Brock University is located on the traditional territory of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinaabe peoples, many of whom continue to live and work here today. This territory is covered by the Upper Canada Treaties and is within the land protected by the Dish with One Spoon Wampum Agreement.
We are one of Canada’s outstanding comprehensive universities, where excellence and innovation thrive! Brock has been recognized as a Top Employer in Hamilton-Niagara for seven consecutive years. We have been ranked #3 as Canada’s Best Employers and top 10 as one of Canada’s Best Employers for Diversity. For 2025, Brock has been proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top Employers for Company Culture, ranked seventh by Forbes in partnership with Statista. At Brock, you will find a welcoming, inclusive community and an exciting range of meaningful career opportunities.
Ignite new possibilities for your career. Break through at Brock.
About the Role:
Reporting to the Vice-President, External, the Executive Director, Government & Community Relations provides visionary and operational leadership for Brock University’s integrated government and community relations function to advance institutional-level priorities, ensuring proactive engagement with all levels of government and key community stakeholders. The incumbent sets direction, establishes priorities, and oversees delivery across government and community relations initiatives in support of Brock’s goals and broader institutional objectives.
Additionally, the Executive Director, Government & Community Relations acts as a senior advisor to the executive team, representing Brock in high-level negotiations and forums and driving initiatives that enhance Brock’s visibility and influence.
The Executive Director, Government & Community Relations will:
- Provide leadership in developing and implementing multi-year government and community relations plans, ensuring alignment with Brock’s institutional priorities;
- Provide leadership and strategic counsel on responses to government and community inquiries, ensuring advocacy documents, funding proposals, and communications reflect Brock’s institutional voice and strategic positioning;
- Drive initiatives that influence policy and legislative decisions, secure funding from all levels of government, and strengthen relationships with key partners to enhance Brock’s presence and reputation;
- Advise the President, and senior leadership on emerging legislative and policy issues to inform institutional decision-making;
- Provide oversight for departmental budgeting and financial planning, leading multi-year financial strategies and annual budget processes;
- Lead the team in building influential relationships with elected officials, senior public servants, and policy leaders across all levels of government;
- Oversee and ensure transparency and data-driven decision-making through progress reports, metrics, and impact analyses;
- Lead high-level engagement with community leaders, organizations, and stakeholders, identify synergies and opportunities;
- Oversee negotiation and approval of institution-wide partnership agreements, ensuring alignment with Brock’s strategic priorities, financial sustainability, and long-term positioning with domestic and international partners;
- Serve as a key liaison between external stakeholders and Brock leadership, ensuring community feedback informs strategic planning and decision-making;
- Oversee and lead strategic projects that deepen Brock’s expertise and partnerships, driving innovation and impact in government and community engagement.
Key Skills and Experience:
- Leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, or advocacy;
- Experience influencing policy and securing funding at multiple levels of government;
- Experience managing high-level relationships and leading strategic initiatives;
- Ability to develop and implement a clear vision and direction, and establish strategic goals and objectives that align with Brock’s mission;
- Ability to generate innovative ideas and translate into practical solutions that drive progress;
- Excellent project management abilities with flexibility and effective communication to navigate transitions;
- Ability to influence others by building strong relationships through trust, effective communication and emotional intelligence;
- Ability to coach, mentor and guide team members to help them achieve their individual and common goals;
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills to evaluate problems and develop well-considered solutions;
- Ability to maintain composure in challenging situations, ensuring thoughtful and rational decision making.
Salary and Total Rewards:
- Job Grade R, Salary Scale ($118,322-$189,314);
- Target Hiring Range: $118,322-$170,000*
- This is a permanent position that includes:
- Health & Dental Benefits: Comprehensive extended health, dental, and vision coverage.
- Pension Plan: Enrollment eligibility in the Brock University Pension Plan.
- Vacation: Up to 3 weeks per year, in addition to university holidays.
- Professional Development: Eligibility for the Brock Tuition Waiver Program.
*The final salary is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations within the target hiring range.
We are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where possible as outlined in our Flexible Work Arrangement Policy. As a student-centered organization, all employees are required to work on campus as needed.
Brock University is committed to creating a respectful and equitable workplace. We strive to foster a culture of diversity and inclusion in our work and learning environments. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals and actively encourage applications from women, people with disabilities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous Peoples, people who identify as Black, African and/or Caribbean, as racialized and/or as from ethnic and cultural minority groups, and other underrepresented demographic groups at Brock and in the Niagara region. Brock also recognizes intersectionality and the interconnected identities, histories, and experiences of these aforementioned groups.
We are committed to inclusive and barrier-free recruitment, and we accommodate the needs of applicants throughout all stages of the recruitment process, as outlined in our Employment Accommodation Policy and consistent with the requirements of the Ontario Human Rights Code. Please contact [email protected] if you require a disability related accommodation so we can ensure your participation needs are met.
Brock University does not use AI Technology at any stage of the recruitment process.
We appreciate all applications received. Candidates that are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Learn more about Brock University by visiting www.brocku.ca.
Skills Required
- Leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, or advocacy.
- Experience influencing policy and securing funding at multiple levels of government.
- Experience managing high-level relationships and leading strategic initiatives.
- Ability to develop and implement vision, strategic goals, and multi-year plans.
- Excellent project management abilities and flexibility to navigate transitions.
- Strong influencing skills, emotional intelligence, and relationship-building ability.
- Ability to coach, mentor, and guide team members.
- Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills for evaluating problems and developing solutions.
- Ability to maintain composure and make thoughtful decisions in challenging situations.
What We Do
Brock University is a public research university located in St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada, that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.
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