- Identify and foster opportunities around OFI-government shared priorities, develop strategies and provide advice that supports OFI's mission and that fosters positive and productive relationships with government stakeholders.
- Stay apprised of trends in key sectors and key files related to OFI strategy (mostly related to fisheries and oceans, economic development, environment and climate change, science and technology, education, Indigenous affairs), and anticipate and address potential impact on OFI.
- Identify and mitigate issues that could negatively impact OFI's relationships with government and ability to fulfil its mission.
- Working with Dalhousie's Office of Global and Government Relations, represent OFI as host for guests including local, national, and international Ministers, senior government officials and dignitaries visiting OFI who have an interest in ocean research and policy, and optimize the opportunity presented by on-site visits to nurture and grow strategic relationships, highlight successes in the ocean space, and identify opportunities for new or enhanced collaborations.
- Act as a resource to OFI on strategic engagement with all levels of government-locally, nationally, and internationally-working closely with OFI's public relations/communications team ensuring that outreach, key messages, and communications align, support, and enhance relationships and/or advocacy initiatives.
- Develop and foster relationships that offer access to, and provide advance notice and support discussions on items of interest to OFI and provide insight into ways OFI can be impactful in areas of priority for government related to ocean research writ large.
- Master's degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Canadian Studies, Economics, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of government relations' experience coupled with a strong understanding of Federal government processes and institutions (or equivalent combination of training and experience).
- Understanding of the political system and how policies are created or changed.
- Possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with superior verbal and written capabilities to clearly relay information in a compelling way.
- Demonstrated ability to build trusted professional relationships that result in new or strengthened partnerships, additional resources, positive awareness, and public support.
- Strong problem-solving and diplomacy skills as well as the ability to think and act strategically.
- Ability and willingness to take initiative, be self-motivated and proactive.
- Ability to work independently to meet deadlines.
- Ability to promote a culture of respect & Inclusivity.
- Bilingualism (verbal and written) in English and French.
- Understanding of ocean science, as well as education/training in written communications.
Director, Government Relations - Halifax, Canada - Dalhousie - Ocean Frontier Institute
Description
Position Title Director, Government Relations
Department/Unit Ocean Frontier Institute
Research Project Ocean Frontier Institute
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number GP012-24
Employee Group Grant-Paid
Position Type Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable) 1 year
Employment Type Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0
Salary $76,037 - $101,995 per annum (35 hours per week)
About the Organization
The Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), led by Dalhousie University, is one of the world's most significant ocean science research collaborations, serving as an international hub for ocean science research with a focus on achieving net zero, sustaining bioresources, and protecting biodiversity. The OFI currently manages five key research projects: Safe and Sustainable Development of the Ocean Frontier; Transforming Climate Action; Ocean School; Centre of Excellence in Observational Oceanography; and North Atlantic Carbon Observatory. For more information about OFI, visit
Job Summary
Reporting to the Scientific Director & Chief Executive Officer, the Director, Government Relations will be expected to develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy and action plan to positively influence the ways in which governments locally, nationally, and internationally, can effect the mission of the Institute. The Director, Government Relations will work collaboratively with the Dalhousie Office of Global and Government Relations on institution-wide ocean GR initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
Note
Frequent national and international travel may be required. Also, occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet operational requirements.
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
Assets
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.
Application Consideration
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit