Reporting to the Director, Strategic Communications & Public Affairs, the Government and Stakeholder Relations Specialist is responsible for assisting with the planning and execution of the government relations activities and initiatives that are aligned with the Niagara Region's advocacy strategy developed by the Executive Officer.
The Specialist will consult with key internal stakeholders to assist with accessing relevant grants & incentives, and other programs offered at the various levels of government (federal, provincial & municipal).
Under the guidance of the Executive Officer, the Specialist will also liaise with other public and private sector organizations, to support the development of positive intergovernmental relations and raise the profile of the Region and the broader Niagara community.
Education
- .Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Business or related field of study.
Knowledge
- .5 years of progressive experience in government, business & public relations, with a proven track record of advocacy success.
- .Proven experience establishing and maintaining relationships with individuals at all levels of the organization, with other levels of government and key stakeholders (e.g. AMO and FCM).
- Previous experience working with the Federal and Provincial legislative process, advocacy, government affairs, legislation, policy/practice, political landscapes & trends.
- Previous experience working within a Municipal government.
- Experience interacting with, providing advice and guidance to and meeting facilitation for elected officials, senior and professional audiences is preferred.
- Project management experience of similar size and scope is preferred.
Responsibilities
1. Advocacy and Coordination &ndash Assists with the planning and executing of activities and initiatives that support the development of positive intergovernmental relations and raise the profile of the Region and the broader Niagara community.
- Assist the Executive Officer with coordinating support for policy development at the Federal and Provincial levels
- Assist with the coordination and development of Regional meetings, materials and positions in preparation of Council and staff for major Federal and Provincial conferences such as AMO, FCM, etc.
- Liaise with public and private sector organizations to support the development of positive intergovernmental relations and raise the profile of the Region and the broader Niagara community.
- Support the Director in providing strategic and consultative advice to the Regional Chair, Councillors, CAO and the Corporate Leadership Team (CLT) to convey issues that influence provincial and federal decision making.
- Support the Office of the Regional Chair in their participation in municipal sector associations and external organizations including provincial and federal committees and task forces.
- Manage complex projects, on time, on budget and to specifications
- Consults with Senior Leadership to provide communication and to identify opportunities
- Ensures government relations activities and initiatives are coordinated and aligned with corporate communications campaigns and initiatives and the Niagara Region's advocacy strategy
- Liaise with departmental key stakeholders to assist with completing and ensuring compliance for eligibility for identified Federal and Provincial funding and incentive applications
2. Research & Analysis
- Monitor and analyse trends and issues that are intergovernmental or inter-municipal in nature and are of interest to the Region, the broader Niagara community, and/or key external stakeholders such as the business community, education and health sectors.
- Provide updates and regular legislative analysis on developments and trends in federal and provincial government policy, legislation and programs, including advice on advocacy opportunities and challenges.
- Deliver analysis (i.e. memos/reports to the CAO and where appropriate Council) of key documents such as government agendas/reports, budgets, throne speeches, economic updates, policy papers etc. as they relate to Regional programs, services and infrastructure, including recommended approaches or responses to address issues identified..
- Provide strategic government relations advice and research support to the Executive Officer and departmental stakeholders
3. Relationship Support & Development
- Coordinate and facilitate relationships and partnerships with other orders of government, municipal organizations and key external stakeholders in support of the Office of the Regional Chair and members of CLT.
- Maintain and actively manage a comprehensive stakeholders list of government officials, private sector leaders and community influencers for networking, event and engagement purposes.
- Develop and continually enhance an active & broad network of contacts and resources both within and outside the Region, at all levels of government, community agencies and other public and private sector organizations.
- Identify networking and participation opportunities for Council, the CAO and/or Corporate Leadership Team members.
- Develop and continually leverage a well-developed network of trusted individuals and groups in government, business and interest groups on related issues.
4. Reporting
- Prepare briefing and background/research materials on complex intergovernmental initiatives, issues and projects.
- Write and create reports, briefing documents and recommendations.
- Create accurate reports to be replied on by senior management to make critical decisions.
- Prepare speaking notes/presentations for major advocacy related political events and speaking engagements (as required).
Special Requirements
- In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
- Regional staff strive to enable the strategic priorities of council and the organization through the completion of their work. Staff carry out their work by demonstrating the corporate values of service, honesty, choice, partnership and respect.
Salary:$74,630 - $87,800
Hours: 35 hrs/wk
Recognizing and rewarding employees
At Niagara Region, we believe in a culture that recognizes and rewards employees that consistently demonstrate character, competence and high performing characteristics in the spirit of One Team and our corporate values.
We offer a competitive package to reward our employees including:
- Competitive wages and salaries
- Competitive benefits packages
- Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS), a Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Access to group home and auto insurance
We provide recognition programs to appreciate and encourage each other including:
- Employee Recognition Program "CERT" that recognizes length of service and encourages service excellence through Commissioner Awards
- Peer to peer recognition programs
Closing Statement
Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow's challenges TODAY!
Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.
niagararegion.ca/government/hr/careers/job-posting.aspx?j=22472&p=GovernmentandStakeholderRelationsSpecialist
We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
