Government Relations Officer

Full job description
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Working at Fanshawe College

Fanshawe College is committed to the principles of hybrid work and may offer this option to employees whose work can be performed in an alternate location, without adverse impact to the operations of the College, inclusive of our Student and Staff experience. Confirmation of hybrid work options available to you will be clarified upon hire and may be subject to change based on the duties required of your position. Successful candidates will be required to perform work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus, as required.

Posting Closing Date:

June 6, 2025
Campus Location:

London, ON
Department:

PRA1 Office of the President - Admin
Employment Group:

Administrative
Pay Details:

$111,288.00 - $13+,110.00 Salary
Worker Sub-Type:

Regular
Time Type:

Full time
Remote Type:

In-Person
Contract End Date:

Hours of Work per Week:

37.5
Job Description:

Reporting to the Chief of Staff, in the Office of the President , the Government Relations Officer’s primary focus is on developing external relationships with the three levels of government (Municipal, Provincial, and Federal) and with local business, industry, and community partners. The incumbent will work collaboratively with internal College leaders and various College academic and service areas to identify and pursue opportunities to leverage community partnerships.

The incumbent will be accountable for the development and implementation of the College’s Annual Government Relations Advocacy Plan, focusing on these key sectors with primary emphasis on provincial and municipal relationships. Through the Advocacy Plan, the incumbent will develop and coordinate the implementation of strategies to raise the profile of the institution, strengthening the College’s competitiveness, reputation and brand with government representatives and community partners. The incumbent will engage in regular and consultation with other College departments having a proactive outreach element to their operations and complements the College’s strategic partnerships portfolio under the VP, Innovation, Strategy and Enrolment. The incumbent, in consultation with the Office of the President, makes recommendations to the College with respect to college objectives and policy relating to government relations.

The individual is an active participant in national, provincial and local government relations committees, such as College’s Ontario, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Polytechnics Canada and participates in City Task Forces where required.

This position plays a vital role in strategic communications from the Office of the President, ensuring the integrity of the Office and supporting the President’s public image. Through discretion and professionalism, it contributes to maintaining and enhancing Fanshawe’s brand and reputation.

Qualifications :

Post-secondary 3-year diploma/degree in a directly related field such as Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration or Political Science

Minimum + years’ experience in government or in government relations, public relations and communications leadership.

An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered

Familiarity with and understanding of a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and sensitivity to issues of diversity of the population that Fanshawe College serves

Media relations experience, image building and familiarity with all communications techniques

Thorough understanding of the regional labour market and experience working with both the public and private sectors

Excellent written and editorial skills, oral communications skills and public speaking skills, organizational, planning, analytical and intuitive skills

Knowledge and Experience in:

Cultivating relationships with external constituencies

Building trust and creating effective teams

Developing effective advocacy networks and establishing effective coalitions

Working well across organizational lines of authority within the College

Demonstrated effective leadership capability at a senior level

Comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in Ontario as it affects the priorities of post-secondary education and research, as well as one-time and ongoing infrastructure funding

Thorough knowledge of government legislation, including but not limited to legislation that directly affects higher education

Analytical skills and knowledge to assess and successfully predict emerging policy directions, along with a thorough knowledge of the current policy landscape at all levels of government

Communication and Presentation:

Ability to integrate large, complex communications initiatives in a politically ambiguous and rapidly changing landscape, including social media

Ability to communicate to the Executive Team, the College Community, and regulatory bodies such as Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government agencies using well-developed verbal, written, presentation and electronic communication skills

Strong writing skills for reports and proposals, appropriate for review and decision-making by senior leaders with limited prior review by others

Expertise with Microsoft Word processing software and PowerPoint presentation software

Familiarity with a range of social media tools to assist in networking and communicating with various clients and/or project team members

Educational Credentials

While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory as a condition of employment.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Fanshawe College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

Accommodation

Fanshawe College provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and the recruiter leading the recruitment will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs. Accommodation requests per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act can be emailed to: askhr@fanshawec.ca

Land Acknowledgement

Fanshawe College would like to acknowledge and honour the Anishinaabe, Lotinuhsyuní and Lenape people of southwestern Ontario as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waterways where Fanshawe College is located.

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

 
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