Senior Advisor Government Relations

Town of Canmore; Canmore; On-site; CAD 143,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government in Canada is seeking a Senior Advisor – Government Relations to coordinate intergovernmental initiatives and advocate for community needs. This role requires strong negotiation skills and the ability to analyze policies affecting local governance. Candidates should have over 5 years of relevant experience dealing with municipal government, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to fostering inclusive relationships within the community. Competitive salary and benefits package offered.

Benefits

Competitive benefits package

Health spending account

RRSP matching plan

Personal development opportunities

Work-Life Balance

Qualifications

• 5+ years in strategic and policy environment.
• Experience working with elected officials.
• Advanced communication and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate intergovernmental initiatives.
• Negotiate regional agreements.
• Advocate on strategic issues.

Skills

Government relations best practices

Legislation knowledge

Negotiation skills

Tact and diplomacy

Policy analysis

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Effective communication

Education

Undergraduate Degree in Political Sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Posted Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at 9:00 AM | Expires Monday, February 9, 2026 at 8:59 AM

Why work for the Town of Canmore? Our team is professional, fun, dedicated, and passionate about our community, this work, and the endless opportunities for adventure in our magnificent Rocky Mountain environment. Canmore provides a landscape like no other, with challenges that are legislative, geographical, natural, human, and animal. If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute to community of Canmore and challenge your leadership and strategic thinking skills, we have the right career building opportunity for you.

Position Overview:

This position is responsible for coordinating the Town of Canmore’s intergovernmental initiatives and advocacy efforts. One of the core services is to advocate on strategic issues and ensure proactive engagement with neighbouring municipalities as well as provincial and federal governments, and non-government agencies, ensuring Canmore’s unique experience and needs are heard in policy development and legislative processes that impact local governance.

Key work includes assisting with negotiating regional agreements and providing representation for Canmore at Mid-sized Cities Mayors Caucus. The role will provide extensive research, analysis, and strategic advice and reports on new initiatives, policy trends, provincial and federal budgets and legislation, and FCM/Alberta Municipalities resolutions.

One of the core services is to recommend actions, develop the Town’s advocacy plan, and coordinate government relations activities to support municipal priorities. If time allows, this position may also support the Town’s ongoing efforts in building meaningful relationships with our Indigenous neighbours and members of Treaty 7.

Job Knowledge

• Up to date with government relations best practices and how to adapt them to our organizational and business environment
• Current with knowledge and application of current legislation, especially at the provincial and federal levels of government as they apply to a municipal context
• Anticipate sensitive issues and plan an appropriate strategy
• Ability to demonstrate tact and diplomacy
• Build relationships with officials from regional municipalities and lead negotiations for Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks and other agreements with the M.D. of Bighorn
• Provide policy analysis and recommendations to Council
• Facilitate the development of Town Council’s annual advocacy priorities and build strategic plans to advance them
• Participate in the Mid-Sized Mayors Caucus
• Build relationships and rapport with provincial and federal officials and establish the position as a trusted advisor on files involving Canmore and/or Canmore priorities
• Support Council’s advocacy with Alberta Municipalities and FCM

Leadership

• Lives and leads our organizational culture ensuring its adaptability, inclusiveness, and resilience
• Effectively puts people first
• Maintains a high degree of personal integrity and commitment by being a role model for the Town’s core values
• Aware of Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, issues of social justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion and displays a commitment to addressing these issues and working toward developing a welcoming and inclusive organization and community
• Plays a critical role in creating and promoting a healthy, safe and respectful culture in accordance with the roles and responsibilities identified under the Town’s Health & Safety Management System
• Promotes a positive, professional image of the Town

Customer Service

• Applies strong logical reasoning and intellectual curiosity
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with all levels within the organization and externally
• Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly, in diverse areas such as political analysis, communication, and project management
• Ability to effectively transfer ideas, concepts, and information into effective and efficient strategies
• Ability to develop, implement, and evaluate innovative and strategic plans
• Ability to analyze and interpret administrative procedures, regulations, legal documents, and legislation
• Organizational knowledge, culture, and political mindfulness
• Demonstrated prioritization, time management and problem-solving abilities
• Stay informed of provincial and federal political developments, policy proposals and budgets

Communication

• Consistently demonstrates respectful, effective communication skills and interactions and proactively shares pertinent information with the team
• Communicate respectfully and tactfully
• Listen and seek to understand concerns and issues for the most successful and appropriate resolution
• Advanced skills in verbal and written communication which encompasses listening, coaching, interviewing, and presenting
• Maintain constructive relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Exercise superior writing skills to draft Council and other general reports, briefings, and presentations
• Identifies where efficiencies can be gained and seeks to improve processes and services
• Is willing to implement alternative solutions to what is commonly done
• Use a flexible approach and creativity to work effectively in a variety of situations and adapt to new ways of doing things

Education & Qualifications:

• Undergraduate Degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts, or a related field – asset

Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a strategic and policy driven environment within the municipal, provincial, or federal orders of government, including experience working with elected officials - required
• Advanced written and oral communication skills and excellent presentation skills
• Highly developed interpersonal skills to interact with a variety of internal and external clients, build positive working relationships, and exercise tact and diplomacy
• Ability to effectively transfer ideas, concepts, and information into strategies and action plans
• Ability to develop, implement and evaluate advocacy plans
• Ability to analyze and interpret administrative procedures, regulations, legal documents, and legislation
• Knowledge and experience in managing multiple projects
• Ability to work both independently as well as within a multifaceted team environment
• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft office programs, with the ability to independently create and edit a variety of documents and spreadsheets
• Strong oral and written communication in English
• Organizational habits to understand, realistically plan for and meet deadlines, while adapting to changing demands and priorities

Salary & Benefits:

• Pay Range- $143,907.40- $151,915.40 annually. Compensation will be calculated based on the successful candidate’s related work experience and education
• This is a permanent full-time position
• Competitive benefits package, & health spending account
• Generous RRSP matching plan
• Personal development & learning opportunities
• Work-Life Balance

Closing Date for Applications: This posting will remain open until 9:59 pm MDT on February 8th, 2026.

How to Apply: To apply, please combine your cover letter and resume into a single document (PDF or Word) and click on the "APPLY NOW" link below. To help us learn more about you, in your cover letter please clearly detail the following:

• Why do you want to be the Senior Advisor – Government Relations for the Town of Canmore? Why Canmore?
• What interpersonal and leadership skills do you have that would make you a great addition to our team?
• Your level of familiarity with the Canmore community and the services offered by the Town of Canmore

Prior to beginning work, the successful candidate will be required to submit all required certifications and documentation, including driver`s abstract and records checks. The Town of Canmore wishes to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Town of Canmore is committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, family status, ancestry, place of origin, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

We believe diversity strengthens our organization, and we encourage applications from all qualified individuals. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence, [e-mail]