Executive Director, Government Relations Lakehead University
Lakehead University is seeking an experienced and dynamic Executive Director, Government Relations to lead Government Relations for the University. This is an exceptional opportunity for a government relations professional with a proven track record of developing and building effective relationships and driving collaborative strategies within a values-based multi-stakeholder diverse environment.
The Executive Director will serve as an ambassador for Lakehead University and an influential communication thought leader to passionately cultivate and advance Lakehead’s relationships and standing with all levels of government by promoting the relevance of academia, research, and innovation which will contribute to the University’s success for many years to come.
As one of the President’s direct reports, the Executive Director will work in close collaboration with members of the Executive Team. As such, the Executive Director represents a critical role and voice for the University and will act as the primary contact for high profile government officials in support of Lakehead’s financial sustainability and growth. A strategic leader with strong relationship building abilities and superior communications skills, the Executive Director will be responsible for enhancing Lakehead’s government relations by focusing on institutional priorities and emerging public policy issues, as well as planning and implementing a comprehensive, metric-driven government fundraising strategy. Working closely with the Vice-President External Relations, the Executive Director is an ex-officio member of the External Relations Senior Leadership Team (SLT) and will collaborate with the SLT on efforts to develop and execute proposals that will have a substantial impact on donor outreach and cultivation to advocate for university priorities and secure financial support.
The Executive Director, Government Relations leads the engagement and lobbying activities with all levels of government. including provincial, federal, regional, and municipal governments for Lakehead University and its campuses. This includes developing strategy and executing the University’s agenda to achieve tangible, measurable results. Cultivating productive relationships and strong lines of communication with Queen’s Park, Parliament Hill, and the regions of Northwestern Ontario and Central Ontario is essential, in addition to enhancing and building capacity for Lakehead University in the important market of Toronto and our campuses’ respective local communities.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
KCI (Ketchum Canada Inc.) has been retained to conduct this search on behalf of Lakehead University. For more information about this new role, please contact Tara George, Partner / Lead, KCI Search + Talent or Helena Debnam, Senior Search Consultant at Lakehead@kcitalent.com.
All inquiries and applications will be held in strict confidence. Interested candidates should send resume and letter of interest to the email address listed above by March 16, 2022.
To view the full Executive Brief, please visit:
www.kcitalent.com
Lakehead University is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcomes applications from all qualified individuals including women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons and persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation, gender identify or gender expression.
Lakehead University is committed to supporting an accessible environment and will accommodate job applicants with disabilities during the selection process. Applicants requiring accommodation during the interview process should contact Tara George or Helena Debnam with any enquiries or for assistance.
The position offers a competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits and pension package. The position will be based in either Thunder Bay or Toronto, with acknowledgment of regular travel to the University’s campuses in Thunder Bay and Orillia, and surrounding municipalities, as well as to meet with government in the GTA and Ottawa as needed.