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Opportunities

Associate Vice President, Government & Community Relations

MacEwan University

Status: Open Location: Edmonton, AB

The Organization

Founded in 1971, MacEwan University provides student-focused instruction in an environment of excellence, warmth, and inclusivity. We focus on teaching, so our students can focus on learning. It’s been a cornerstone of who we are for more than 50 years, and we continue to build on that reputation.

Offering more than 65 programs, the University provides a transformative education in a collaborative and supportive learning environment. Creativity thrives here through research and innovation that engages students, faculty and the community. Over 90% of programs include a work-integrated learning component, ensuring that students graduate with real-world experiences that connect them to employers and their communities.

Passion and dedication have made MacEwan the university it is today and have created the foundation for what it will be in the years ahead. As an outstanding educational organization, we rely on our employees’​ collaboration and expertise to keep us on the right path. Looking to the future, MacEwan University is expanding its impact as a leading urban undergraduate institution of and for the community, and seeks exceptional individuals to join in that work.

For more information about MacEwan, please visit their website.

The Opportunity

Reports to:Vice-President, University Relations
Direct Reports:5: Director of Government Relations, Manager of Government Relations, a Community Relations Specialist, a Government Relations Specialist, and an Executive Assistant.
Location:On-Site in Edmonton, AB

Mandate

MacEwan is seeking an experienced, strategic, and highly engaged leader to serve as the Associate Vice President (AVP), Government and Community Relations. Reporting to the Vice-President, University Relations, the AVP will lead the university’s engagement with all orders of government, as well as key community partners.  

This position is essential in supporting the achievement of MacEwan’s strategic plan, Teaching Greatness. It reflects the university’s commitment to enhancing its voice in the post-secondary business and community sectors while reinforcing its identity as a key downtown pillar. The AVP will serve as a trusted advisor and visible ambassador, advancing MacEwan’s priorities through non-partisan advocacy and community activation.

The AVP will frame and steward MacEwan’s relationships with elected officials, policy makers, business leaders, and community leaders while ensuring the university is integrated into Edmonton’s civic and cultural fabric. Through proactive advocacy, collaboration, and partnership-building, the AVP will help MacEwan achieve its strategic goals, broaden fundraising momentum, and enhance its presence in Edmonton’s downtown core.

Key Accountabilities

Government Relations

  • Develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with MacEwan’s strategic plan, Teaching Greatness.
  • Build and maintain fruitful relationships with all orders of government, ensuring that MacEwan’s objectives are aligned with government priorities.
  • Represent MacEwan in government consultations, sector meetings, and relevant external committees.
  • Engage internally to build capacity and collaboration in positioning MacEwan externally with government and relevant agencies, boards, and commissions.
  • Lead advocacy initiatives to secure institutional funding, policy support, and program approvals.
  • Proactively identify public policy issues and opportunities for MacEwan and collaboratively engage with appropriate ministries and departments. Advise the Vice-President on emerging opportunities and risks.

Community Engagement

  • Cultivate strong relationships with community organizations, business leaders, Indigenous communities, and non-profit partners to strengthen MacEwan’s role as a thought leader, city builder, and cultural hub in Edmonton.
  • Strengthen MacEwan’s presence beyond the campus by fostering meaningful connections in the broader community, while also creating opportunities for the community to be welcomed into and engaged with the university.
  • Champion initiatives that elevate MacEwan’s visibility and influence in shaping public policy and community development, in alignment with the university’s strategic vision.
  • Strengthen collaborations that address student needs such as affordability, food security, and mental health.
  • Collaborate with Communications and Marketing to ensure consistent, strategic messaging on public policy issues and institutional priorities.
  • Anticipate, assess, and advise on political, public, and community issues that may impact the university’s reputation or operations. Identify risks and opportunities for MacEwan to contribute to community development initiatives and civil discourse.
  • Promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in all government and community engagement activities, ensuring that MacEwan’s partnerships reflect the diversity of the communities it serves.
  • Explore and implement innovative government and community engagement approaches, such as digital platforms, data-informed advocacy, and collaborative policy development.

Leadership & Administration

  • Lead a small but high-impact government and community relations team, demonstrating professionalism, collaboration, and adaptability.
  • Foster a culture of professionalism, collaboration, and proactive engagement. Demonstrate and promote the values of integrity, transparency, trust, respect, and accountability, cascading these principles throughout the team and broader organization.
  • Build strong working relationships across academic and administrative units.
  • Ensure efficient use of financial and human resources while maintaining flexibility to respond to evolving needs and priorities.

First-Year Deliverables / Measures of Success

Success in the first year will be determined by the candidate’s ability to:

  • Engage with MacEwan’s priority stakeholders, ensuring high-impact partners feel welcomed and valued.
  • Meet with key external organizations and inspire collaboration, not just maintain existing relationships.
  • Deliver a visible initiative that strengthens MacEwan’s downtown presence (e.g., community day or partnership activation).
  • Expand collaborations directly addressing student priorities, such as food security and housing support.
  • Clarify and communicate the pathways for achieving MacEwan’s government relations strategy.
  • Demonstrate resilience and collaboration by building bridges throughout the organization.

Candidate Profile

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education:

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, communications, business, or a related field.
  • A master’s degree is preferred.

Experience:

  • 8 to 10 years of progressive leadership experience in government relations, public affairs, policy, or a related field.
    • Experience within the public sector, post-secondary, or large non-profit environment would be considered an asset.
  • Deep knowledge of Alberta’s political and policy environment, and familiarity with Canada’s post-secondary sector.
  • Demonstrated experience in strategic advocacy, policy development, and navigating complex regulatory environments.
  • Comfort working in fast-paced, high-output environments with a degree of political complexity.
    • Demonstrated ability to navigate complex and sensitive issues with discretion and strategic insight.
  • Demonstrated excellence in team leadership.
  • Familiarity with lobbying legislation, compliance frameworks, and institutional governance.
  • Exceptional communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills, with the ability to represent the institution effectively across diverse audiences.

Competencies and Attributes:

  • Strategic Thinking & Political Acumen – Anticipates policy trends; navigates sensitive issues with discretion.
  • Relationship Builder – Approachable, collaborative, trusted by diverse interested parties.
  • High Energy & Adaptive – Thrives in dynamic environments; embraces change and transformation.
  • Community Orientation – Deeply invested in embedding MacEwan within Edmonton’s downtown and broader community.
  • Communication Excellence – Clear, persuasive, and diplomatic communicator with government, faculty, and community audiences.
  • Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Champions inclusive, respectful engagement with diverse communities.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

MacEwan is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that a diverse team benefits and is essential to service excellence. MacEwan welcomes applications from all qualified individuals and encourages women, members of racialized communities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to confidentially self-identify at the time of application.  In accordance with provincial legislation, accommodation will be provided by Mullen and MacEwan throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.

Application Instructions:

If this opportunity excites you, please send an application package including your resume and cover letter to connect@mullenleadership.com with the position title and organization name in the subject line of your email.

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