Senior Strategist, Government Relations - Government and Community Relations, University Relations

Competition Number: 26.11.283
Category: Full-Time Continuing (35 hours per week)
Salary: MSU Band G (Steps 1-8): $41.674 - $60.619 per hour. $75,846 - $110,326 per annum (Based on 35 hours per week).
Closing Date: November 22, 2026

Good government relations work happens when someone understands how government works, anticipates where policy and political priorities are heading, and recognizes where government interests and institutional ambitions might intersect.

At MacEwan University, we're looking for a Senior Strategist, Government Relations who can do just that. Someone who brings curiosity and sound judgment to complex political and policy environments, builds trusted relationships, connects developments across jurisdictions, and has the initiative to turn emerging opportunities into meaningful outcomes.

This is a role about helping MacEwan engage more strategically with government, contribute meaningfully to policy conversations, and identify opportunities to advance shared priorities.

This full-time continuing position reports to the Director, Government Relations. You will independently manage assigned government relations and advocacy files, provide policy analysis and strategic advice, and develop and implement engagement approaches within approved institutional positions and delegated authority.

Working across academic and administrative units, you will coordinate institutional input, assess emerging developments and risks, prepare recommendations and executive decision-support materials, and maintain relationships with government officials, sector organizations and other stakeholders. You will also identify matters requiring higher-level direction or approval and bring them forward to the Director.

Key responsibilities include:

• Serving as the primary day-to-day staff contact for assigned government departments, agencies and stakeholder groups, building strong working relationships, understanding their priorities and identifying opportunities to advance shared interests;
• Independently managing assigned government relations and advocacy files, including policy, legislation, operational funding, grants, capital priorities and government partnerships, from planning through implementation and follow-up;
• Developing and recommending government engagement approaches and responses while implementing approved approaches within institutional positions and delegated authority;
• Coordinating input from academic and administrative units, identifying emerging issues and risks, recommending responses, and bringing forward matters requiring direction or decisions from the Director or senior leadership;
• Preparing initial drafts of provincial and federal budget submissions, capital and operational funding proposals, consultation responses, and related advocacy materials for senior leadership review and approval;
• Leading environmental scanning and intelligence gathering on assigned government, public policy, legislative, regulatory, funding, and stakeholder matters including mapping relevant departments, branches, officials, decision-makers, and influencing pathways for institutional priorities;
• Providing confidential analysis and advice, as appropriate, to the Director and AVP on assigned files, emerging issues, engagement opportunities, and political, policy, relationship, and reputational risks;
• Preparing briefings, options papers, risk assessments, recommendations, and executive decision-support materials;
• Supporting the development of institutional positions on government initiatives, consultations, and policy matters; and
• Maintaining systems to track government engagement, issues and stakeholder intelligence, monitoring progress against assigned file objectives and identifying improvements to reporting and operating practices.

Skills

You will have:

• The ability to analyze complex government policies, legislation, funding initiatives, and political developments, assess institutional implications, and develop practical recommendations;
• A strong understanding of government decision-making processes, political environments, and stakeholder interests, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues and exercise sound judgment and discretion;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefing notes, policy analysis, funding proposals, advocacy materials, and recommendations for senior leadership and government audiences;
• The ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with government officials, institutional leaders, sector organizations, and external stakeholders;
• The ability to work across academic and administrative units, reconcile differing perspectives, build consensus, and advance institutional priorities without direct supervisory authority; and
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to independently manage multiple priorities, coordinate complex initiatives, and meet competing deadlines.

Qualifications

• A minimum of an undergraduate degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, Law, Business, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible experience in government relations, public policy, political affairs, public administration, stakeholder relations, advocacy, or a closely related field.
• Experience working across government jurisdictions, development of policy or funding proposals, preparation of executive-level materials, management of complex stakeholder files, cross-functional leadership without direct supervisory authority, and independent judgment in politically sensitive environments.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Position Requirement

• This position is on campus only.

Benefits

When you become part of the MacEwan University team, you will enjoy a competitive salary. Our total compensation package includes:

• Competitive base pay
• Generous vacation time
• Secure pension plan
• Flexible benefits package
• Continuous learning culture
• Opportunities for career growth

How to Apply

To apply, please head to our MacEwan University Opportunities Page, select the job opportunity and click Apply Now. If you require assistance, please contact us at careers@macewan.ca.

If you are experiencing technical difficulties when submitting your application, please try submitting through a different browser (i.e., Safari, Firefox, Chrome, etc.). If the issue persists, please send a screenshot of the error message to careers@macewan.ca so we can assist and ensure your application is received.

This position is included under the MacEwan Staff Union Collective Agreement.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.