Executive Director, Government Relations

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Job Summary

For this recruitment Queens has partnered with Boyden Executive Search firm. If interested in being considered please apply directly to the Boyden Group by emailing your cover letter and resume to Collin Ritch at . Please include Executive Director Government Relations - Queens University in the subject line of your email.

Reporting to the Vice-Principal University Relations (VPUR) the Executive Director Government and Institutional Relations (GR) is a member of the University Relations senior leadership team and provides strategic leadership for the universitys government relations function. The Executive Director leads the development and execution of integrated government relations strategies that advance Queens institutional priorities and strengthen the universitys relationships with municipal provincial and federal and sector partners.

The Executive Director (ED) GR serves as the universitys senior resource on government relations public policy and emerging political legislative regulatory and funding developments. Working closely with the VPUR and in collaboration with senior university administrators the Executive Director provides strategic advice analysis and recommendations regarding government priorities policy developments funding opportunities and external issues that may impact the universitys operations reputation research enterprise student experience and long-term strategic objectives.

The Executive Director leads the identification assessment and advancement of advocacy priorities that support Queens mission and strategic goals. This includes overseeing environmental scanning government policy analysis stakeholder engagement strategies and the development of coordinated institutional responses to emerging opportunities risks and issues. The role plays a key leadership function in aligning government relations activities with university priorities and ensuring that Queens interests are effectively represented within an increasingly complex political and public policy environment.

The Executive Director leads a team of government relations professionals and is responsible for establishing strategic priorities directing operational activities fostering high performance and ensuring that government relations initiatives support the broader mission mandate and strategic objectives.

Please note this positions primary location will be in either Toronto or Ottawa proper to be close to Queens Park or Parliament Hill and will require frequent travel between Toronto Kingston and Ottawa inclusive of evenings and weekends.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Government Relations Leadership
The Executive Director provides strategic leadership for the universitys government relations function and leads the development and implementation of integrated government relations strategies that advance Queens institutional priorities.

In this capacity the Executive Director:

In consultation with the VPUR develops and implements comprehensive government relations strategies and plans that support the universitys academic research student experience infrastructure and institutional priorities.
Leads the identification assessment and advancement of government relations priorities ensuring alignment with the universitys strategic objectives and evolving government priorities.
Directs and oversees environmental scanning activities to identify emerging political legislative regulatory funding and policy developments that may impact the university.
Leads the analysis and interpretation of government policy developments and advises on opportunities risks and strategic institutional responses.
Directs the development of advocacy strategies engagement plans and government relations initiatives that advance Queens priorities at the municipal provincial and federal levels.
Provides strategic advice and recommendations to the Vice-Principal (University Relations) and senior university leaders regarding government relations priorities emerging issues and external developments.
Leads the development of briefing materials strategic analyses position papers and recommendations related to government relations matters.
Ensures a coordinated institutional approach to government engagement by aligning government relations activities across portfolios in support of the universitys strategic priorities.
Monitors and assesses emerging trends affecting the post-secondary education sector and evaluates their potential impact on the universitys strategic objectives.

Public Policy Funding and Institutional Strategy
The Executive Director plays a leading role in the universitys assessment of government policy funding and regulatory developments and supports the institutions strategic positioning within an increasingly complex public policy this capacity the Executive Director:

Leads the monitoring analysis and interpretation of public policy developments legislation regulations and government priorities that may impact the university.
Provides strategic advice regarding the implications of government policy decisions including impacts on the universitys strategic priorities reputation research enterprise student experience and equity diversity inclusion and accessibility objectives.
In close consultation with the VPUR and VPR leads the assessment of government funding priorities opportunities and risks and advises on strategies to advance institutional objectives.
Supports the development and coordination of institutional responses to emerging policy legislative funding and regulatory developments.
Identifies and assesses funding regulatory political and reputational risks arising from changes in the external environment and recommends mitigation strategies.
Provides expert advice to executive leadership regarding government accountability frameworks performance measures and reporting requirements that impact the university.
In close consultation with the VPUR leads the development of policy positions advocacy approaches and strategic recommendations for consideration by university leadership.
Supports the universitys participation in sector-wide discussions regarding higher education research innovation and public policy matters.
Monitors emerging trends and developments within the broader post-secondary sector and assesses implications for Queens University.

External Engagement and Influence
As an advocate advisor and representative of the university the Executive Director develops and sustains strategic relationships that advance Queens priorities and support effective engagement with government sector organizations and external this capacity the Executive Director:

Maintains a comprehensive matrix of critical relationships for Queens across municipal provincial and federal jurisdictions including key stakeholders in government and political office as well as influential alumni and strategic partners who can help to advance Queens brand and presence.
Develops and fosters proactive relationships with government representatives public bodies and other institutional partners to advance the Universitys goals and strategic priorities while supporting equity diversity inclusion and accessibility objectives.
Identifies and advances government engagement strategies that support future funding opportunities major capital projects research priorities and other institutional strategic objectives.
Ensures that the Queens GR is nimble proactive and responsive to requests from government or to shifts in policy direction.
Ensures that Queens can effectively respond to emerging public and government needs.
Enhances Queens presence profile and visibility with government stakeholders and decision makers to advance institutional priorities related to research innovation student success university infrastructure and long-term strategic objectives.
Leads the gathering analysis and interpretation of political legislative funding and policy intelligence to inform advocacy strategies institutional planning and strategic decision-making.
Monitors and assesses public trends policy developments legislative initiatives funding priorities and emerging issues that may impact Queens University and the post-secondary sector.
Identifies and advances opportunities for Queens to contribute to and influence the development of evidence-informed public policy aligned with institutional priorities and areas of expertise.
Identifies areas programs and initiatives that align government interests with Queens priorities and areas of strength.
Develops strategies and proposals to maximize opportunities for partnership and collaborative advocacy with governments sector organizations and institutions that share an interest in higher education and research policy.
Acts as the Universitys central liaison and resource for government officials ensuring that inquiries are dealt with in a clear cohesive consistent and timely manner.
Ensures the universitys government relations activities comply with applicable federal provincial and municipal lobbying legislation including oversight of institutional lobbyist registration reporting requirements and related compliance obligations.
Positions Queens as a valued partner trusted advisor and evidence-informed contributor on issues of mutual importance to government and the University.
Leads and contributes to the development of proposals briefs and other forms of written communications to government and related agencies.
Oversees and manages campus visits for elected officials and senior civil servants.
Builds and maintains relationships with Kingston community partners and near-campus stakeholders in support of the universitys strategic objectives.
Serves as the primary institutional contact for provincial and federal ministries sector associations and strategic partners including the Council of Ontario Universities (COU) Universities Canada U15 and related organizations.

Institutional Coordination and Strategic Alignment
Across the University the Executive Director plays an important internal coordination translation and advisory function as it relates to Queens GR this capacity the Executive Director:

Works closely with the Office of the Principal Vice-Principals Deans and senor leaders across the Queens community to ensure government relations priorities are informed by and aligned with institutional objectives.
Leads cross-functional discussions and working groups to support the development of coordinated advocacy strategies and institutional responses to emerging issues.
Facilitates collaboration among academic and administrative units to identify government relations priorities opportunities and risks while ensuring a broad range of institutional perspectives are considered.
Builds consensus among stakeholders with differing priorities to support coherent institutional approaches to government engagement.
Provides and coordinates briefing materials submissions reports and advocacy strategies involving multiple university partners.
Establishes formal and informal mechanisms for information sharing issues identification and strategic discussion related to government relations matters.
Ensures government relations considerations are integrated into institutional planning and decision-making processes where appropriate. Liaises with members of the Board of Trustees University Council and other University bodies who have specialized knowledge helpful to areas of government interaction.
Liaises and collaborates effectively with Senior Advisors appointed by the Principal with experience in key government areas.
Leads or participates in institutional projects and initiatives where government relations expertise and strategic advice are required.

Team Leadership and Performance
As the Government Relations team lead the Executive Director provides strategic leadership and oversight of the Government Relations function ensuring the effective delivery of strategies and services that advance the universitys priorities.

Functional Leadership
Provides strategic and day-to-day leadership to the GR team fostering a culture of collaboration inclusion responsiveness continuous learning and service excellence.
Establishes priorities allocates resources and directs team activities to support institutional objectives and respond to evolving government policy and stakeholder environments.
Provides strategic and operational guidance coaching and mentorship to staff ensuring alignment with departmental priorities and university objectives.
Supports team members in developing and maintaining productive relationships with government representatives sector organizations university leaders and external stakeholders.

Strategic Leadership and Capacity Building
Leads the team through evolving political legislative regulatory and funding environments by establishing clear priorities and supporting the development of government relations expertise and strategic advisory capacity.
Assesses emerging government relations trends and organizational needs identifying opportunities to strengthen team capabilities service delivery and operational effectiveness.
Supports workforce planning succession planning and professional development initiatives to ensure the continued effectiveness and sustainability of the Government Relations function.

People Management and Talent Development
Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
Evaluates employee performance and determines appropriate training coaching development opportunities or corrective action where required.
Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures employees receive the support and resources necessary to sustain successful performance.
Investigates addresses and resolves employee and labour relations matters in accordance with university policies collective agreements and applicable legislation.
Makes effective recommendations regarding discipline up to and including discharge and probationary termination.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
A university degree (graduate degree in political science public policy administration or other related field of study is preferred);
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations government affairs public policy political advisory or related field including substantial experience in a senior level role. Experience should include the development and implementation of strategic plans advocacy strategies stakeholder engagement coalition building issues management public policy analysis and providing strategic advice within a complex organizational environment.
Demonstrated ability to foster inclusive working relationships and incorporate equity diversity inclusion and accessibility considerations into strategic planning and decision-making.
Superior understanding of public policy legislative and regulatory processes and a multi-level government environment including the ability to assess implications identify opportunities and risks and develop strategies that advance institutional priorities.
Management position(s) with responsibility for supervising others and leading teamwork.
Experience serving as a trusted strategic advisor providing advice and recommendations to senior leaders or executive decision-makers within a complex organization.
Familiarity with the universitys research activities and ideally some experience in dealing with federal and provincial ministries connected with industry and commercialization.
Prior experience working in government will be considered an asset.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered for this role.
Knowledge of public consultation process considered an asset.

SPECIAL SKILLS
Exceptional political acuity and judgment with the ability to assess complex and often ambiguous political legislative regulatory and stakeholder environments and identify implications for the university.
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively within a complex organization and political environment using highly developed influencing consensus building and problem-solving skills to align stakeholders and advance institutional priorities.
Superior strategic thinking analytical and problem-solving capabilities including the ability to interpret complex policy legislative funding and regulatory developments and translate them into actionable advice and institutional strategies.
Demonstrated political acuity and sound judgment with the ability to assess complex political legislative regulatory and stakeholder environments and identify implications for the university.
Demonstrated ability to provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leaders on matters with significant institutional reputational financial and operational implications.
Demonstrated ability to identify assess and mitigate political reputational funding regulatory and stakeholder risks in a complex organizational environment.
Highly developed planning organizational and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities respond to emerging issues and adapt strategies in rapidly changing environments.
Exceptional communications skills both verbal and written including presentation skills and the ability to prepare and deliver clear persuasive and strategic communications for executive government and public audiences.
High level of integrity discretion diplomacy sound judgement and commitment to good governance practices with a strong sense of accountability urgency and results-orientation.
Demonstrated leadership capability including the ability to develop talent foster accountability build high-performing teams and create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

DECISION MAKING
Determine and recommends government engagement advocacy and engagement strategies to the Vice-Principal (University Relations) and senior university leaders that align institutional priorities with government interests emerging opportunities and evolving public policy directions.
Determine and implement operational strategic plans to advance institutional priorities and capitalize on government relations funding and partnership opportunities.
Determine best administrative structure to support the work of the central government relations team.
Recommends resource allocations and service delivery approaches at an institutional level to support the effective achievement of government relations objectives.
Determine strategies to maximize opportunities for government sector and institutional partnerships that advance the universitys strategic objectives.
Determine the nature timing and content of briefings strategic advice and recommendations provided to the VP University Relations and key advisors regarding emerging issues policy developments opportunities and risks.
Assesses political legislative regulatory funding reputational and stakeholder risks and recommends appropriate mitigation strategies and institutional responses to the Vice-Principal (University Relations) and senior university leaders.
Make human resource management decisions related to work allocation staff development and coaching for direct reports Prepare budget and recommendations for staffing and expenditures to meet strategic goals in the most cost-effective manner
Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queens is strongly committed to employment equity diversity and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black racialized persons Indigenous people women persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQI accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at .