Senior Intergovernmental Strategist

City of Edmonton; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 89,000 - 128,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Earned Day Off (EDO) program

Job summary

The City of Edmonton is seeking an experienced Senior Intergovernmental Strategist to translate the Government Relations Strategy into tangible outcomes across federal, provincial and regional relationships.

You will lead proactive advocacy, deliver executive-ready briefing materials, and build durable partnerships with Ministers, Deputy Ministers and elected officials to advance Council priorities and municipal interests.

Qualifications

• Completed University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, provincial or federal government including work with elected officials

Responsibilities

• Serve as the dedicated corporate lead for a specific Council Priority portfolio, aligning city objectives with provincial and federal ministerial structures
• Drive corporate-wide advocacy campaigns to secure favorable policy alignment and funding for major initiatives
• Deliver high-level briefing materials to the Executive Leadership Team and City Council
• Facilitate and strengthen strategic relationships with senior federal, provincial, and regional leaders
• Represent the City at intergovernmental and regional forums
• Lead participation in policy consultations and manage external government relations consultants
• Formulate proactive government relations strategies and language for policy wins
• Monitor political, legislative and media landscapes to identify opportunities and risks
• Track regional and national developments to anticipate intergovernmental issues
• Direct intergovernmental research projects to support policy positioning

Skills

Political acumen

Municipal acumen

Strategic leadership

Relationship building

Analytical ability

Effective communication

Equity & inclusion

Education

University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts

7+ years government experience

Tools

Policy briefing & reports

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Drive Strategic Impact as Our Senior Intergovernmental Strategist

The City is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join the Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs team during a pivotal era of growth and regional alignment. Operating within a high-performing strategic portfolio model, the Senior Intergovernmental Strategist serves a core role in translating the City’s Government Relations Strategy into tangible achievements.

In this position, you will lead proactive, corporate-wide advocacy efforts that ensure the City commands a unified, influential voice across federal, provincial, regional, and intermunicipal partnerships. You will be instrumental in advancing Council’s highest-priority outcomes—driving progress across Economic Development, Growth Management, Safety, and Quality Services . If you are a sophisticated strategist eager to shape Edmonton’s government relations landscape and build high-value partnerships, we invite you to lead the way.

What will you do?

• Serve as the dedicated corporate lead for a specific Council Priority portfolio, aligning city objectives with corresponding provincial and federal ministerial structures to advance strategic goals
• Drive corporate-wide, proactive advocacy campaigns to secure favorable policy alignment and essential provincial and federal funding for major City initiatives
• Deliver politically sharp, outcome-focused advice and high-level briefing materials (reports, memos, briefings) to the Executive Leadership Team, and City Council
• Facilitate and strengthen strategic relationships with senior federal, provincial, and regional leaders—including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and elected officials—by preparing executive briefing packages and official correspondence
• Represent the City of Edmonton independently or alongside senior leadership at critical intergovernmental and regional forums
• Lead the City’s participation in provincial and federal policy consultations and direct external government relations consultants to maximize diplomatic reach and advocacy impact
• Formulate proactive government relations strategies, tactical plans, and high-impact advocacy materials that translate complex municipal initiatives into clear policy wins
• Monitor and analyze political, legislative, and media landscapes—including provincial and federal budgets—to pinpoint strategic opportunities and mitigate emerging risks to municipal interests
• Track regional and national developments to identify emerging intergovernmental issues, leading corporate response strategies when swift action is required
• Direct intergovernmental research projects grounded in academic literature, industry trends, and municipal best practices to support evidence-based policy positioning

Qualifications:

• Completed University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts or a related field
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the municipal, provincial or federal levels of government including previous experience in working with elected officials

Assets:

• Certification in project management, or relevant coursework/certifications in government relations

Skills required for success:

• Political & Municipal Acumen: Deep expertise in municipal operations and intergovernmental structures, backed by keen familiarity with political dynamics across provincial, federal, and regional orders of government
• Strategic Leadership & Agility: Proven ability to take initiative, navigate complex political landscapes, and adapt rapidly to shifting strategic priorities and emerging trends
• Relationship Building & Influence: Advanced interpersonal skills to establish, nurture, and sustain high-value partnerships across diverse government departments, agencies, and regional bodies
• Analytical & Communication Mastery: Exceptional capacity to analyze complex legislative and media environments, identify cross-jurisdictional opportunities, and synthesize technical concepts into clear, high-impact communications
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies ( https://bit.ly/4brRrXm )
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52.
• This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off).
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

Conditions of employment:

• Up to: 1 permanent full-time position
• Hours of work: 33.75 hours per week, Monday - Friday
• Salary: $50.689 - $72.414 (Hourly); $89,301.35 - $127,575.36 (Annually)
• Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) security clearance that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton and is a requirement of this position, there may be a cost associated with this requirement

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an
accommodation, please contact [e-mail]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.