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Job Summary
For this recruitment, Queen's 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 [email protected] . Please include "Executive Director, Government Relations - Queen's University" in the subject line of your email. >/b>
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 university’s government relations function. The Executive Director leads the development and execution of integrated government relations strategies that advance Queen’s institutional priorities and strengthen the university’s relationships with municipal, provincial and federal, and sector partners.
The Executive Director (ED) GR serves as the university's 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 university's 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 Queen's 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 Queen's 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 position’s primary location will be in either Toronto or Ottawa proper to be close to Queen’s 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 university's government relations function and leads the development and implementation of integrated government relations strategies that advance Queen's 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 university's academic, research, student experience, infrastructure, and institutional priorities.
- Leads the identification, assessment, and advancement of government relations priorities, ensuring alignment with the university's 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 Queen's 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 university's strategic priorities.
- Monitors and assesses emerging trends affecting the post-secondary education sector and evaluates their potential impact on the university's strategic objectives.
Public Policy, Funding and Institutional Strategy
The Executive Director plays a leading role in the university's assessment of government policy, funding, and regulatory developments and supports the institution's strategic positioning within an increasingly complex public policy environment. In 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 university's 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 university's 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 Queen's University.
External Engagement and Influence
As an advocate, advisor, and representative of the university, the Executive Director develops and sustains strategic relationships that advance Queen's priorities and support effective engagement with government, sector organizations, and external stakeholders. In this capacity, the Executive Director:
- Maintains a comprehensive matrix of critical relationships for Queen’s 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 Queen’s brand and presence.
- Develops and fosters proactive relationships with government representatives, public bodies, and other institutional partners to advance the University’s 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 Queen’s GR is nimble, proactive and responsive to requests from government or to shifts in policy direction.
- Ensures that Queen’s can effectively respond to emerging public and government needs.
- Enhances Queen’s 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 Queen’s University and the post-secondary sector.
- Identifies and advances opportunities for Queen’s 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 Queen’s 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 University’s central liaison and resource for government officials, ensuring that inquiries are dealt with in a clear, cohesive, consistent and timely manner.
- Ensures the university's 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 Queen’s 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 university’s 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 Queen’s GR strategy. In this capacity, the Executive Director:
- Works closely with the Office of the Principal, Vice-Principals, Deans, and senor leaders across the Queen’s 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 university’s 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 university’s 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 university’s 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. Queen's 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+ persons. In 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 [email protected].
