Manager Intergovernmental and Indigenous Relations

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director, Intergovernmental and Indigenous Relations, the Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating complex intergovernmental initiatives that support the development, negotiation, implementation, and monitoring of federal-provincial affordable housing agreements. This role provides strategic advice and support to senior leadership in preparing for cross-jurisdictional negotiations involving significant federal investments in affordable housing throughout Alberta.

Lead Housing Policy and Intergovernmental Engagement
•    Act as Alberta’s lead representative on housing policy matters at Senior Officials Provincial/Territorial (PT) and Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) housing forums and working groups.
•    Develop strategic policy options and recommendations on current and emerging affordable housing issues affecting Alberta.
•    Ensure Alberta’s housing policy positions are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with broader Government of Alberta priorities.
•    Monitor federal and provincial policy developments and assess potential impacts on Alberta’s housing system.
•    Support Deputy Minister and Minister participation in Provincial/Territorial and Federal/Provincial/Territorial housing meetings through strategic briefing materials, advice, and issue management.
•    Represent Alberta on national housing working groups.

Advance Cross-Jurisdictional Partnerships
•    Collaborate with Executive Council Intergovernmental Relations and partner ministries to develop coordinated strategies that advance Alberta’s housing interests.
•    Support coordinated responses for First Ministers’ Meetings, Council of the Federation discussions, and other intergovernmental forums.
•    Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with federal, provincial, territorial, municipal, and Indigenous government partners.
•    Work closely with ministries such as Infrastructure, Municipal Affairs, Indigenous Relations, and Transportation to identify emerging issues and opportunities.
•    Build strong relationships with municipalities and other jurisdictions to understand and influence housing policy priorities.

Role Responsibilities Continued

Lead Housing Policy Development and Strategic Analysis
•    Identify strategic housing policy priorities and contribute to departmental business planning and policy development.
•    Lead analysis of federal housing initiatives, funding opportunities, and policy changes to determine impacts and opportunities for Alberta.
•    Prepare policy papers, briefing notes, presentations, correspondence, and recommendations for executive leadership.
•    Provide expert advice on housing programs, policy trends, and emerging issues affecting affordable housing.
•    Coordinate support for major collaborative initiatives, including relationships with key municipal partners, the federal government and the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Provide Leadership and Team Development
•    Lead and mentor a team of policy professionals working in complex and highly visible policy environments.
•    Establish priorities, allocate resources, and ensure successful achievement of branch objectives.
•    Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment focused on continuous improvement.
•    Provide coaching, guidance, and professional development opportunities to support employee growth.
•    Promote policy excellence and ensure alignment of housing policies with departmental and government priorities.

Build Strategic Relationships and Influence Outcomes
•    Cultivate productive relationships with officials across Alberta ministries, federal departments, municipalities, and external partners.
•    Facilitate collaboration on cross-government initiatives to ensure policy alignment and coordinated responses to housing issues.
•    Engage stakeholders to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities affecting affordable housing.
•    Influence policy discussions and negotiations through strong communication, diplomacy, and strategic thinking.

Please click on this Job Description to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

Build Collaborative Environments
•    Leveraging the skills, expertise, and knowledge of others to achieve organizational goals.
•    Building trust and productive working relationships across ministries, jurisdictions, and stakeholder groups.
•    Genuinely valuing diverse perspectives and learning from others.
•    Facilitating respectful discussions and resolving conflicts constructively.
•    Recognizing and appreciating the contributions of team members and partners.
•    Creating an inclusive environment that promotes collaboration, innovation, and shared accountability.

Creative Problem Solving
•    Asking thoughtful questions to fully understand issues and underlying challenges.
•    Identifying opportunities to improve policy development, stakeholder engagement, and program outcomes.
•    Exploring innovative approaches and applying lessons learned from previous projects and initiatives.
•    Gathering diverse data, research, and stakeholder perspectives to inform recommendations.
•    Anticipating emerging issues and developing proactive solutions.
•    Translating complex information into practical strategies and actionable advice.

APS Competencies Continued

Systems Thinking
•    Evaluating the implications of policy options from multiple perspectives.
•    Understanding how housing policies intersect with broader social, economic, infrastructure, and community priorities.
•    Analyzing long-term outcomes and aligning recommendations with government goals and strategic objectives.
•    Identifying risks, opportunities, and unintended consequences of policy decisions.
•    Monitoring emerging trends and issues that may influence Alberta’s housing system.
•    Developing integrated solutions that balance competing priorities and stakeholder interests.

Agility
•    Taking initiative to improve processes, policies, and ways of working.
•    Anticipating changing priorities and adjusting approaches accordingly.
•    Remaining calm, composed, and solutions-focused in high-pressure or politically sensitive situations.
•    Seeking advice, feedback, and support to navigate change effectively.
•    Demonstrating resilience and maintaining a positive outlook during periods of uncertainty.
•    Working creatively within legislative, policy, and organizational frameworks to achieve results.

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards
University graduation in a field related to public policy, public administration, political science, economics, urban planning, social sciences, law, business administration, indigenous governance, indigenous studies, sociology, community development, public affairs and government relations, supplemented by four years related experience.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of: 
1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or 
1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

The following experience is required: 
•    Comprehensive knowledge of Government of Alberta mandates, priorities, and political decision-making processes.
•    Experience working in intergovernmental relations, federal-provincial-territorial negotiations, or stakeholder relations.
•    Understanding of public policy development, implementation, and evaluation processes. 
•    Knowledge of intergovernmental relations, federal-provincial-territorial processes, and collaborative governance models. 
•    Ability to identify, analyze, and interpret policy issues and environmental trends, and provide practical recommendations that support organizational objectives. 
•    Understanding of strategic planning, business planning, and policy implementation frameworks.

The following experience is considered as assets:
•    Strong understanding of Alberta's affordable housing system and awareness of housing approaches across other provinces and territories. 
•    Knowledge of emerging housing policy issues, trends, and opportunities affecting housing outcomes in Alberta.
•    Experience with affordable housing policy, programs, or funding initiatives. 
•    Experience supporting senior government officials, executive leadership, or elected officials. 
•    Knowledge of federal housing strategies, programs, and national housing policy frameworks. 
•    Experience leading complex policy initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and jurisdictions. 
•    Formal education or training in public policy, political science, public administration, economics, urban planning, law, social sciences, or a related discipline. 
•    Professional experience within a government, public sector, or highly regulated environment.

The following experience will be given preference:
•    Political acuity and ability to navigate sensitive issues with professionalism and sound judgment. 
•    Ability to build trusted relationships and partnerships across organizations and jurisdictions. 
•    Strategic mindset and ability to anticipate emerging issues and opportunities. 
•    Strong leadership presence and ability to influence without direct authority. 
•    Commitment to collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement. 
•    Ability to remain calm, adaptable, and solutions-focused in a dynamic and complex environment. 
•    Proven ability to achieve outcomes through collaboration, consultation, negotiation, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

Hours of work are 08:15 AM to 04:30 PM, Monday to Friday. This is a full-time permanent position, working 36.25 hours per week.

If a security screening is required:
•    Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC). 

A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications of this role is recommended to assess your writing skills.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.  

Links and information on what we have to offer: 
•    Working for the Alberta Public Service  
•    Management Employee Pension Plan (MEPP)  
•    Alberta Public Service Benefit Information  
•    Professional learning and development 
•    Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool  
•    Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.