Senior Advisor to the President, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives

Senior Advisor to the President,

 Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives

Office of the President

 (5 Year Contractual Appointment)

 

ABOUT MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

 

For nearly 100 years, Memorial University’s motto Provehito in Altum (Launch forth into the deep) has guided Memorial students, faculty, staff, alumni and retirees in their pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. Today, we boast over 19,000 talented students from 118 countries, and we support them as they pursue their choice of over 300 innovative program options. We define ourselves by our engaged students, teachers and scholars who bring new energy, ideas, perspectives and partnerships to our community. 

 

Memorial University is focused on its strategic plan themes of proactive programs, inspired learning, dynamic research, commitment to communities and promotion and pride. Its vision is a future where the university contributes to a socially resilient, economically prosperous, culturally vibrant, inclusive, healthy and sustainable Newfoundland and Labrador.

 

As we edge closer to our 100th anniversary in 2025, we have set our sights on growing as a leading post-secondary institution. We will build upon our legacy by supporting students, faculty, staff and alumni to become leaders and change-makers in their communities and in their personal and professional lives.

 

THE OPPORTUNITY

 

Reporting to the President and working in close collaboration with senior leadership, the Senior Advisor, Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of pan-university, multi-campus stakeholder relations strategies in support of institutional goals. The Senior Advisor will strengthen the University’s external relationships and position Memorial as a key partner with stakeholders including municipal, provincial, Indigenous and federal governments and other key stakeholders. Representing the President and the University on various stakeholder and government-focused committees, the Senior Advisor will be a key visible representative and liaison between the University and key stakeholder groups. Responsible for directing, advising and leading the institution’s long-term stakeholder relations strategy, the Senior Advisor will also provide oversight, leadership and effective management in all areas of advocacy, project management administration and ensure strategic promotion and information sharing about the University’s perspectives, positions and priorities to relevant stakeholders.

 

The Senior Advisor will cultivate strong collegial working relationships with Vice-Presidents, Associate Vice-Presidents, Deans, Directors, faculties and business units across all campuses and will work in close collaboration with the President, Vice-President, Advancement and External Relations, the Vice-President, Indigenous, and other key internal teams to ensure alignment of strategic stakeholder activities with university priorities and advocacy efforts. The Senior Advisor will lead the creation, implementation and measurement of an annual government engagement plan aligned with the University’s overall strategy and will ensure the development of applicable guidelines and policies required for the University community. They will lead the preparation of any briefing materials, position papers, policy briefs, presentations, advocacy tools and other materials necessary to support interactions with key stakeholders. This individual will support and contribute to ongoing procedural improvement and adoption of industry best practice and will provide strategic direction and advice to the President, Provost, Vice-Presidents, Deans and other senior leaders on emerging issues, opportunities, public policy developments and the University’s response. Relationship management will also extend to developing, building and nurturing strategic relationships with key post-secondary advocacy organizations and colleagues at other institutions.

 

THE CANDIDATE

 

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of experience in stakeholder relations, government relations, advocacy or senior government leadership and possess a post-secondary degree in business, political science, journalism, communications, public administration or equivalent education and experience. This Senior Advisor will have a proven track record of stakeholder relationship and advocacy success; building and maintaining positive working relationships with key stakeholders including government officials, elected representatives and staff at all levels of government, as well as with academic and administrative staff of a university or equivalent complex and diverse organization. The ideal candidate will have comprehensive knowledge of government structures and decision-making processes at all levels of government, and an understanding of the relationships between a university and various levels of government. They will also have knowledge and expertise formulating competitive strategies and leading complex projects with related multi-stakeholder teams and experience as a senior advisor providing counsel to executive teams and organizational leaders. Consultative, collegial, and respectful leadership style is descriptive of this individual, along with a strong commitment to values of equity, diversity and inclusion. The ideal candidate for this role will demonstrate superior interpersonal and communication skills, innovation and creativity, analytical and strategic thinking, superb project management skills, the ability to balance tactical and strategic perspective, and bring a passion for cultivating effective partnerships.

 

SALARY                      $106,698 - $140,393

CLOSING DATE           October 7, 2022

COMPETITION NO.      MUN01779

 

Please note that we will ONLY accept applications for this position through our website https://www.mun.ca/hr/careers/

 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, people of any sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; Indigenous peoples; visible minorities and racialized people; and people with disabilities.

 

The personal information requested in your application is collected under the authority of the Memorial University Act (RSNL 1990 c M-7) for the purpose of identifying and recruiting candidates; assessing applicant qualifications; and maintaining records pertaining to the administration of employment with Memorial University of Newfoundland.

 

If you are a successful candidate, this information will form part of your permanent employment record and will be used for other activities related to the employment process. This information may be disclosed to government departments and agencies as legally required; and to third party service providers, as necessary to administer programs and activities.

 

If you have any questions about the collection, use and disclosure of the information on this form, please contact MyHR, Department of Human Resources, at myhr@mun.ca.

 

Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.

 

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.