Director of Government Relations

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Maximizing collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships for impact locally and globally.

With deep historic roots dating back to 1802, Saint Mary’s University is an urban university nestled in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and is defined by a vibrant and culturally diverse community where leadership, entrepreneurship and global citizenship combine to create an environment of collaboration and community.

Home to 7,000 full-time and part-time students with more than 50,000 alumni worldwide, Saint Mary’s University is building on its strong tradition of accessibility and community engagement as the university of choice for aspiring citizens of the world.

In achieving its mission to connect undergraduate, graduate and life-long learners with researchers and governments, community agencies and companies locally and internationally, collaborative and mutually beneficial relationships are at the heart of all interactions. Through promoting the importance of critical enquiry, leadership, teamwork and global awareness, the university welcomes mutually beneficial partners and strategic alliances with all levels of government, with other educational institutions, non-government institutions and with the private sector.

The Director of Government Relations reports to the Vice-President Advancement and works directly with the President and the Executive Management Group. The Director leads the coordination of campus-wide government relations strategies, activities and information sharing with campus leaders regarding Saint Mary’s relations with all levels of government.

The Director of Government Relations provides strategic advice and advocacy support to the university, identifies opportunities with government stakeholders, identifies and mitigates risks and proactively manages issues that could jeopardize relationships with government stakeholders.

The successful candidate has seven to ten years of related experience working in a government (federal, provincial or municipal) sector or corporate, not-for-profit or higher education government relations position with demonstrated experience building relationships with multiple stakeholders. The candidate has a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education and experience. Experience in a post-secondary institution is considered an asset. The ability to influence, negotiate and build productive working relationships with key stakeholders, senior university management and external partners, including government, are essential to achieve the required outcomes. Strong analytical and financial skills to understand budget, proposal and planning documents are required as is the ability to manage confidential and sensitive materials and situations with the utmost discretion.

Saint Mary’s University encourages applications from diverse candidates. To learn more about this opportunity, please forward your resume and statement of interest in confidence with the email subject line “Saint Mary’s Government Relations” to Royer Thompson at recruit@royerthompson.com. For further information please contact Amy Reid or Kim West at 902-422-2099.

Royer Thompson Management & Human Resources Consulting is a talent management firm focused on capturing the full potential of people in organizations by supporting a shared sense of purpose, recruiting and cultivating leadership, and fostering an innovative, caring and entrepreneurial spirit.