Intergovernmental Relations Officer

Do you have exceptional political sensitivity, great interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective working relationships? Are you a strategic thinker who can navigate conversations with tact and diplomacy? If so, we want you on our Communications and Information Services Team!

As the successful candidate, you will facilitate the ongoing efforts in building relations with all orders of government including Indigenous governments to secure support and funding for key projects and initiatives. This position works collaboratively across the organization to build strong relationships with government partners as well as key local, regional and provincial agencies to advance the Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) Board strategic priorities.

In your role, you will:

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities from initiation to completion for all RDCO departments.
  • Collaboratively and proactively identify and pursue funding opportunities based on Regional Board priorities, current/pending legislation, and RDCO intergovernmental relations strategies.
  • Perform a project management function for submissions of grant funding applications and oversee all reporting requirements.
  • Provide strategic guidance to advance opportunities across all levels of the organization.
  • Advocate for RDCO initiatives to secure funding opportunities for improvements in levels of service.
  • Research, develop and defend project proposals, analyze, and evaluate data, and prepare comprehensive reporting to track status of discovery, submissions, and approved proposals.
• Formulate and implement intergovernmental relations strategies.
  • As directed, you will support the development and maintenance of relationships between the RDCO and other levels of government including Indigenous governments.
  • Act as a liaison with other levels of government and Indigenous governments.
  • Identify and conduct strategic analysis on emerging legislative trends, government-related activities, significant developments, and politically sensitive issues and inform management of impacts and opportunities.
  • Develop tools and methods for evaluating the success of these strategies, monitor impacts and make recommendations for change if required.
  • Provide intergovernmental relations advice and guidance for strategic communications to senior management relating to intergovernmental relations strategies.
• Participate in the budget planning process and assist with preparation of budgets.
• Other related duties as assigned.

As the ideal candidate, you will have:

• A degree in a political science, communications or public relations or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• 5 years of related experience.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and techniques relating to intergovernmental relations campaigns, development, implementation and monitoring, especially as it relates to governmental agencies, as well as indigenous governments and organizations.
• Strong initiative, political sensitivity, tact, and diplomacy.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills among staff and external parties.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent judgement, decision making, organizational and time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.
• The ability to think strategically and solve problems.
• Advanced computer skills, including MS Office and database skills.

The RDCO offers a variety of perks from dental, health and vision benefits, paid vacation, pension plan, training and development, opportunities for advancement, work-life balance, on-site parking, and the opportunity to contribute and make a change within the community.

This is an exempt position that has a salary range of $89,000 - $98,900 - $108,800. It is the RDCO’s philosophy to pay in the middle of the range for a fully qualified applicant.

View the full job description and apply at rdco.com/jobs by Thursday, December 14, 2023.

The Regional District of Central Okanagan is an employer of choice made up of a dedicated team of people who care about the community we serve. We are located in one of the most desirable places to live in BC, in the heart of the Okanagan Valley. The appeal of Okanagan Lake and the natural beauty of the surroundings continue to draw people to the valley. Our lifestyle is second to none especially for those who live to enjoy the outdoors.