Purpose of your Position - Non Union
The Intergovernmental Relations Manager is responsible for managing the City of Kelowna’s overall approach to intergovernmental relations, representing the City’s position and interests by communicating and negotiating with other jurisdictions. This position works collaboratively across all divisions and agencies to build strong relationships with government partners as well as key local, regional, national, and global stakeholders to support Council direction and advance the City’s strategic interests.
Classification Summary - Union
Results and Activities - Non union
1. Manage the City’s overall approach to intergovernmental relations:
- Monitor and review regional, provincial, federal, and international policies, legislation, and programs so the City can foster relationships, leverage opportunities, and advance its policy objectives locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally.
- Advise the City Manager, Senior Leadership Team, the Mayor, and members of Council regarding local, regional, national, and global issues and policies that could impact the City where there are opportunities for the City to further leverage its expertise and/or achievements.
- Plan, develop, manage, and evaluate innovative intergovernmental relations strategies, policies, and positions to enhance partnerships and strategic policy outcomes with all levels of government, First Nations, regional agencies, and local, regional, national, and global stakeholder organizations.
- Coordinate intergovernmental and strategic partnership work programs within a structured approach with dedicated processes to establish alignment across City divisions and agencies on priority files, ensuring delivery of appropriate and timely support to the Mayor and Council.
2. Liaise with all levels of government representing the City of Kelowna:
- Work with senior and other levels of government to achieve mutual objectives and informed decision-making by identifying shared issues and interests, exchanging information and seeking input on broad policy matters, as well as advancing key funding agreements between the City and its provincial and federal counterparts.
- Coordinate submissions to other governments on issues affecting Kelowna.
- Review and contribute to Council and Committee reports with an intergovernmental focus.
- Participate on committees, in working groups, at conferences, and other forums to represent the City of Kelowna to address intergovernmental priorities, such as housing, economic development, transportation and transit, infrastructure, and sustainability.
3. Respond to emergent issues in support of the City Manager, Mayor and Council:
- Support the City Manager, Mayor, and Council to develop and manage a coordinated, consistent and concerted approach to participation in nongovernmental policy and advocacy organizations, at a national and international level, such as the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), the Big City Mayors’ Caucus, C40, COP 21 etc.
- Liaise with Corporate Communications to ensure a proactive communications approach to emerging issues.
- Communicate and foster understanding of intergovernmental issues, processes, and strategic partnerships across the organization.
Knowledge - Non Union
A university degree in public administration or public policy or related discipline (graduate degree preferred), or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. A minimum of 5 years diverse professional experience including public sector government experience where programs and initiatives were advanced through superior relationships. Considerable experience developing and implementing strategic stakeholder and intergovernmental relations plans. Extensive experience providing advice to senior staff and elected officials. Experience managing and/or supervising staff and consultants. Considerable knowledge of, and demonstrated skills in, developing and implementing strategic communications, intergovernmental, stakeholder, and advocacy plans that advance public policy objectives. Experience developing and making presentation to large groups.
Skills & Abilities - Non Union
Proven ability to take initiative, plan, organize, set goals and outcomes, create processes, accomplish and measure objectives and results. Proven ability to work independently to produce quality results within tight timeframes. Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills, as well as strong influencing abilities. Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive, contentious, complex, and highly confidential issues involving multiple and diverse stakeholders with skill, tact, and diplomacy. Proven ability to lead and facilitate meetings, groups, and teams, including managing controversial subjects. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining good working relationships with a wide spectrum of internal and external stakeholder groups and partners both daily and in exceptional situations that may be controversial, stressful, and highly dynamic. Also required for this position: excellent interpersonal skills and patience to deal tactfully with staff, elected officials, and the public; a proven ability to exercise sound judgement and discretion; demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment under tight deadlines and constant change; and an ability to handle numerous projects simultaneously with minimal supervision. Demonstrated understanding of the City of Kelowna’s policies programs and mandate.
