Director, Government Relations

Position Summary

Are you an experienced government relations leader passionate about shaping policy and advancing the University’s strategic goals? Join us as our new Director, Government Relations!

The Director, Government Relations is responsible for advancing the University of Regina’s profile and vision while building strategic relationships with government officials, community partners and other public sector institutions. The work of the Director, Government Relations is essential to the University’s academic mission and includes promoting the relevance of its research, teaching and service. This position leads and is accountable for the University’s government relations strategy and institutional positioning with government stakeholders, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and long-term objectives.

The Director, Government Relations provides senior counsel and expertise to the Executive and leadership team and leads the University’s response to a wide range of political and policy issues, including direct advocacy, stakeholder engagement, strategy development, risk mitigation, issues and reputation management to increase understanding and support for the University and its mission.

This position works to develop, coordinate, and implement focused government relations efforts based on institutional priorities, and serves as the designated primary institutional representative and first point of contact for government officials wishing to engage with the University of Regina.

What You’ll Do:

Government Relations & Stakeholder Engagement

• Serve as the University’s primary liaison with municipal, provincial, and federal governments.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government officials, elected representatives, and sector partners.
• Represent the University in meetings, forums, advisory groups, and consultations.
• Support Executive and University leadership engagement with key government stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships across the post-secondary sector and external organizations.

Strategic Policy & Advocacy Leadership

• Monitor, analyze, and advise on government policies, priorities, and emerging issues.
• Identify opportunities to influence public policy, programs, and funding frameworks.
• Develop and execute proactive advocacy and engagement strategies aligned with institutional priorities.
• Build and lead coalitions to advance the University’s advocacy objectives.
• Provide strategic counsel and recommendations to senior leadership on government affairs matters.

Communications & Institutional Positioning

• Develop briefing notes, reports, policy options, proposals, and executive materials.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across government relations, communications, and development activities.
• Keep government and external stakeholders informed of the University’s priorities, achievements, and initiatives.
• Establish standards and processes for government engagement and advocacy communications.

Issues Management & Executive Support

• Lead responses to government inquiries and emerging issues in a timely manner.
• Provide real-time intelligence, risk assessments, and strategic advice to the Executive team.
• Manage sensitive and complex matters requiring sound judgment and discretion.
• Support institutional positioning during high-profile or politically sensitive situations.

Governance, Funding & Operational Excellence

• Identify and pursue government funding opportunities for University initiatives.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of funding and advocacy materials.
• Ensure compliance with lobbying registry requirements and reporting obligations.
• Develop processes to improve information flow, coordination, and government engagement effectiveness.
• Lead operational activities and special projects that support government relations objectives.

Plus More: Be ready to take on additional related tasks as assigned – your role is dynamic and essential to our success!
Why Join Us? At the University of Regina, we’re more than just a campus – we’re a community!
Join our team and enjoy:

• Meaningful Impact: Your work directly contributes to creating a better environment for students, faculty, and staff.
• Professional Growth: We support your development, offering opportunities for advancement and learning.
• Work-Life Balance: We value your well-being and know your personal life is most important!
• Dynamic and Inclusive Workplace: We value diversity and inclusivity. You’ll be part of a team that celebrates different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences, making every day an opportunity for personal growth.
• Innovation Culture: We encourage fresh ideas and innovative thinking.
• Competitive Compensation: We offer competitive compensation package and benefits to reward your talent. A few of the these benefits include Health/Dental/Vision Benefits, flexible spending account, Defined Contribution Pension Plan, and much more!

Ready to make a lasting impact? Join our team and help shape the relationships, policies, and opportunities that advance our mission and strengthen our future. Position Requirements What You’ll Bring to this Position:

• Master’s degree in a relevant field of study such as public policy, public administration, political science, law or communications
• Progressive leadership experience (7–10+ years) driving government relations, public affairs, or policy functions, including building and leading high-performing teams and programs that deliver measurable institutional impact.
• A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered

Skills That Will Ensure Your Success in the Role:

• Strategic public affairs leader with a proven track record of shaping and executing integrated government relations and reputation strategies, including advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and executive communications at senior levels.
• Demonstrated and exceptional ability to interpret and translate complex political, legislative, and regulatory developments into clear, actionable insights that inform executive decision-making and institutional positioning.
• Deep expertise in political and policy systems, including legislative, regulatory, and fiscal processes, with the ability to leverage this knowledge to influence outcomes and advance organizational priorities.
• Highly collaborative and influential leader who can mobilize cross-functional stakeholders, synthesize diverse perspectives, and drive alignment toward shared advocacy and policy goals with accountability for enterprise level outcomes.
• Demonstrated capability to lead end-to-end policy and legislative strategy, including anticipating, analyzing, prioritizing, and responding to developments with significant implications for the institution.
• Proven success influencing and advocating at senior levels of government, with the ability to secure access, build trust, and shape decisions among elected officials, public servants, and key external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated knowledge of provincial and federal guidelines, legislative procedures and budgetary/fiscal processes
• Exceptional executive-level communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling narratives, shape public positioning, and represent the organization credibly and persuasively in high-stakes environments.