Government Relations Officer

McMaster University; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 69,000 - 89,000; Full time

Job summary

McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, is seeking a Government Relations Officer to support the University's priorities and engagement with government partners. This role sits at the intersection of government, public policy, research and higher education, helping connect McMaster's expertise with government and community partners.

Ideal candidates are curious, strong writers, and eager to learn, with responsibilities spanning research, policy monitoring, and communications, and opportunities

Qualifications

• University degree in Political Science, Public Administration or related field.
• Three years of relevant experience in government relations or public policy.
• Strong writing and editing skills to communicate complex information clearly.
• Experience preparing briefing notes or backgrounders.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Curiosity about government, policy and higher education.

Responsibilities

• Research, write and edit briefing notes and other materials.
• Monitor government priorities and summarize developments.
• Support government relations strategies, meetings and events.
• Prepare presentations and communications materials.
• Build relationships with university leaders and government partners.
• Support activities with municipal, provincial and federal governments.
• Track activities and results for reporting.
• Participate in university-wide projects and meetings.

Skills

Strong writing

Research skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Policy curiosity

Education

Political Science/Public Administration degree

Job description

McMaster University is seeking a Government Relations Officer to support the University's government relations priorities and engagement with government partners.

This is an opportunity to work at the intersection of government, public policy, research and higher education. The team supports government engagement, advocacy and strategic initiatives, while monitoring emerging issues and helping connect McMaster's expertise and priorities with government and community partners.

For someone who is curious, a strong writer and eager to learn, this role offers an opportunity to build government relations expertise while contributing to work with meaningful impact.

Full-time, limited-term appointment to December 31, 2026, with possibility of extension.

Hourly Wage Rate: $32.98 - $42.68/hour

The posted hiring range reflects McMaster's typical hiring range for this position. The actual starting rate will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, internal equity, and market conditions. This appointment is initially ineligible for benefits. Benefit eligibility, if applicable, will be determined in accordance with University policy.

About McMaster University

McMaster University is where bold ideas become real-world impact. Guided by our strategic plan, Bolder Together, we're building on our strengths in research, education and community while continuing to evolve as a leading research-intensive university.

With more than 37,000 students, 8,000 faculty and staff, and a globally recognized research enterprise, McMaster is known for research that improves lives, teaching that puts learners first and a collaborative approach to tackling complex challenges.

About Government Relations

McMaster Government Relations works across the University to advance McMaster's priorities and strengthen relationships with governments at the municipal, provincial and federal levels.

Key responsibilities

• Research, write and edit clear, concise materials, including briefing notes, correspondence, backgrounders and other materials to support government relations and advocacy initiatives.
• Monitor government priorities, policies and announcements, particularly those related to post-secondary education, and summarize key developments for McMaster.
• Support government relations strategies, meetings, events, visits and other engagement activities.
• Prepare presentations and other communications materials, and contribute to internal communications as required.
• Build positive relationships with University leaders, government representatives and other partners.
• Support government relations activities with municipal, provincial and federal governments.
• Maintain accurate information and track activities and results to support the Government Relations portfolio.
• Participate in University-wide projects, meetings and working groups as required.

What you bring

• A university degree in Political Science, Public Administration or a related field. A McMaster University degree is an asset.
• Three years of relevant experience in government relations, public policy, communications, research, government or a related field.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with the ability to research, synthesize and communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• Experience preparing briefing notes, backgrounders or other concise written materials.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Curiosity about government, public policy and post-secondary education, with a proactive and collaborative approach to learning and problem-solving.

Assets

• Experience monitoring public policy and legislative developments.
• Knowledge of government, government programming and government decision-making processes.
• Experience working in government or a government relations-related field.
• Event planning experience.
• Experience working in a university environment.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

AI Statement

McMaster and its third-party partners may use AI tools to screen, assess, or select applicants during the hiring process. Please note that currently our recruitment platform does not use AI nor is it part of our current recommended recruitment process.