Drive Strategic Impact as Our Senior Intergovernmental Strategist
The City is seeking an exceptional strategic leader to join the Intergovernmental and Regional Affairs team during a pivotal era of growth and regional alignment. Operating within a high-performing strategic portfolio model, the Senior Intergovernmental Strategist serves a core role in translating the City’s Government Relations Strategy into tangible achievements.
In this position, you will lead proactive, corporate-wide advocacy efforts that ensure the City commands a unified, influential voice across federal, provincial, regional, and intermunicipal partnerships. You will be instrumental in advancing Council’s highest-priority outcomes - driving progress across Economic Development, Growth Management, Safety, and Quality Services . If you are a sophisticated strategist eager to shape Edmonton’s government relations landscape and build high-value partnerships, we invite you to lead the way.
What will you do?
- Serve as the dedicated corporate lead for a specific Council Priority portfolio, aligning city objectives with corresponding provincial and federal ministerial structures to advance strategic goals
- Drive corporate-wide, proactive advocacy campaigns to secure favorable policy alignment and essential provincial and federal funding for major City initiatives
- Deliver politically sharp, outcome-focused advice and high-level briefing materials (reports, memos, briefings) to the Executive Leadership Team, and City Council
- Facilitate and strengthen strategic relationships with senior federal, provincial, and regional leaders - including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and elected officials - by preparing executive briefing packages and official correspondence
- Represent the City of Edmonton independently or alongside senior leadership at critical intergovernmental and regional forums
- Lead the City’s participation in provincial and federal policy consultations and direct external government relations consultants to maximize diplomatic reach and advocacy impact
- Formulate proactive government relations strategies, tactical plans, and high-impact advocacy materials that translate complex municipal initiatives into clear policy wins
- Monitor and analyze political, legislative, and media landscapes - including provincial and federal budgets - to pinpoint strategic opportunities and mitigate emerging risks to municipal interests
- Track regional and national developments to identify emerging intergovernmental issues, leading corporate response strategies when swift action is required
- Direct intergovernmental research projects grounded in academic literature, industry trends, and municipal best practices to support evidence-based policy positioning
- Completed University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts or a related field
- Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the municipal, provincial or federal levels of government including previous experience in working with elected officials
Assets:
- Certification in project management, or relevant coursework/certifications in government relations
Skills required for success:
- Political & Municipal Acumen: Deep expertise in municipal operations and intergovernmental structures, backed by keen familiarity with political dynamics across provincial, federal, and regional orders of government
- Strategic Leadership & Agility: Proven ability to take initiative, navigate complex political landscapes, and adapt rapidly to shifting strategic priorities and emerging trends
- Relationship Building & Influence: Advanced interpersonal skills to establish, nurture, and sustain high-value partnerships across diverse government departments, agencies, and regional bodies
- Analytical & Communication Mastery: Exceptional capacity to analyze complex legislative and media environments, identify cross-jurisdictional opportunities, and synthesize technical concepts into clear, high-impact communications
- Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm)
- Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation, and inclusion
- Applicants may be tested
Work Environment:
- This position may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement with the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52.
- This position is eligible for the EDO program (Earned Day Off).
- The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.
Conditions of employment:
- Up to: 1 permanent full-time position
- Hours of work: 33.75 hours per week, Monday - Friday
- Salary: $50.689 - $72.414 (Hourly); $89,301.35 - $127,575.36 (Annually)
- Hire is dependent on a Criminal Records Check (CRC) security clearance that is satisfactory to the City of Edmonton and is a requirement of this position, there may be a cost associated with this requirement
The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an
accommodation, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.
Recruitment Consultant: AS/SB
Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.
