Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations

Durham college; Oshawa; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading post-secondary institution in Oshawa is seeking an Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations. This role includes advising the President, leading government relations, and ensuring alignment with institutional priorities. The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of leadership experience and a strong commitment to equity and inclusion. The position is pivotal in shaping college strategies and enhancing public policy engagement.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Ability to lead through influence and build strong relationships.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted advisor to the President, supporting strategic matters.
• Lead the development of the college’s government relations strategy.
• Prepare high-level reports, speaking notes, and correspondence.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Government relations

Political acuity

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in public administration, communications, political science, or a related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Job description

About Durham College

About Durham College :

Durham College (DC) is a leading post-secondary institution that supports students to develop career-ready skills for the ever-changing job market. With a focus on experiential learning, led by expert faculty, through field placements, applied research, co-ops and other hands-on opportunities, DC grads are known for having the skills and knowledge they need to adapt to the ever-changing workforce.

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, DC offers a wide range of market-driven programs across multiple disciplines, including culinary management, farming and horticulture, business, IT, construction and trades, science and technology, health care, engineering, social and community services, media, art and design.

Our modern campuses in Oshawa and Whitby offer 145 programs – including six honours bachelor’s degrees and 11 apprenticeship programs – to more than 13,700 full-time post-secondary and 2,300 apprenticeship students. In addition, more than 14,600 students participate in professional and part-time learning. More than 110,500 alumni represent the college, both locally and around the world.

A forward-looking organization committed to collaboration, innovation and sustainability, DC is ranked annually as one of the GTA’s Top 100 employers and one of Canada’s Greenest Employers and has been recognized as a Top 50 Research College in Canada, 10 times.

DC has an estimated annual economic impact of more than $913 million on Durham Region and is proud to be an active and engaged member of the communities we serve by contributing resources and expertise to enhance social and economic well-being through partnerships, investments and collaboration.

Position Summary :

Durham College (DC) seeks a strategic and trusted leader to join the Office of the President, as Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations. Reporting directly to the President, the Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations will provide high-level advising, leadership, and coordination to ensure the effective operation of the Office of the President and the advancement of institutional priorities.

Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, senior leaders, and key internal and external stakeholders, the Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations will support strategic planning and reporting, policy development, and organizational effectiveness. The role also provides oversight of the college’s government relations function, ensuring a cohesive, strategic, and proactive approach to institutional messaging and public policy engagement.

Serving as a central point of coordination for high-priority initiatives, the Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations will play a pivotal role in aligning the President’s vision with operational execution and advancing the goals and objectives of the college’s strategic vision. In doing so, the incumbent will uphold DC’s purpose and values while actively supporting the preservation of the college’s distinctive people-centred culture. The Executive Director, Strategic Reporting and Government Relations will lead cross-functional projects, foster a culture of collaboration, accountability and excellence, and represent the college with professionalism and integrity in all interactions with internal and external stakeholders and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities :

Support of the President and Executive Leadership Team :

• Act as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the President on key operational, administrative, and strategic matters.
• Function as a strategic liaison for the Executive Leadership Team to support the advancement of college goals and priorities.
• Monitor emerging issues, key deadlines, and high-impact activities to support timely, well-informed executive decision-making.
• Identify and address emerging issues that come to the Office of the President using facts, diplomacy, and appropriate engagement of resources.
• Draft high-level reports, speaking notes, and correspondence on behalf of the President.
• Review materials, prepare briefing notes and updates to streamline the President’s workload and ensure priority issues receive focused attention.
• Collaborate with the Executive Leadership Team and senior leadership to lead the development and submission of reports, oversee strategic projects, and ensure the timely execution of key deliverables.
• Provide strategic oversight to ensure alignment of activities with DC’s vision, values, and purpose, including the development, implementation, and monitoring of business plans, the Annual Reports, and reports to the Board of Governors.
• Maintain the President’s confidence and protect operations by keeping information confidential.
• Promote college values, including equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging, and Indigenous reconciliation.
• Represent the President at meetings and events, as required.

Government and External Relations :

• Lead the development and execution of the college’s government relations strategy in alignment with the institutional strategic priorities.
• Collaborate and build relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government representatives.
• Monitor policy developments and political landscapes to ensure aligned advocacy and institutional positioning efforts and assess potential impacts and opportunities for the college.
• Prepare briefing materials, policy submissions, and advocacy strategies to support funding requests and policy engagement.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders to advance government priorities and strengthen the college’s public profile.

Qualifications :

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in public administration, communications, political science, education or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant and progressively responsible leadership experience, preferably in post-secondary education, the public sector, or within complex institutions.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion in all matters related to students, staffing and programming.
• Demonstrated track record of success in leading teams in communications and / or government and stakeholder relations.
• Possess outstanding written and verbal communication skills, strong advocacy abilities, and a high level of political acuity and strategic insight.
• Experience advising and briefing senior executives, writing reports, preparing presentations, and representing the college internally and externally.
• Proven ability to lead through influence, build strong relationships with internal, external, business, political and civic constituencies, and manage sensitive matters with discretion and professionalism.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, project management, and organizational operations.

Please apply below by submitting your cover letter and resume to the online portal. Job Competition closes at 8 : 00 p.m. EST on November 13, 2025. Competition number AD25-11.