Service Area: Office of the CAO Department: Strategic Initiatives and Intergovernmental Services Work Location: City Hall, 1 Carden Street Work Mode: Hybrid Job Type and Duration: Temporary, Full time Vacancy (up to 12 Months) Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position Salary Range: $108,726.80 - $135,908.50Affiliation: Non-Union Posting Period: September 3, 2026 to September 20, 2026 11:59 p.m.

Resumes are being accepted for the temporary position of Manager, Policy and Intergovernmental Relations. Reporting to the General Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Intergovernmental Services, the successful candidate will act in a support role to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), Executive Team, Leadership Team and other City staff as well as support for the Mayor and Council to further the City’s strategic and intergovernmental priorities, expand and grow strategic partnerships, and develop supporting policies. Guided by the strategic priorities and directions in the City of Guelph Strategic Plan, and committed to the corporate values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness, and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the vision of an inclusive, connected, prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment.

Key duties and responsibilities

Relationship Building and Networking

• Develop and continually enhance a broad network of contacts and resources both within and outside the corporation, inter-municipally and at multiple levels of government (governmental officials, Indigenous nations, municipal associations, community agencies and other organizations)
• Identify networking and participation opportunities for the CAO, and/or Executive Team members and Council
• Manage, develop, and coach the Intergovernmental Advisor and Grant Support Specialist as part of your team
• Lead the City’s relationship-building with key First Nation and Métis government partners and provide advice to City departments on Indigenous relations with the aim of advancing reconciliation.
• Ensure the City is meeting its legal and procedural obligations as it relates to Treaty rights and Aboriginal rights (commonly referred to as Indigenous rights)
• Cultivate City relationships with other regional partners that will lead to greater collaboration on a variety of issues and equitable funding arrangements
• Coordinate and partner with Finance to execute the grants process (provincial, federal and others) with City departments from start to finish, including, but not limited to, identifying, tracking, assisting with applications, application advocacy, agreement negotiation and execution and information gathering from funders.
• Create and organize meetings, forums and senior level presentations to support the CAO, Executive Team and Council in building relationships and advancing requests with Provincial and Federal Ministers and their senior political staff, local representatives (MPP & MP) and community organizations
• Participate regularly in provincial network forums, committees and workgroups to establish Guelph as a municipal leader

Tracking and Monitoring

• Explore, monitor, identify and report on policy and program developments in other jurisdictions that may impact City service delivery on an ongoing basis
• Consult and liaise with other municipalities, governments and stakeholders on policy initiatives
• Research and assess developments in legislation, intergovernmental policies and trends and provide analysis and advice
• Monitor, scan and propose recommendations related to policy and platform developments from federal and provincial governments, with other partners, associations and professional networks.
• Deliver political insights and strategies including analysis of legislation, economic updates, budgets, etc.

Strategic and Policy Project Management

• Lead policy driven corporate projects and initiatives including the development of a formal advocacy planning framework and Indigenous relations policy work
• Lead coordinated, organization wide intergovernmental policy positions, communications and briefing materials to ensure that City interests are well developed, articulated and represented in dealings with other levels of government, a wide range of representative bodies (e.g. FCM, AMO) and public boards
• Coordinate strategic communications tactics and approaches that support policy and advocacy work and associated educational and influence campaigns
• Develop background briefing notes for Council, the CAO and Executive Team.
• Support the completion of Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) and other forms of agreements as required to ensure clear roles and responsibilities.

Qualifications and requirements

• Considerable experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through post-secondary education in public administration, political science, business or a related field and experience in a senior advisory position within the municipal, provincial, federal or public sector environment. Candidates with equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• Knowledge and understanding of municipal, provincial and federal government roles, responsibilities, processes and political landscapes in Ontario and Canada; demonstrated political acuity
• Awareness of current intergovernmental affairs, legislation, policies and trends
• Solid understanding of the role of the CAO, Mayor/Council positions in a municipal environment and how to best support the related intergovernmental advocacy needs to ensure the success of the City in this regard
• Sound knowledge of public administration policy and practice at multiple levels of government and able to identify, develop and recommend solutions
• Awareness of current intergovernmental and Indigenous relations issues, trends, and developments
• Familiarity with public sector terminology and culture, as well as a high level of political acumen
• Evidence of ongoing professional development/learning in public policy, project management, stakeholder engagement, government relations etc.
• Highly developed research, writing, and analytical skills
• Excellent communication (written, oral, presentations) skills with strong interpersonal, relationship management, networking, collaboration and time management skills
• Well-developed critical thinking, consulting and facilitation skills (defining issues; clarifying relationships and managing client expectations; researching, developing and recommending options; and when asked, facilitating implementation)
• Previous experience in managing, directing and coaching staff is an asset
• Due to the nature of this position, some travel, evening and weekend work will be required

NotesApplicants are required to demonstrate in their application how their qualifications match those specified above. Assessments based on all of the objectives and qualifications listed above will be a part of the interview, written and/or practical test and reference checking.

Hours of work35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).

How to applyClick "Apply Now" on the top right hand side of your screen by September 20, 2026.

Hiring Process TransparencyThe City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.