Director, Government Relations and Communication Strategy

RDP; Red Deer; On-site; CAD 126,000 - 155,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Deer Polytechnic is seeking a Director of Government Relations and Communication Strategy to lead efforts in enhancing stakeholder relationships and strategic communications. This senior role requires a graduate degree and extensive experience in government relations, with a focus on aligning communication strategies with institutional goals. The successful candidate will work closely with leadership to drive innovation and foster strong partnerships.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Defined benefit pension plan

Generous vacation entitlement

Professional development funds

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in government relations or policy.
• Experience in developing strategic communications materials.
• Proven ability to advise senior decision-makers.

Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation, planning, and coordination of government relations activities.
• Develop strategic communications in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.
• Manage relationships with government stakeholders.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Graduate degree in political science, public policy, public relations or related field

Job description

Director, Government Relations and Communication Strategy

Please include the following with your application :

• A sample of a strategic communication product that you created which highlights your ability to develop communication that ensures strategic alignment, creativity and advocacy.

The successful candidate must be available to work in Red Deer, Alberta on the Main Red Deer Polytechnic Campus regularly.

This role will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will begin on May 12, 2025 with interviews to follow.

Position Information

Position Title : Director, Government Relations and Communication Strategy

Position Summary : Red Deer Polytechnic invites applications for the role of Director, Government Relations and Communication Strategy. This senior leadership role will contribute to the Polytechnic’s transformative journey in post-secondary education. The 2030 Strategic Plan : Productivity and Social Impact sets ambitious goals that will position RDP as a provincially focused, nationally recognized, and globally relevant Polytechnic. The Director will lead the government relations strategy and contribute to strategic communications to enhance stakeholder relationships.

The Director works closely with the President and requires a balance of strategic thinking and hands-on execution. The successful candidate will identify opportunities, recommend actionable strategies and in collaboration with the Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications, develop strategic content that aligns with RDP priorities.

At RDP, you can shape the future of education, drive innovation, and make a lasting impact on students, industry, and society. Join us!

Position Responsibilities

The Director, Government Relations and Communication Strategy is responsible for leading the evaluation, planning and coordination of government relations activity at the provincial, federal, and municipal levels. They also develop strategic communications both internally and externally in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.

Key Responsibilities for this role include :

Government Relations :

• Develops and leads the implementation of RDP’s government relations strategy and tactics.
• Provides counsel on all matters related to RDP’s relationship with all three levels of government. Creates and maintains strong relationships with government stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial outcomes.

Strategic Communications :

• Collaborates with the Associate Vice President, Marketing and Communications to develop strategic communications for application throughout RDP.
• For the Office of the President, develops content for use in presentations, speaking notes, editorials, etc.

Special Projects :

• Plans, executes and supports priority activity important to RDP.

Required Qualifications

Education :

• Graduate degree from a recognized institution in political science, public policy, public relations or a related field.
• A combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience :

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in government and / or government relations, working with a policy and / or legislative background, and a proven track record of advising senior decision-makers.
• Experience in developing strategic communications materials.

The successful candidate will demonstrate :

• An inclusive leadership style and the proven ability to foster strong relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• A high degree of professionalism and commitment to RDP’s mission and values.
• Proven ability to navigate ambiguity with capacity to manage change and a demonstrated ability to drive innovation.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience :

• Experience within a post-secondary environment and / or public sector organizations at a decision-making level would be an asset.

This role has a salary range of $126,736 to $154,049 and is an Exempt Senior Administration role.

Benefits and Compensation Information

The successful candidate will be eligible for Red Deer Polytechnic’s robust benefits package which enhances our employee’s wellbeing. It consists of :

• A cost-shared, competitive and comprehensive benefit plan through our provider Alberta Blue Cross.
• Extended Health and Dental Care with no waiting period including vision, prescription, paramedical coverage and Emergency Medical Travel Insurance.
• Health Spending Account.
• Life Insurance and Accidental Death and Dismemberment.
• Our Employee & Family Assistance program through Telus Health.

The successful candidate will also participate in RDP’s pension plan. The institution offers a defined benefit pension through LAPP and will match the employee’s contribution and contribute an additional 1%.

We promote a strong work-life balance at our Institution.

• RDP offers generous vacation entitlement of six weeks earned annually for this position.
• The Institution is also closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day providing time off for employees to enjoy time with family and friends.

This role is eligible to receive professional development funds equivalent to 3% of their annual salary pro-rated to their start date.

About Red Deer Polytechnic

Focused on advancing the economic and social priorities of Alberta, Red Deer Polytechnic (RDP) provides more than 80 industry-relevant programs within a breadth of credentials to approximately 11,000 credit, not-credit, and apprenticeship students.

This is an exciting time to join Red Deer Polytechnic, as it contributes to Alberta’s productivity – concentrated within its Four Areas of Focus .

RDP’s main campus is also home to the Central Alberta Child Advocacy Centre and Bethany CollegeSide , which provide practical learning and applied research opportunities for RDP faculty and students.

Red Deer Polytechnic’s main campus is located on Treaty 7, Treaty 6 and Métis ancestral lands.

Competition Number

Competition Number : 2025-E-007

Employment Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Vacancies

Desired Start Date

07 / 01 / 2025

Position End Date (if term-certain)

N / A

1.0 FTE

Hours of Work

You will be employed on a full-time basis. Normal hours of operation are 8 : 30 am to 4 : 30 pm, Monday to Friday; however, there may be times that the hours involved will vary.

Open Date

04 / 21 / 2025

Close Date

Note to Applicant

Red Deer Polytechnic fosters an inclusive learning and working environment where everyone can bring their full selves and share their unique talents. We are committed to being responsive to the evolving needs and expectations of our diverse community.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include the following with your application :

• A sample of a strategic communication product that you created which highlights your ability to develop communication that ensures strategic alignment, creativity and advocacy.

The successful candidate must be available to work in Red Deer, Alberta on the Main Red Deer Polytechnic Campus regularly.

This role will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will begin on May 12, 2025 with interviews to follow.

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Director Strategy • Red Deer, AB, Canada