Working at Fanshawe College
Fanshawe College is committed to the principles of hybrid work and may offer this option to employees whose work can be performed in an alternate location, without adverse impact to the operations of the College, inclusive of our Student and Staff experience. Confirmation of hybrid work options available to you will be clarified upon hire and may be subject to change based on the duties required of your position. Successful candidates will be required to perform work within Ontario and must be available to work on campus, as required.
Posting Closing Date:
Campus Location:
London, ONDepartment:
PRA1 Office of the President - AdminEmployment Group:
Pay Details:
Worker Sub-Type:
Time Type:
Remote Type:
In-PersonContract End Date:
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Job Description:
Reporting to the Chief of Staff, in the Office of the President, the Government Relations Officer’s primary focus is on developing external relationships with the three levels of government (Municipal, Provincial, and Federal) and with local business, industry, and community partners. The incumbent will work collaboratively with internal College leaders and various College academic and service areas to identify and pursue opportunities to leverage community partnerships.
The incumbent will be accountable for the development and implementation of the College’s Annual Government Relations Advocacy Plan, focusing on these key sectors with primary emphasis on provincial and municipal relationships. Through the Advocacy Plan, the incumbent will develop and coordinate the implementation of strategies to raise the profile of the institution, strengthening the College’s competitiveness, reputation and brand with government representatives and community partners. The incumbent will engage in regular and consultation with other College departments having a proactive outreach element to their operations and complements the College’s strategic partnerships portfolio under the VP, Innovation, Strategy and Enrolment. The incumbent, in consultation with the Office of the President, makes recommendations to the College with respect to college objectives and policy relating to government relations.
The individual is an active participant in national, provincial and local government relations committees, such as College’s Ontario, Colleges and Institutes Canada and Polytechnics Canada and participates in City Task Forces where required.
This position plays a vital role in strategic communications from the Office of the President, ensuring the integrity of the Office and supporting the President’s public image. Through discretion and professionalism, it contributes to maintaining and enhancing Fanshawe’s brand and reputation.
Qualifications:
Post-secondary 3-year diploma/degree in a directly related field such as Communications, Public Relations, Public Administration or Political Science
Minimum 9 years’ experience in government or in government relations, public relations and communications leadership.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
Familiarity with and understanding of a complex, multi-stakeholder environment and sensitivity to issues of diversity of the population that Fanshawe College serves
Media relations experience, image building and familiarity with all communications techniques
Thorough understanding of the regional labour market and experience working with both the public and private sectors
Excellent written and editorial skills, oral communications skills and public speaking skills, organizational, planning, analytical and intuitive skills
Knowledge and Experience in:
Cultivating relationships with external constituencies
Building trust and creating effective teams
Developing effective advocacy networks and establishing effective coalitions
Working well across organizational lines of authority within the College
Demonstrated effective leadership capability at a senior level
Comprehensive understanding of the political landscape in Ontario as it affects the priorities of post-secondary education and research, as well as one-time and ongoing infrastructure funding
Thorough knowledge of government legislation, including but not limited to legislation that directly affects higher education
Analytical skills and knowledge to assess and successfully predict emerging policy directions, along with a thorough knowledge of the current policy landscape at all levels of government
Communication and Presentation:
Ability to integrate large, complex communications initiatives in a politically ambiguous and rapidly changing landscape, including social media
Ability to communicate to the Executive Team, the College Community, and regulatory bodies such as Municipal, Provincial and Federal Government agencies using well-developed verbal, written, presentation and electronic communication skills
Strong writing skills for reports and proposals, appropriate for review and decision-making by senior leaders with limited prior review by others
Expertise with Microsoft Word processing software and PowerPoint presentation software
Familiarity with a range of social media tools to assist in networking and communicating with various clients and/or project team members
Educational Credentials
While transcripts are not required for the interview, they are mandatory as a condition of employment.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Fanshawe College is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to equity, value diversity, and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Accommodation
Fanshawe College provides accommodations to job applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process. If a job applicant requires an accommodation during the application process or through the selection process, the hiring manager and the recruiter leading the recruitment will work with the applicant to meet the job applicant’s accommodation needs. Accommodation requests per the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act can be emailed to: askhr@fanshawec.ca
Land Acknowledgement
Fanshawe College would like to acknowledge and honour the Anishinaabe, Lotinuhsyuní and Lenape people of southwestern Ontario as the traditional owners and custodians of the lands and waterways where Fanshawe College is located.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.
We are committed to hiring military and Veteran spouses and encourage you to identify your connection with the MSEN when reaching out to us or applying to any of our open roles.
Have questions or want to learn more about us? We would love to hear from you!
MCC@Fanshawec.ca
Fanshawe College was Canada's first Military Connected College.
We strive to provide an environment for students and staff who are military connected to feel at home.
We are located in London, Ontario and have several regional campuses around South Western Ontario. We hire for a wide range of roles at Fanshawe College and are always looking to unlock potential.
We offer a wide range of programs and supports to military connected students and employees.