Associate Vice President, Government and Community Relations

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

The compensation range for this position is $230,000 - $260,000 annually.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary

The Associate Vice-President, Government & Community Relations (AVP, G&CR) is responsible for providing vision, leadership and direction to the University of British Columbia’s government and community relations strategy in efforts to support and advance the institutional reputation while sustaining integrated strong relationships with our valued external partners.  The incumbent provides strategic advice and counsel in relation to the University’s interaction and activities on strategic issues related to government across all levels of government, especially in Ottawa.

The position also oversees the Community Relations unit and offers leadership and direction to formulate a work plan that ensures resilient and respectful partnerships that supports the University’s refreshed strategic plan and community partner needs and aspirations.

As a key member of the Vice-President’s senior management team, the AVP, Government & Community Relations is critical to the strategic development and implementation of the External Relations mission, strategic initiatives and fiscal framework.

Organizational Status

The position is one of three Associate Vice-Presidents and one of six direct reports to the Vice-President (External Relations).  Works closely with the President, Vice-Presidents, senior university administration, Deans and Directors. Manages relationships with government representatives, industry and corporate partners, and partner institutions such as Universities Canada, the U15, and the Research Universities’ Council of BC (RUCBC).

Work Performed

Provides leadership and vision to the university’s government relations activities:

• Works closely with the President and the entire senior team to set strategic priorities on advocacy and policy matters.

• Provides leadership in the development and execution of an integrated government function and strategic plan to advance the University's vision and presence that may have local, provincial, and national impact.

• Aligned with the overarching refreshed UBC strategy, leads and coordinates all GR activities, initiatives, and tactics across all campuses to effectively advocate to each level of government.

• Develops, plans and directs strategies and programs to keep the University in the forefront of government awareness and concern, at all levels.

• Identifies, , facilitates and fosters mutually beneficial relationships between the appropriate government officials, and representatives of the University. Builds partnerships with industry and corporate interests to advance UBC’s overall vision and strategies.

• Positions UBC as a trusted advisor to government and their ‘go-to’ University in support of their efforts to develop research, drive the economy and create evidence-based policy.

• Ensures that Deans are kept up-to-date and informed of the university's initiatives and agendas with government (and vice versa) so the message to government is clear and consistent. Advises in creating an effective approach to government and helps them develop strategies for specific projects.

• Initiates visits of government and industry officials to campus and creates events, forums and meetings with key leaders, faculty members, students and departments for the purpose of highlighting UBC's research initiatives and innovative programs.

• Brings to the attention of the key stakeholders any funding opportunities that could impact their respective areas.

• Ensures that UBC perspectives and priorities shape national and provincial advocacy efforts and sector communications.

• Advises the President and the UBC's administrative and academic leaders of emerging issues that will impact UBC. As both an advocate and advisor to government, the Associate Vice President will advance policies and positions that align with UBC's mission and a commitment to strong public policy.

Ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the University’s community relations functions:

• Directs and leads the development, design and implementation of the strategic plan for Community Relations, leveraging the knowledge of senior University academic and administrative official and external community to develop a holistic approach to its activities.

• Ensures strategic relationships (internal and external) are cultivated, managed and maintained to further the University's mandate.

• Identifies and facilitates opportunities for the University in policy development under community relations functions.

• Develops, plans and directs strategies and programs to keep the University in the forefront of community relations awareness.

• Provides strategic advice and leadership on the development of University policy as it relates to community relations. 

• Develops and implements a communication plan to engage and inform both internal and external University community leveraging the expertise of the Communications unit.

• Ensures UBC’s community relations is well-known, recognized, and understood.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

This position is a key one in the University’s relationship with all levels of government and with the corporate sector. In addition to a high level of tact and discretion, the incumbent must have a strong knowledge and understanding of the issues facing government, the university, and the corporate sector at local, national and international level. This role must also have keen understanding of the protocol required in dealing with government. Because this area is charged with building and maintaining relationships with government and corporate contacts, improper advice or actions could result in severe damage to the university’s ongoing relationships which could have financial and political repercussions.

Supervision Received

Works independently, using own judgement.

Supervision Given

The AVP, Government & Community Relations provides leadership and direction to staff and is responsible for an annual budget of $1.4 million.

Minimum Qualifications

• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own.

• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to diversity and inclusion.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience engaging with the federal government (PMO, Ministers, Ministerial Aides and Offices, Deputy Ministers, ADMs, etc.).

• Experience working with other elected officials and civil servants (the Premier, the Premier’s office, Ministers Offices, the Mayor’s office, political staff, etc.).

• An advanced degree in a related field, preferably in Political Science, Public Administration or Communications, or an equivalent combination of experience and relevant education.

• Experience designing, shaping, and influencing public policy, preferably in the post- secondary/university sector and with particular expertise in federal government engagement.

• Experience developing, coordinating, and facilitating forums that bring people together to discuss and debate important issues.

• At least 5 years in a senior management capacity in a complex environment involving a significant number of people with diverse and varied skills and experience.  Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• A thorough understanding of the bureaucracy and protocols of government is essential, as is an understanding of the evolving relationships between universities, government and community relations.

• Demonstrated significant accomplishments in understanding an organization’s strategic positioning, reputation management, communications, marketing, and government or stakeholder relations.

• Experience within the post-secondary sector, especially in research-based universities will be considered an asset.