Government Relations Officer

Thompson Rivers University
February 18, 2025
Contact:N/A
Offerd Salary:$76,125
Location:N/A
Working address:N/A
Contract Type:Other
Working Time:Full time
Working type:N/A
Ref info:N/A

Application Restrictions

Open to both Internal and external

Job Type

Administrative/Management

Posting In effect from

4/2/2025

Closing Application Date

18/2/2025

Applications will be reviewed commencing the closing application date and may continue until the position is filled.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Admin Type

Ongoing

Anticipated Start Date

1/3/2025

Position End Date (If Applicable)

DUTIES

The Government Relations Office at Thompson Rivers University (TRU) facilitates purposeful collaboration between the university, all levels of government, and the broader post-secondary sector. Its primary focus is to build and maintain partnerships that support TRU's mission of delivering high- quality, flexible education and advancing impactful, community focused research. By fostering these relationships, the office helps ensure institutional sustainability by managing risks and surfacing opportunities.

The Government Relations Officer (GRO) is responsible for implementing strategies and operationalizing tactics that align with TRU's advocacy priorities and institutional goals. Working closely with the Director of Government Relations, senior leadership, and faculty, the GRO develops comprehensive government engagement plans. These plans include monitoring policy developments, establishing and nurturing stakeholder relationships, and representing TRU in key discussions and forums.

In carrying out these responsibilities, the GRO ensures TRU's initiatives resonate with government priorities, opening doors for increased funding opportunities, partnerships, and broader institutional impact. This role requires an in-depth understanding of policy landscapes and a strategic approach to navigating both challenges and opportunities in higher education and governmental frameworks.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES The GRO provides leadership and support across various domains:

  • Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Provide strategic advice to the Director of Government Relations, the VP of University Relations, and other executives on interactions with government officials and agencies.
  • Build and maintain strategic relationships with elected officials, public servants, and other stakeholders to advance TRU's priorities.
  • Represent TRU at meetings, open houses, and government-led events.
  • Policy Monitoring and Advocacy:
  • Systematically monitor federal, provincial, and municipal news releases, consultations, orders-in-council, and grant opportunities.
  • Draft issue briefs, key messages, and backgrounders to support advocacy efforts.
  • Research and Strategy Development:
  • Conduct research to identify government priorities and find alignment with TRU's initiatives.
  • Develop strategic plans for targeted government relations campaigns, including those focused on wildfire research, Indigenous knowledge, and international education.
  • Communications:
  • Prepare briefing materials, talking points, and strategic guidance for executives' meetings with government officials.
  • Collaborate with Marketing and Communications to ensure consistent messaging and support for government relations initiatives.
  • Maintain an inventory of government relations materials, including one-pagers and proposals.
  • Event Support and Representation:
  • Coordinate TRU's participation in conferences, trade shows, and government events.
  • Actively engage with stakeholders to promote TRU's research and academic programs.
  • Funding Proposals and Submissions:
  • Assist in developing proposals and submissions to secure government funding for TRU projects and initiatives.
  • Additional Responsibilities:
  • Maintain up-to-date contact lists for government and stakeholder engagements.
  • Track and report on outcomes from meetings, engagements, and initiatives.
  • Ensure compliance with lobbying regulations and maintain relevant registrations.
  • REPORTS TO Director of Government Relations

    QUALIFICATIONS

    REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

  • University degree in a related field
  • 3 years in government relations, policy development, or a related field.
  • A keen interest in politics
  • Ability to communicate tactfully and diplomatically with clients and stakeholders
  • Strong diplomatic, organizational, research, analytical and problem- solving skills
  • Exceptional written and verbal communications
  • Pay Band

    $76,125.00 - $87,001.00 ( Admin Pay Band BL )

    Location

    Kamloops, BC CA (Primary)

    # of Hires Needed

    1

    Organizational Unit

    Thompson Rivers University -> University Relations

    Diversity and Inclusion Commitment:

    Thompson Rivers University is strongly committed to hiring based on merit with a focus on fostering diversity of thought within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, Indigenous, Black and People of Colour, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

    NOTE: To learn more about Thompson Rivers University or living in Kamloops or Williams Lake please visit our Careers website. External Candidates invited to interview will be required to bring a copy of their transcripts to the interview.

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