POSITION TITLE: Deputy Chief Intergovernmental and Public Relations 

DEPARTMENT: Intergovernmental Relations

CLASSIFICATION: MGEX-03

SALARY RANGE: Starting at $144,218.00 Per Annum

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, Permanent

LOCATION: Saskatoon

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Chief Operating Officer

Brief Overview: 

The Deputy Chief Intergovernmental Relations leads government relations, citizen engagement, strategic planning, communications, and performance initiatives. The role builds and maintains key relationships with government, Indigenous, and community partners, provides strategic advice to leadership, and ensures community priorities are reflected in organizational planning, advocacy, and decision-making. The position also oversees departmental staff and supports the achievement of government goals through effective collaboration, communication, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities: 

Intergovernmental Relations

• Lead the development and implementation of integrated government relations, intergovernmental relations, citizen engagement, communications, and strategic planning frameworks that advance government’s priorities and support long-term governance objectives.
• Develop and execute comprehensive government and intergovernmental relations strategies, aligning advocacy efforts with citizen priorities, government goals, and legislative agendas.
• Build, maintain, and strengthen relationships with elected officials, federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous governments, community organizations, industry associations, and other strategic partners.
• Represent the government in consultations, partnerships, forums, and meetings with government and external stakeholders.
• Monitor, analyze, and provide strategic advice regarding political, legislative, regulatory, and policy developments, including emerging opportunities and risks.
• Lead the development and coordination of government submissions, briefing materials, policy recommendations, and strategic advice to support leadership decision-making and organizational priorities.

Citizen Engagement and Insights

• Lead citizen and stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure community voices inform governance, planning, policy development, and service delivery.
• Oversee community consultations, surveys, research initiatives, and engagement processes involving citizens, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and key stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain systems for collecting, analyzing, and sharing community insights, research findings, and performance data across the organization.
• Translate citizen and stakeholder feedback into actionable recommendations that support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.

Communications

• Develop and execute comprehensive communications strategies that support government relations, citizen engagement, strategic priorities, and government’s objectives.
• Oversee media relations, public affairs, digital communications, stakeholder communications, events, storytelling, and public engagement initiatives.
• Ensure communications are accurate, transparent, culturally appropriate, and aligned with organizational positions and priorities.
• Coordinate with legal, policy, and operational teams to ensure public communications are compliant, consistent, and strategically aligned.
• Monitor media coverage, public sentiment, and reputational issues, providing timely analysis and recommendations to leadership.
• Support executive and leadership communications, including speeches, presentations, briefing materials, media engagement, and stakeholder correspondence.
• Strengthen organizational visibility, reputation, and strategic relationships through effective communication, coalition-building, and external engagement.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Extensive knowledge of government relations, intergovernmental affairs, public policy development, and legislative processes.
• Strong understanding of strategic planning, organizational performance measurement, evaluation frameworks, and continuous improvement practices.
• Knowledge of communications, media relations, public engagement, stakeholder relations, and reputation management.
• Understanding of Indigenous governance structures, Métis history, culture, rights, and contemporary issues affecting Métis citizens and communities.
• Understanding of federal, provincial, municipal, and Indigenous government systems and their interrelationships.
• Familiarity with funding agreements, partnership development, negotiations, and government consultation processes. 
• Knowledge of organizational change management and enterprise-wide strategic initiatives.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and executive leadership skills with the ability to align multiple priorities to organizational objectives.
• Advanced relationship-building and networking skills with government officials, elected leaders, community partners, and stakeholders. 
• Excellent verbal, written, and presentation communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, reports, speeches, and strategic recommendations for executive audiences.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, political science, Indigenous studies, communications or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 10 or more years of senior leadership experience in government relations, strategic planning, communications, or Indigenous governance.
• Experience working within Indigenous governments or organizations.

Additional requirements:

• A valid Saskatchewan driver’s license and/or access to reliable transportation to our downtown location would be required.
• The successful candidate must undergo a Criminal Record Check.
• The Travel requirement for this position is 15% 
• Please submit your application by 11:59 PM on July 6, 2026.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.