industry leaders, research partners, professional associations, and public sector stakeholders. Develop stakeholder engagement plans to advance institutional priorities and strategic initiatives. Foster collaborative relationships that support research, innovation, talent development, and community impact. Oversee institutional participation in major external events, forums, and public affairs initiatives. Issues Management and Advocacy: Provide strategic counsel on complex public issues that may affect the University's reputation, operations, or strategic objectives. Develop and implement advocacy strategies and positioning for key institutional priorities. Provide strategic oversight of crisis and issues management responses in collaboration with communications, legal, and executive leadership. Ensure consistent institutional messaging in interactions with government and external stakeholders. Leadership and Management: Lead and develop a team of public affairs and government relations professionals. Establish priorities,



performance expectations, and professional development plans for staff. Manage budgets, contracts, and resources within the Office of Public Affairs. Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture. Work closely with communications, advancement, research, academic, and administrative leaders across the University. Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

Significant experience engaging with senior government officials, elected representatives, and external stakeholders. Demonstrated success developing and executing advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies. Experience advising senior executives on complex strategic and public policy matters. Experience leading teams and managing organizational priorities in a complex setting. Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, public policy development, and legislative environments. Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills. Outstanding communication, presentation, and writing abilities. Solid experience in issues and crisis management. Political acuity and sound judgment in managing sensitive and confidential issues. Ability to analyze complex issues and develop strategic recommendations. Strong project management and organizational skills. Ability to work effectively in a large, decentralized, and multi-stakeholder environment. Strategic Thinking Political Acumen Relationship Building Influencing and Negotiation Organizational Awareness Sound Judgment and Decision-Making Competitive Benefits Package

Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible) Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible) Group

📌 Director, Public Affairs (Winnipeg)
🏢 McGill University
📍 Winnipeg