Advisor, Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement

Department: Government Relations and Community Engagement
This position is represented by the agreement between the Professional Staff Association and the University of Guelph

General Purpose

The University of Guelph (U of G) is a top comprehensive, research-intensive institution that has been at the forefront of academic excellence and innovation, offering a diverse range of programs and fostering a vibrant learning community. With 30,000 students and three unique campuses, U of G is focused on training future leaders while also improving life. Our programs are designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary for success in today's rapidly evolving global landscape. We take pride in our commitment to research and innovation, addressing the pressing challenges facing society and making meaningful contributions globally.

The Government Relations and Community Engagement team, which is part of the Office of the President and Vice-Chancellor, is a dedicated team of professionals who work across the University to advance its strategic priorities. As a member of the University of Guelph’s Government Relations and Community Engagement office, you’ll be part of a team that works across the institution to advance the priorities of the university with all levels of government with a focus on the municipal government and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Government Relations and Community Engagement, the Advisor, Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement will work closely with colleagues within the unit and across campus to help coordinate and direct an institution wide government affairs and community engagement program.

The role is responsible for building and maintaining relationships with government decision makers and developing and implementing strategies that advance the University’s reputation and strategic priorities among target audiences.

Among other responsibilities, you will be called upon to:

• Supported by the Director, develop and implement municipal government relations strategies to establish the university’s reputation locally as a trusted partner for government and decision makers.
• Proactively monitor, analyze, and interpret local government programs, legislation, and activities, identifying impacts and opportunities for the university.
• Draft key messages and background briefs to be used by university executives for advocacy purposes with local government representatives and community stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities for local government officials to participate in university activities and act as a point of contact for on campus events and visits.
• Work with campus partners to manage logistics of government announcements events and VIP visits to campus.
• Represent the University with government and community stakeholders. This includes meetings, delegations, and community events.
• Conduct background research on various issues to support advocacy and proposal development.
• Draft communication materials including presentations, briefs and key messages supporting the strategic objectives of the university.
• Support the development of written and oral submission to government and community stakeholders.
• Help maintain a government and community engagement contact management system.
• Manage the intake and support the review of community sponsorship requests.
• Perform other duties of a comparable nature as assigned.
• This role will involve occasional travel and may require working outside of regular hours of business.

Requirements

To be considered for the position of Advisor, Municipal Affairs and Community Engagement you must be a critical thinker with strong attention for detail and an understanding of organizational behaviour and / or principles of financial and economic matters to provide an understanding of the complexities of how a large organization, particularly an academic institution operates. Additionally, a profile that includes:

• A university degree in Political Science, Communication, Public Affairs, Journalism, or a related field
• 3 years prior experience working in a government (federal, provincial, or municipal) or post-secondary institution
• Understanding of the Ontario university system; sensitivity to political nuances and implications.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, writing, and oral communication skills.
• Ability to operate and multi-task in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.
• Shows initiative and willingness to take on new projects, ability to act and work independently or in a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information, provide advice, exercise sound judgement and diplomacy, and communicate effectively with government and senior leaders.
• Must be able to use a wide range of software tools; Word, WordPerfect, Excel, PowerPoint, Windows, ability to effectively utilize the Web, including social media, for references and research.

Employee Type: Regular
Position Number: 10024054
Classification: P&M FT- Band 04
Professional/Managerial Salary Bands

At the University of Guelph, fostering a culture of inclusion is an institutional imperative. The University invites and encourages applications from all qualified individuals, including from groups that are traditionally underrepresented in employment, who may contribute to further diversification of our Institution.

Posting Date: 10/18/2024
Closing Date: 10/25/2024