Director, Public Affairs

McGill University; Canada; Hybrid; CAD 129,000 - 199,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Pension plan (Defined contribution)

RRSP/TFSA

Paid vacation

Personal days

Floating holidays

Remote work up to 2 days/week

Tuition waiver

Job summary

McGill University in Montreal invites applications for the Director of Public Affairs. Reporting to the Vice-President Communications and Institutional Relations, the role provides strategic leadership across government relations, media relations and issues management, advising senior leadership on policy developments and external engagement.

The Director builds vital relationships with government officials, partners and media to advance the University's priorities.

Qualifications

• Significant experience engaging with senior government officials, elected representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Proven success developing and executing advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience advising senior executives on complex strategic and public policy matters.
• Experience leading teams and managing organizational priorities in a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, public policy development, and legislative environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and writing abilities.
• Solid experience in issues and crisis management.
• Political acuity and sound judgment in managing sensitive and confidential issues.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies aligned with the University's priorities.
• Advise senior leadership on government relations and stakeholder engagement matters.
• Represent the University in meetings with government officials and external partners.
• Provide strategic oversight of issues management and crisis responses.
• Lead a team of public affairs and government relations professionals.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Government relations

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Crisis management

Communication skills

Team leadership

Budgeting

Education

Bachelor's Degree

Job description

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice-President Communications and Institutional Relations (CIR), the Director, Public Affairs provides strategic leadership and oversight of the university’s government relations, media relations and issues management functions. The Director also serves as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on issues related to government relations, institutional advocacy, policy developments, external stakeholder engagement and media relations. The Director advances the University's priorities by building and maintaining strong relationships with government officials, public sector partners, external stakeholders and media.

Primary Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement a comprehensive public affairs strategies aligned with the University's strategic priorities. Advise the Vice-President and senior leadership on public policy, government relations, and stakeholder engagement matters. Monitor emerging political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and assess potential impacts on the University. Provide strategic leadership and oversight for the Issues Management team including emerging issues and reputational risk mitigation. Identify opportunities to advance institutional priorities through proactive engagement with government and external partners. Lead the development of briefing materials, strategic analyses, position papers, and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Government Relations: Build and maintain productive relationships with municipal, provincial/state, federal, and international government representatives. Lead institutional advocacy efforts related to funding, research, innovation, education, infrastructure, and public policy. Represent the University in meetings, consultations, working groups, and sector associations. Provide strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders in government meetings, public policy discussions, and stakeholder engagements. Develop engagement strategies to strengthen the University's visibility and influence with key decision-makers.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and maintain partnerships with community organizations, industry leaders, research partners, professional associations, and public sector stakeholders. Develop stakeholder engagement plans to advance institutional priorities and strategic initiatives. Foster collaborative relationships that support research, innovation, talent development, and community impact. Oversee institutional participation in major external events, forums, and public affairs initiatives.
• Issues Management and Advocacy: Provide strategic counsel on complex public issues that may affect the University's reputation, operations, or strategic objectives. Develop and implement advocacy strategies and positioning for key institutional priorities. Provide strategic oversight of crisis and issues management responses in collaboration with communications, legal, and executive leadership. Ensure consistent institutional messaging in interactions with government and external stakeholders.
• Leadership and Management: Lead and develop a team of public affairs and government relations professionals. Establish priorities, performance expectations, and professional development plans for staff. Manage budgets, contracts, and resources within the Office of Public Affairs. Promote a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing team culture. Work closely with communications, advancement, research, academic, and administrative leaders across the University.

Other Qualifying Skills and/or Abilities

• Significant experience engaging with senior government officials, elected representatives, and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success developing and executing advocacy and stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Experience advising senior executives on complex strategic and public policy matters.
• Experience leading teams and managing organizational priorities in a complex environment.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, public policy development, and legislative environments.
• Exceptional relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and writing abilities.
• Solid experience in issues and crisis management.
• Political acuity and sound judgment in managing sensitive and confidential issues.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop strategic recommendations.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a large, decentralized, and multi-stakeholder environment.
• Strategic Thinking
• Political Acumen
• Relationship Building
• Influencing and Negotiation
• Organizational Awareness
• Sound Judgment and Decision-Making

Competitive Benefits Package

• Competitive benefits package (Health, Dental, Life Insurance) (if eligible)
• Defined contribution pension plan (with employer contribution up to 10%) (if eligible)
• Group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) and Tax Free Savings Account (TFSA)
• Competitive vacation policy
• Two (2) personal days
• Two (2) floating holidays
• Nine (9) "Summer Fridays" - paid days off between the St-Jean Baptiste holiday and Labour Day
• Paid time off over the December holiday period
• Tuition waiver for regular employees and their dependents
• Up to two (2) days of remote work per week where the position permits

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree
• 8 Years Related Experience
• Annual Salary: (MPEX Grade 10) $129,460.00 - $161,820.00 - $199,290.00
• Job Profile: MPEX-COM4F - Government Relations - Director or equivalent
• Hours per Week: 33.75 (Full time)
• Supervisor: Vice-President (Communications & Institutional Relations)
• Position End Date (If applicable):
• Deadline to Apply: 2026-11-22

Employment Equity and Diversity Statement

McGill University hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equity and diversity within its community. We welcome applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to productively engage with diverse communities. McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated groups to self-identify. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail].

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

Knowledge of English

The level of English required for this position has been assessed at a level 4 (qualifier) on a scale of 0-4. For a definition of our language proficiency levels.

Located in one of the world’s great multicultural and multilingual cities, McGill University is internationally recognized for its excellence as a leading institution of higher education and research. For nearly 200 years, through the work of dedicated people, McGill has been breaking ground in diverse fields and contributing solutions to some of the world’s most significant issues. McGillians are proud to be part of a community that is both global and local, inspired by challenge and committed to shaping a better future.

McGill received a Platinum STARS rating in sustainability, is among Canada’s greenest employers, and is a top Montreal Employer. Grandescunt Aucta Labore. By work, all things increase and grow. Find a sense of purpose. Develop your future. Join us today.