Policy Analyst, Government Relations

at  Queens University

Policy Analyst, Government Relations
About Queen’s University
Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.
We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.
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Job Summary
The Government and Institutional Relations (GIR) department within University Relations is aimed at advancing University priority initiatives in alignment with public and government interests while also further developing and enhancing relationships and partnerships at the provincial, federal and municipal level. It is a very high profile, highly energetic environment that is both demanding and fast-paced.
Reporting to the Director, GIR and receiving day-to-day direction from the Director, Community Relations the Policy Analyst, Government Relations is responsible for providing analytical, research, administrative and project management support to facilitate strategic decision making. This includes preparing briefing/speaking notes, reports, proposals, correspondence, etc. on behalf of both directors and, as required, the VP, University Relations. In addition, the Policy Analyst, GIR serves as contact for the unit, providing information and advice to stakeholders regarding University and Government priorities and initiatives, participates on committees and working groups and acts as the directors’ delegate when necessary.
Job Description

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• University degree in communications, political studies, or related field combined with 5+ years of experience within government providing comprehensive research and analytical support, project management and implementation, and proposal and report writing.
• Proven project management skills and capacity along with demonstrated advanced computer skills including extensive knowledge of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Prezi and database management systems.
• Education and/or experience in public policy, higher education administration, or marketing and communications would be considered an asset.
• Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Knowledge of University policies, procedures and organizational structures. Familiarity with the political, administrative, research and intellectual climates within the University.
• Knowledge of post-secondary sector issues as they pertain to the provincial government. Knowledge of government relations strategies and tactics/practices.
• Understanding of stakeholder management, best practices, templates and strategies.
• Knowledge of the structure and workings of the federal, provincial, and municipal government.
• Sound judgment and discretion when dealing with sensitive and confidential information and the ability to manage risks.
• Proven interpersonal skills, both verbal and written, to interact professionally and effectively with individuals at all levels of the University, with various levels of government and community organizations.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills to prepare reports, presentations, briefing/speaking notes, proposals, etc. on behalf of the directors’, , the Office of VP, University Relations and the Principal
• Proactive, self-motivated, resourceful, and results driven with the ability to work independently with little supervision and in a team environment.
• Excellent organizational, planning and administrative skills with the ability to cope with multiple demands, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Strong analytical, research and problem solving skills with the ability to synthesize and interpret information, make recommendations and manage complex situation.
• Willingness to work flexible hours on occasion is required.

• Provide data analysis and research support for the department of GIR by collecting, synthesizing and interpreting complex material and data related to University and Government priorities and initiatives in order to facilitate strategic decision making that may have University-wide implications. Contribute to the development of GIR/community relations strategies and advocacy plans.
• Assist with the planning of ministerial visits and government announcements as well as delegation visits. Manage the execution of these plans.
• Monitor media reports, university and government announcements to track and report on trends, policy issues and opportunities. Pro-actively identify areas of strategic opportunity for Queen’s University and other partners. Recognize urgency and timeliness of government relations issues and the need to inform horizontally across the campus.
• Prepare briefing/speaking notes, correspondence, reports, presentations, proposals and other short-term and long-term planning documents that are often sensitive and/or confidential in nature.
• Provide support for community relations activities including attending consultation meetings, taking and distributing detailed notes, and assisting with follow-up. Attend City Council and committee meetings as appropriate and prepare reports for the Director, GIR on any relevant information.
• Liaise and communicate with internal and external stakeholders, including senior university administrators, academic and administrative units, colleagues at other universities, and officials from various levels of Government. Serve as contact for the unit, answering questions and providing information and advice regarding University and Government priorities and initiatives. Represent the GIR unit at meetings across campus as appropriate.
• Prepare draft briefing/speaking notes, reports and presentations for use by the VP, University Relations and the Principal.
• Manage and coordinate special projects with well-defined objectives and outcomes from start to finish, which includes developing plans, investigating and seeking feedback, effectively managing risks, anticipating challenges, making recommendations, revising accordingly and implementing.
• Maintain and coordinate all reporting related to lobbying registries at the Provincial and Federal level.
• Support internal coordination on internal and external reporting as required. This includes initial outreach and coordination of information against deadlines.
• Maintain, update and ensure accuracy and integrity of information and data contained within office databases such as Maximizer and electronic and working files.
• Provide work direction, and technical/functional guidance to staff. Schedule and assign work and oversee its completion. Coordinate and monitor workflow.
• Undertake other duties as required in support of the GIR department and its initiatives.