Government Relations Officer

Government Relations Officer

Summary:

The government relations officer supports the university's government relations strategy by coordinating stakeholder engagement activities, preparing briefing materials, monitoring government developments, and assisting with the planning and execution of events involving elected officials, public servants, and external partners.

Working closely with senior government relations staff, the officer provides research, logistical coordination, and communications support to advance institutional priorities and strengthen relationships with municipal, provincial, federal, Indigenous, and sector stakeholders. Key responsibilities for this position include event planning, preparation of scenario notes, and development of briefing materials for university leadership.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Leads logistical planning and execution of meetings, roundtables, government visits, announcements, tours, receptions, and special events in line with government relations strategy and the university’s priorities.
• Develops scenario notes and issue-management materials for senior leadership.
• Prepares briefing notes, speaking notes, key messages, stakeholder profiles, biographies, and meeting packages.
• Prepares detailed event briefing books and coordination materials for university leadership.
• Conducts research and environmental scans and prepares background materials on government initiatives, public policy issues, and key stakeholders.
• Supports the implementation of government relations priorities and engagement plans.
• Supports relationship-building activities with government, Indigenous, community, and sector partners.
• Coordinates the collection of information from internal subject matter experts to support the preparation of briefing materials.
• Coordinates invitations, attendance tracking, event logistics, run-of-show documents, and stakeholder communications.
• Supports protocol considerations and stakeholder management before, during, and after events.
• Supports the development of communications products related to government engagement activities, in collaboration with communications partners.
• Prepares summaries and reports highlighting engagement outcomes, issues, and next steps.
• Monitors and tracks government announcements, legislative developments, policy discussions, and stakeholder activities relevant to the university.
• Maintains consistency of messaging across briefing materials and stakeholder communications.
• Coordinates and tracks follow-up actions and reporting arising from government relations meetings, events, and engagements.
• Liaises with internal and external stakeholders regarding event logistics and participation.
• Assists with scheduling and coordination of government-relations-related visits and stakeholder meetings.
• Assists in maintaining stakeholder databases and engagement records.
• Communicates and acts in a respectful and professional manner, collaborates effectively, abides by policy, and contributes to a positive and productive work and learning environment.
• Engages in continuous learning by participating in activities, training, and events related to Indigenous engagement, reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrates respect and dignity for all members of the community, actively contributes to an environment of acceptance and inclusion of others, and responds to different perspectives from a place of curiosity, respect, and non-judgement.
• Undertakes related duties, as assigned, consistent with the nature of the position.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in political studies, public administration, communications, public policy, business, Indigenous governance, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years of related experience in government relations, public affairs, communications, stakeholder relations, event management, or public policy, preferably within a post-secondary, government, public-sector, or not-for-profit environment.
• Experience planning events or stakeholder engagement activities.
• Experience preparing briefing materials for executives, elected officials, or senior leaders is an asset.
• Strong written communication abilities.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into concise and actionable materials.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills.
• Strong event planning and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Knowledge of governmental decision-making processes and public policy environments.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• High degree of discretion, judgment, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Microsoft 365 applications and project coordination tools.

The University of Saskatchewan recognizes alternate career paths; therefore, a combination of education and experience may be considered.

Department: Government Relations Office
Status: Term 2 years with the possibility of extension or becoming permanent
Employment Group: ASPA
Full Time Equivalent (FTE): 1.0
Salary: The salary range, based on 1.0 FTE, is $69,035.00 - 107,868.00 per annum. The starting salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Salary Family (if applicable): Specialist Professional
Salary Phase/Band: Phase 2
Posted Date: 10/26/2026
Closing Date: 11/9/2026 at 6:00 pm CST
Number of Openings: 1
Work Location: On Campus

The University of Saskatchewan aspires to be what the world needs and embraces equity, diversity and inclusion as foundational to excellence and innovation. We actively seek to create a welcoming environment where all individuals feel empowered to thrive, contribute, and grow. Applications from equity-deserving groups are encouraged as part of our ongoing efforts to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve: EDI Framework for Action.
We continue to grow our partnerships with Indigenous communities across the province, nationally, and internationally and value the unique perspective that Indigenous employees provide to strengthen these relationships. Verification of Indigenous Membership/Citizenship at the University of Saskatchewan is led and determined by the deybwewin | taapwaywin | tapwewin: Indigenous Truth policy and the Standing Committee in accordance with the processes developed to enact the policy. Successful candidates that assert Indigenous membership/citizenship will be asked to complete the verification process of Indigenous membership/citizenship with documentation.
The University of Saskatchewan provides an accessible and inclusive workplace. Should you require support through any stage of the recruitment process, please contact usfor assistance.