Regular/Temporary

Temporary

Job Title

Public Affairs Officer

Job ID

71400

Location

Central Campus

Open Date

08/18/2025

Job Type

Limited Term (>12 months)

Close Date

09/06/2025

Employee Group

TMG

Favorite Job

Department

CMPA Public Affairs

Salary Grade/Band

Band H

Salary Range

$59249.00 - $76676.00 (annual)

Contract Duration

12.3 Months

Hours per Week

35

Posting Details

Public Affairs Officer
McMaster University

Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs (CMPA) is responsible for McMaster University’s communications (including: media relations, issues management, internal communications, neighbourhood relations), marketing and branding, and public affairs with all three levels of government. It is a dynamic team of professionals who support each other’s success and development. We are seeking an equally talented Public Affairs Officer (hiring range: $65,000 to $70,000 annually) to join our award-winning team. This position reports to the Associate Director, Public Affairs and is based in Hamilton.

Ranked as one of the world’s top 100 universities, McMaster University is devoted to the cultivation of human potential, realized through our innovative educational programs, cutting-edge research, and the diverse students, faculty, staff and alumni who make up the McMaster family. Dedicated to creating a Brighter World, we recognize that our people are our most valuable resource. Those who join McMaster will find a community of talented individuals who are inspired by the university's commitment to embodying the values of integrity, quality, inclusiveness and teamwork. It is through these talented individuals, their creativity and drive for results that has earned McMaster its reputation as being Canada's "most innovative" university.

The Public Affairs Officer will contribute to the development and enhancement of positive relationships with all levels of government, by providing high quality meaningful opportunities for engagement, in support of McMaster University’s mission and vision. This position will assist with the day-to-day management and coordination of government relations at all levels. In addition, the Public Affairs Officer will contribute to ensuring that elected officials, civil servants and other stakeholders are well informed and updated on McMaster’s activities, accomplishments and priorities, and keep up to date on government issues and opportunities and share with the Public Affairs team. Due to the nature of this position some evening and weekend work as well as occasional travel within the GTHA & occasional domestic travel will be required.

How You’ll Succeed:

Communication & Coordination

• Contribute government relations information and content to internal communication vehicles, including the daily news.
• Track results and performance measures to aid decision making, program development and implementation and recommend modifications and improvements in relation to the Public Affairs portfolio.
• Coordinate all activities as appropriate with other university and CMPA functions, including communications (including, media relations, issues management, internal communications, neighbourhood relations), marketing and branding, and related work in the academic faculties.
• Participate, from time to time, in CMPA projects such as project teams and work teams.
• Support McMaster University’s priorities with government at all levels.

Research/Correspondence and Written Work

• Responsible for researching, writing and editing documents, including but not limited to, correspondence, event plans, proposals and briefing materials for internal stakeholders in support of advocacy initiatives.
• Support the development and implementation of government relations strategies and objectives by developing documents including briefing notes.
• Create and produce printed materials, both conventional and electronic
• Develop, update and deliver presentations and represent CMPA in various public-speaking environments.
• Undertake research in support of advocacy activities and keep advised of government initiatives, particularly those relating to the funding of universities.

Relationship Building

• Provide support and build relationships with stakeholders by accompanying university leadership and key volunteers on visits as appropriate.
• Represent CMPA through correspondence, both paper and electronic, phone and in-person contact. This includes acting as a first point of contact for stakeholder concerns and complaints.
• Update and maintain information in various relationship management databases.

Who You Are:

• You bring a minimum 3 years’ experience in government and/or government relations

• You bring a university degree (a McMaster university degree is an asset)

• You bring experience in research and monitoring public policy and legislative developments

• You bring a working knowledge of government, government programming and government decision making processes

• You have experience in event planning

• You have superior interpersonal and communication skills (e.g. written and public speaking)

• You have excellent customer-service skills, and strong service orientation

• You display extreme professionalism and have excellent judgment and decision-making abilities, are results oriented and display tact and sensitivity.

What McMaster offers:

• McMaster University has a market-driven total rewards package including a comprehensive benefits plan, including expanded mental health benefit entitlement, health spending account, retirement savings plans, vacation, professional development fund and tuition assistance. Our total rewards package attracts, develops and retains our outstanding workforce.
• Starting salary for this position is between the range of $65,000 to $70,000 (annual) with the higher range requiring significant experience in government relations.
• As a member of The Management Group (TMG), the successful candidate will be provided with a highly competitive Total Rewards Program which includes:

  • Hybrid work arrangements and flexible working hours to promote employee wellbeing.

  • Industry-leading paid time off (vacation, personal management days, and holiday closure).

  • Generous salary range with annual performance-based merit review.

  • Comprehensive benefits package (physical health, mental health, dental, vision and healthcare spending account) and group retirement plans.

  • Top-up for pregnancy and parental leaves.

  • Annual professional development allowance as well as Tuition Assistance Program.

How To Apply

To apply for this job, please submit your application online.

Employment Equity Statement

McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.

The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.

The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:

• Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
• Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
• School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679

to communicate accommodation needs.

Hybrid Work Language

To ensure an ongoing and vibrant University community that meets the needs of our students, staff and faculty and supports the University mission, ability to work on-site continues to be a requirement for most University positions. The University is supportive of exploring flexible work arrangements that effectively balance operational needs and employee interests.

Interview Experience

At McMaster University, we believe in a comprehensive and inclusive interview process. Our interview methods encompass a variety of approaches that allow our hiring teams to provide a flexible and accessible experience for engaging with our candidates. Throughout your recruitment process at McMaster, you may be requested to participate in a variety of formats, that may include in-person, virtual or recorded interviews. If you have any questions as you move through the hiring process, please reach out to talent@mcmaster.ca or the HR contact associated with your position of interest.