New Job Senior Advisor, Government Relations In Saskatchewan

We are looking to hire a Senior Advisor, Government Relations to advance the Federation’s advocacy goals to achieve specific benefits for members in alignment with the strategic plan.

Who We Are
The Saskatchewan Teachers’ Federation is the professional organization of over 13,500 teachers employed in PreK-12 schools in Saskatchewan. The Federation offers a broad program of services and supports within six strategic priorities, including teaching and learning; public, member and stakeholder relations; teacher success; teacher well-being; operations; and governance.

What is the Role
You will act as a resource and play a leadership, consulting and problem-solving role in developing and implementing government relations strategies. This role will afford you the opportunity to develop methodologies to monitor and share information about government initiatives and policies related to Federation advocacy priorities, including those that impact the education sector. You will also contribute to the development of material to support the successful positioning of the organization with the provincial government and contribute to responsive policy engagement related to the education sector in Saskatchewan.

What You Will Do

• Maintain a strong understanding of current political trends and policy developments related to the Federation’s priorities.
• Develop an annual government relations plan and outreach initiatives for all levels of government.
• Lead the planning, development, promotion and delivery of Federation events and meetings with government, and other stakeholders to raise awareness about the contributions made by and impact on members of the Federation.
• Present qualitative and quantitative data to support messages on advocacy priorities.
• Participate in collective bargaining and special projects.
• Ensure the Federation is in compliance with and has met its obligations under The Saskatchewan Lobbyists Act.
• Develop the Federation’s government relations strategy, which will align with existing media, public, and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Establish and maintain rapport with key government officials and advisors, and influence government policy.
• Provide strategic advice and support to the STF Executive and senior leadership on communicating critical information, issues and matters of extreme urgency, sensitivity or controversy related to government relations.
• Contribute to the preparation of high-quality briefing notes, submissions, briefs, position papers and presentations.
• Identify and ensure STF representation at community and political events that provide opportunity for relationship building and advocacy.
• Develop a monitoring and tracking methodology for legislation studies and consultations as well as regulations, issues and new programs which may affect the Federation.

Policy Engagement

• Provide strategic support and advice to the STF Executive and senior leadership and garner knowledge on provincial, national and international education trends and issues.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with provincial government relations advisors, members of the educational sector share information and identify where collaborative partnerships can be established.
• Represent and/or assist the President and Executive Director in representing the Federation on various intergovernmental committees. Accurately convey the Federation’s concerns and positions, and ensure the positions taken are feasible and consistent with organizational objectives.
• Prepare briefing materials and summaries of activities and positions for the STF Executive and senior leadership.
• Monitor initiatives of the provincial government and make recommendations to the STF Executive and senior leadership on appropriate responses and actions.
• Work collaboratively with the senior manager, records and research to proactively identify opportunities for policy influence related to the Federation’s advocacy priorities.

General

• Develop and maintain a thorough understanding of the Federation’s goals and objectives and programs and services.
• Have an awareness of the socio-economic, political and cultural issues that affect the membership of the Federation.
• Actively maintain a strategic work plan that incorporates the Federation’s advocacy priorities as identified by the STF Executive and senior management team that is aligned with the strategic plan and operational requirements.
• Prepare annual objectives and work plans for his/her area of responsibility.
• Communicate and work collaboratively with colleagues, representatives of government agencies and other organizations in the educational sector.
• Work effectively within a team environment.
• Provide instructional workshops and/or materials and advice to staff of the Federation, Executive Director and Senior Management Team, the Executive, Council and Local Associations.
• Act as a resource member to the Senior Management Team.

What You Will Bring

• An undergraduate degree in Public Administration, Economics, Political Studies, Communications or Journalism. A graduate degree and experience in the field of education is desirable.
• A minimum of five years of experience related to the strategy development and implementation of government and stakeholder relations plans and projects, including collective bargaining and labour relations.
• Strong knowledge of how provincial government functions at both political and bureaucratic levels and demonstrated success in influencing government policies and positions, particularly as it relates to the education sector.
• Strategic and innovative thinking.

• Tact, diplomacy and good judgement required to deal with sensitive matters.
• Demonstrated experience and leadership in government, media, and public relations/communications fields.
• Demonstrated ability to work with and liaise with diverse groups of stakeholders.
• High degree of organizational, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent research and analytical skills, and strong ability to write at a professional level
• Strong relationship-building and collaborative skills.
• Ability to interact with senior staffs in the government and educational sector.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Willingness to travel.

What You Can Expect
We offer a competitive salary, a 35-hour work week plus a full range of benefits, including extended health care; retirement plan; group life insurance; generous vacation package; sick leave; long-term disability and paid leave to deal with family, health and sickness and compassionate situations.

How to Apply
If your considerable experience and strong commitment to excellence serve to make you an exceptional candidate for this position, please complete the Careers Application Form by selecting the “” button below. Please submit your cover letter and resume in one PDF or WORD file. The deadline for applications is 11:59 p.m., July 24, 2022.

Job Type: Full-time