Government Relations Consultant

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 923
CLOSING DATE: OCTOBER 25, 2024

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS CONSULTANT

NorQuesters are difference makers, and we’re searching for a dedicated individual to join our Government Relations team as a Government Relations Consultant. We are looking for someone who lives our values of ‘finding ways forward’ and ‘we is greater than they.’

Reporting to the Director, Government & Community Relations, the Government Relations Consultant is responsible for contributing to the development and execution the College’s government relations strategy to advance our strategic priorities. This includes cultivating and maintaining positive relationships with key government contacts at all three levels—municipal, provincial, and federal—as well as with other key external stakeholders. You will monitor emerging trends and issues, anticipate challenges, and proactively mitigate risks to the College.

In this role, you will ensure NorQuest’s priorities are convincingly articulated to key external decision-makers by producing high-quality deliverables to support policy development and advocacy efforts. This includes reports, policy and issue briefs, key messages, letters, and recommendations. You will serve as a key project management lead, consulting and collaborating with internal stakeholders to integrate and synthesize information across the College.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Assist with the development of a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with the College’s strategic priorities.
• Monitor and analyze policy, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the organization and its stakeholders.
• Act as a key liaison between the College and government agencies, elected officials, and other external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with key government contacts in both the political and public service sectors at all three levels of government.
• Provide subject matter expertise and counsel on government relations and public policy matters to internal leadership.
• Draft and produce high-quality deliverables such as briefing materials, reports, policy/issue briefs, key messages, letters, and recommendations.
• Research and analyze public policy issues, government initiatives, and legislative proposals relevant to the College’s operations and strategic goals.
• Coordinate internal communications related to government and policy updates, keeping relevant stakeholders informed of key developments.
• Collaborate with internal departments to align government relations initiatives with organizational objectives.
• Prepare and present reports on government relations activities, public policy developments, and legislative changes impacting the organization.
• Track and report outcomes of government relations strategies to ensure alignment with organizational goals.

WHAT YOU BRING:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, or a related field.
• 5+ years of related experience working in a government relations role, public sector role, and/or working with elected officials.
• Experience working in a post-secondary setting would be considered an asset.

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

• Proven track record in successful government relations or advocacy work.
• Ability to work and interact effectively at all levels, including senior and executive management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messages to diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical skills for interpreting policy and legislative developments.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• High-performance organizational and project management skills, capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Knowledge of government processes, public policy, and legislative frameworks.
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite and relevant software applications.
• Ability to anticipate and proactively mitigate risks to the College.
• Experience in producing high-quality deliverables to support policy development and advocacy efforts.

SALARY: $89,708 - $112,166 reflective upon what you bring AKA your education and experience. This is a full-time permanent position with immediate access to our great pension and benefit programs. 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.