Do you thrive in an entrepreneurial environment and enjoy working in a team atmosphere? Are you an “outside the box” thinker who strives to implement continuous improvements? Do you take a strategic approach to your work? Do you enjoy in a fast-paced culture where your opinions are valued and respected? Do you enjoy building partnerships to solve mutually beneficial challenges?
Mitacs is a national not-for-profit that helps industry and non-profit partners solve strategic challenges by leveraging Canada’s world-class post-secondary talent and a global network of industry, academic, and government partnerships. Through these collaborations, Mitacs helps business and community partners succeed, improves students’ on-the-job skills development, and strengthens Canada’s world-class innovation ecosystem. At Mitacs, we strive to develop the next generation of innovators with vital research and business skills. In partnership with domestic and international companies, governments and academia, we support a new economy using Canada’s most valuable resource – its people.
To get a better understanding of Mitacs and read more about our values please visit our website
The successful candidate will help implement our strategic plan and develop and manage relationships with key stakeholder groups in Atlantic Canada, including governments, industry, and academia. The position reports to the VP, National Partnerships and will be an important part of a national team dedicated to strengthening the mandate and reach of Mitacs across Canada.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Manage government relations and advocacy in Atlantic Canada (NL, NS, NB, PEI) on issues relating to innovation, skills training, work-integrated learning, internships, and industry-academia partnerships.
Participate in lobbying government officeholders in a manner consistent with Mitacs’s values and relevant legislation.
Help to develop and share the Mitacs story by leveraging existing and new relationships with industry, not-for-profits, academia, and other influential partners.
Organize events, including delegation days, policy forums, panel discussions, round table meetings, receptions, etc. in Atlantic Canada in relation to government relations strategy.
Prepare briefing documents for senior management that support interactions with government and academic stakeholders; documents could include memoranda, presentations, environmental scans, letters, proposals, etc.
Communicate and report to academic partners through annual reports, newsletters and consultations.
Work with Mitacs teams to regularly engage our program participants and identify success stories and testimonials to demonstrate our value and impact to government and academic partners.
Work with our Marketing & Communications teams to ensure external activities and materials reflect the needs of partners and support Mitacs’s strategic objectives.
Assist in the implementation of the National Partnerships team’s annual operational plan by developing regional strategies and plans that help us meet corporate targets and build positive brand recognition.
Always maintain a positive and collaborative approach to your responsibilities, especially when working with other team members and/or external stakeholders.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Demonstrated ability to develop “trusted advisor” relationships at all levels of government and manage key relationships with other senior stakeholders
Deep understanding of how to build successful government and academic partnerships
Superior communication and interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy
Confidence in their ability to actively participate in advocacy work and negotiations with governments, universities and other strategic partners
Ability to handle the pressure of change and evolving priorities
An understanding of Canadian and Atlantic Canada government priorities and decision-making processes
A valid driver’s license and the ability to travel across Atlantic Canada to represent Mitacs
Proficiency using communication technologies to build partnerships and conduct business
A motivated self-starter who is comfortable working irregular hours (often with tight deadlines), autonomously and/or in a high-performing team setting
A graduate or bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of qualifications, is preferred
Proficiency in French is considered an asset but not required
Minimum of 3-4 years of experience working in the area of government, academic or stakeholder relations
Mitacs fosters a culture where creativity and innovation are valued and encouraged. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a team-based work environment. Mitacs values the contributions of a diverse workforce and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
At Mitacs we believe a diverse workforce comprised of individuals with different ideas, strengths, interests and backgrounds which is crucial to our success. We encourage candidates to connect with us and share ways how we may accommodate your needs during the recruitment process.
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