ABOUT US

MacEwan University is where caring faculty help people connect their passions to their future paths. Located in the heart of Edmonton’s diverse and dynamic downtown community, and on the traditional lands of Treaty 6 First Nations and homelands of the Métis people, MacEwan is known for exceptional undergraduate learning. With its dedication to teaching excellence, informed by scholarly research, innovation, and creative activity, MacEwan provides an exceptional collaborative and supportive learning environment with a commitment to human rights, environmental sustainability, and opportunities for community engagement. We are committed to creating an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming community for all peoples, cultures, and identities.
Our comprehensive undergraduate university offers 55 programs to just under 20,000 full- and part-time students in business, communications, community and human services, design, fine and performing arts, health, humanities, natural science, nursing, public safety, and social science. Through a wide array of experiential learning opportunities, and strategic relationships in the community, we partner with others to produce graduates of stature. Along with a robust grounding in their chosen disciplines, MacEwan students are given durable life skills that prepare them to take on the world.

OPPORTUNITY

MacEwan is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly engaged leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP), Government and Community Relations. Reporting to the Vice-President, University Relations, the AVP will lead the university’s engagement with all orders of government, as well as key community partners.
This position is essential in supporting the achievement of MacEwan’s strategic plan, Teaching Greatness. It reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing its voice in the post-secondary business and community sectors while reinforcing its identity as a key downtown pillar. The AVP will serve as a trusted advisor and visible ambassador, advancing MacEwan’s priorities through non-partisan advocacy and community activation.
The AVP will frame and steward MacEwan’s relationships with elected officials, policy makers, business leaders, and community leaders while ensuring the university is integrated into Edmonton’s civic and cultural fabric. Through proactive advocacy, collaboration, and partnership-building, the AVP will help MacEwan achieve its strategic goals, broaden fundraising momentum, and enhance its presence in Edmonton’s downtown core.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, business, or a related field.
• A master’s degree is preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 8 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, policy, or a related field.
• Experience within the public sector, post-secondary, or large non-profit environment would be considered an asset.
• Deep knowledge of Alberta’s political and policy environment, and familiarity with Canada’s post-secondary sector.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic advocacy, policy development, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
• Comfort working in fast-paced, high-output environments with a degree of political complexity.
• Demonstrated ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with discretion and strategic insight.
• Demonstrated excellence in team leadership.
• Familiarity with lobbying legislation, compliance frameworks, and institutional governance.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the institution effectively across diverse audiences.

Please refer the Job description for details