Senior Intergovernmental Relations Liaison

The Town of Cochrane is located in the breathtaking Bow Valley corridor in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in southern Alberta. With a population of over 30,000 people, and growing steadily every year, Cochrane is a thriving town, surrounded by world-famous ranch country. Our western heritage is reflected in the Town’s architecture and our friendly people. The Town of Cochrane welcomes innovative and skilled individuals to join our team of over 250 employees.

Cochrane is excited to recruit for the position of Senior Intergovernmental Relations Liaison.  We are experiencing a cultural evolution that travels through the Intergovernmental Relations profession to the entire organization and we are looking for innovative and skilled individual to join us!

Reporting to the Director, Organizational Strategy & Culture, the Senior Intergovernmental Relations Liaison works in a multi-disciplinary environment where their solid knowledge and interest in government systems and background in public policy will be used to provide analysis and advice to the Executive Leadership Team in support of Council's direction and advances the Town of Cochrane’s strategic interest. You work collaboratively with departments to identify issues and opportunities to advocate to other orders of government including regional and civic partners.

Why should you consider working for us?
Our employees enjoy many benefits including competitive public sector pay, comprehensive health and dental benefits package, professional learning and development opportunities and the opportunity to work with other talented municipal professionals. 

As an organization, Cochrane has a focus on investing in people.  This is not a boring municipality.  We are growing into an organization with a focus on transparency, critical thinking, curiosity, reflection and innovation.  We support experimentation as part of the growth process and strive for continuous improvement.  We are municipal employees, and we are accountable to all the residents of the Town of Cochrane.  Want to be a part of this exciting time?

If you want to make a difference in our community and have an undergraduate degree in either Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, or Business Administration paired with 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a strategic and policy driven environment within the municipal, provincial, or federal sectors, we want to hear from you!

As the Senior Intergovernmental Relations Liaison, you will:
-    Analyze relevant trends/data, gather information on the policies and actions of other governments, and perform ongoing environmental scanning on issues and trends with an intergovernmental dimension.
-    Conceptualize, research, and execute complex, confidential, and/or sensitive assignments regarding issues of a highly corporate and political nature.
-    Recommend strategic communications tactics and approaches that support regional policy work and associated educational and influence campaigns.
-    Develop background briefing notes for Council, the Chief Administrative Office (CAO) and Executive Leadership Team.
-    Communicate and foster an understanding of intergovernmental and inter-municipal issues and trends.
-    Coordinate corporate submissions of an intergovernmental nature through liaising and collaborating with subject matter experts at all levels of the organization.
-    Creating cohesive submissions that balance perspectives from various business areas while aligning with corporate positions and council priorities.
-    Provide organizational support, leadership and focus for intergovernmental and external relations issues and opportunities.
-    Participate on committees, working groups, and other related forums mandated to address intergovernmental, regional, inter-municipal and key community/institutional partners priorities and issues.
-    Maintain an awareness of the political and economic climate driving decisions and effectively support integration into organizational planning activities including Council's strategic plan, the corporate and fiscal plan and departmental business plans.
-    Drive engagement activities with various parties to maintain an understanding of changing business needs.
-    Coordinate and facilitate relationships and partnerships with other orders of government, municipalities and municipal organizations, and key external stakeholders.
-    Support efforts to address intergovernmental, regional, inter-municipal and other external client priorities and issues.
-    Support the Strategic Leadership Team and elected officials who sit on various intergovernmental organizations.

If many of the following characteristics and skills describe you, we want to meet you!
-    Undergraduate Degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration or a related field.
-    Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in a strategic and policy driven environment within the municipal, provincial, or federal orders of government, including experience working with elected officials.
-    Exercise superior writing skills to draft Council and other general reports, briefings, and presentations.
-    Applies strong logical reasoning and intellectual curiosity skills.
-    Ability to work effectively and professionally with all levels within the organization and externally.
-    Proven ability to learn and adapt quickly, in diverse areas such as political analysis, communications and project management.
-    Ability to effectively transfer ideas, concepts, and information into effective and efficient strategies.
-    Ability to develop, implement and evaluate innovative plans.
-    Ability to analyze and interpret administrative procedures, regulations, legal documents, and legislation.
-    Required to be proactive and provide timely updates across all levels of the organization.
-    Strong business and political acumen is a must. 

Cochrane is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for all employees.  As a Cochrane employee, you must take reasonable care to protect your health and safety and that of others present at worksites, perform work safely, follow all relevant health and safety legislation, Cochrane directives and procedures and attend all identified orientations and training.

Still interested?  Here’s how to apply:
•    Qualified individuals are encouraged to submit your resume, and a letter stating how your experience match the required qualifications, skills and abilities for this position. 
•    All qualified candidates will be requested to complete an online suitability survey. 
•    Applications for this position will be accepted until a suitable candidate is hired. To view the posting and apply online, please visit https://www.cochrane.ca/government/careers