Intergovernmental Strategist

Rocky View County•Balzac, AB

7d•CA$110,113•Hybrid

About The Position

Rocky View County values its employees and fosters a welcoming and stable work environment that encourages positive energy, creativity, and a service mindset. We are looking for individuals who are passionate about making a difference and contributing meaningfully to a vibrant community. Our diverse team of over 500 employees receives the same level of care, respect, and consideration as the 45,000 residents of Rocky View County. We prioritize employee work-life balance, offering opportunities for professional growth alongside support through paid training, a competitive salary, benefits after 30 days, 27 paid days off in the first year, plus general holidays, a pension plan, paid sick time, and a hybrid work environment for eligible positions. Reporting to the Manager, Intergovernmental Services & Economic Development, this senior-level position is responsible for a broad spectrum of duties focused on cultivating strong intergovernmental and inter-organizational relationships. This includes providing advice to the Mayor, Council, and senior leadership. The role demands a high level of professionalism, strategic thinking, and the capacity to manage multiple projects alongside daily tasks. Flexibility and adaptability are crucial to effectively respond to frequently changing priorities and needs. The Intergovernmental Strategist will mentor and review the work of intermediate and junior staff, collaborate as part of a team to achieve the department's intergovernmental objectives, and support the Manager.

Requirements

Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field (e.g., planning, public administration, political science), along with a minimum of 10 years progressively responsible and diversified experience in a municipal environment or related field. An alternate combination of education and experience may be considered.
Strong collaborative, mediation, and negotiation skills and the ability to build consensus between multiple groups.
Demonstrated problem solving skills.
Leadership skills and experience mentoring and leading peers through informal means.
Flexibility to alternate between technical and philosophical government responsibilities.
Demonstrated strong interpersonal, oral, presentation and written communication skills.
Able to work independently or as part of a team to seek out and synthesize information resources in a clear and concise fashion.
Understand and apply Provincial and Municipal policies, legislation, processes, and procedures.
Work collaboratively with and communicate effectively and positively with other team members, departments, and external municipal and provincial government personnel.
Possess and exhibit strong skills in presentations.
Experience working with Indigenous groups.
Experience preparing and implementing advocacy plans.
Strong time management skills, able to effectively juggle multiple deadlines and tasks, and work within irregular and tight time frames.
Able to make sound decisions by using rational and logical judgment that reflects an understanding of the consequences of decisions.
Able to work under stressful conditions and to think and react quickly and effectively to problems that may arise from time to time.
Possess a valid class 5 driver's license.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in a related field is an asset.
General understanding of planning principles as they relate to regional and municipal planning would be as asset.
Previous related experience particularly in a public sector environment is preferred.

Responsibilities

Manage, develop, and maintain the County’s inter-municipal and inter-jurisdictional relationships with Provincial, Federal, and Indigenous governments, and intermunicipal neighbours. This includes meetings, phone calls, attendance at intergovernmental events, and liaising with administrative counterparts.
Advise Council and executive leadership on regional and intergovernmental strategy through preparation of key messages, briefings, reports, and background documents.
Monitor and review legislative / regulatory changes and ensure they are conveyed to the appropriate County departments for review and information.
Participate in the interpretation of relevant Municipal or Provincial policy and regulations and the formulation of the County's response to changes in legislation.
Manage and participate in projects such as annexation processes, mediations and negotiations.
Provide mentorship and guidance to the Intergovernmental Advisor by answering questions, and reviewing works plans, documents, and reports.
Review intergovernmental-related correspondence and determine level, prepare and manage responses.
Guide and manage County advocacy efforts in accordance with Council direction through various means such as development of strategic initiatives, a County advocacy plan, and lobbying efforts.
Prepare and monitor the implementation of Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICF) and maintain ICFs on an ongoing basis, including liaising with internal departments and intermunicipal counterparts.
Manage representation and participation in activities related to the regional fora. This includes ensuring appropriate administrative participation and supporting elected representatives through preparation of briefing notes, gathering of information, and providing strategic advice. This also includes participating on sub-committees, reviewing material, research and analysis, and coordinating County responses.
Represent Rocky View County at Intermunicipal Committee meetings and oversee meeting coordination by working with intermunicipal counterparts to create the agenda, brief elected officials, and follow-up on actions items.
Build and enhance Rocky View County’s relationships with indigenous neighbours through various means such as preparation of an indigenous engagement plan and establishing and building relationships with indigenous administrations.
Liaise and assist in the preparation, interpretation, and reviews of intermunicipal development plans.
Prepare and present reports to Council and its committees regarding proposed and existing municipal policy.
Prepare and present reports, materials, and opinions to other government and non-government agencies and committees.
Support department managers and staff in intergovernmental activities including responding to referrals from internal departments and government agencies, attending meetings, and providing intergovernmental advice.
Work in accordance with the requirements established by the RVC Health and Safety Program and the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation and Code.
Take reasonable care to protect their health and safety and other persons at or in the vicinity of the worksite while they are working.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.