New Job Government Relations Officer In British Columbia

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level B

Job Title

Government Relations Officer

Department

Director | Government Relations

Compensation Range

$5,906.25 - $8,508.42 CAD Monthly

Posting End Date

December 8, 2021

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Job Description Summary
The Government Relations Officer works with the Acting Director, Government Relations and Government Relations staff to advance and enhance UBC'ss overall government relations mandate. Duties include preparing briefing materials; monitoring and responding to trends in higher education, research and innovation policy; data and trend analysis; ensuring compliance with provincial and federal policies; and helping to produce a variety of UBC submissions for government. The Government Relations Officer works closely with the University Relations at the Okanagan campus, Media Relations, Campus and Community Planning, faculties, and executive portfolios in the development and implementation of university-wide government relations activities.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Acting Director, Government Relations.

Work Performed

• Works closely with the Government Relations team, executive portfolios, and faculties and units across UBC in the planning, development and implementation of UBC s government relations activities, liaising with other institutions and sector groups where necessary.
• Monitors and assesses relevant policy developments and government initiatives in Canada and internationally, and makes recommendations to the UBC executive based on this analysis
• Engages proactively in key policy and program files which relate to government, taking advantage of existing connections and planned engagement to advance UBC priorities.
• Works independently and with relevant stakeholders to conduct primary research on key post-secondary sector issues (and any other issues of particular relevance to the university) and briefs leadership to ensure UBC responds in a coordinated, cohesive and strategic manner. Liaises on behalf of the Government Relations unit with faculty, staff, and students to collect relevant data, to inform analysis and help prepare briefing materials.
• Drafts reports on policy developments and government initiatives for university leadership, including the executive and deans.
• Analyzes and prepares reports and materials for the Associate Vice President and the Vice President External Relations for presentations to the UBC Board of Governors and UBC executive.
• Researches and writes major documents for presentation to internal and governmental bodies.
• Prepares correspondence and other communications material on issues relating to the University s relationship with all orders of government.
• Continuously monitors, analyses, and curates media for sector issues and matters relating to the university and its relationship with government, and helps communicate relevant issues and updates across the university.
• Contributes to submissions and proposals - both formal and informal - prepared by the Government Relations unit for all levels of government.
• Supports the University s compliance with specific federal and provincial acts and policies.
• Other related duties as required.
  

Consequence of Error/Judgement
The nature of the work requires a high level of judgment, decision-making and confidentiality. This position is important in the University s relationship with all levels of government. In addition to a high level of tact and discretion, the incumbent must have a strong knowledge and understanding of the issues facing government, the University and the post-secondary education sector. Because this area is charged with building and maintaining relationships with all levels of government on often highly confidential issues, improper advice or actions could result in severe damage to the University s ongoing relationship with Government, which could have financial as well as political repercussions.

Supervision Received
Works independently with general direction from the Acting Director, Government Relations . The Officer contributes to the Government Relations Office's general mandate and objectives.

Supervision Given
N/A

Preferred Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduate degree preferred. Minimum of five years experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong awareness of post-secondary and university issues, Canadian government structures at all levels, and current political activities. Familiarity with the activities and culture of UBC is an asset. Ability to perform quantitative and qualitative research. Capacity to respond quickly to changing demands and priorities under tight deadlines. Excellent written and interpersonal communication skills. Strong organizational and analytical skills. Ability to understand and write technical and theoretical reports. Ability to exercise good judgment, tact and diplomacy.Developed interest in public affairs and public policy.Knowledge of French an asset but not a requirement.