Director, Government Relations

FGS Longview's experts provide insight and guidance to help businesses and organizations reduce risk and seize opportunities by building common ground with government and stakeholders and navigating the unexpected with clarity and confidence.

We bring original thinking and years of experience to public affairs, government relations, corporate and financial communications, investor relations, and special situations including M&A, shareholder activism, and regulatory approvals. Our value comes from our understanding that every situation is different — and our ability to provide sound judgment, strategic positioning, and an expert sounding board when it matters most.

FGS Longview is part of FGS Global, which partners with the world's most influential leaders to move minds and markets.

Working where business, government, and public opinion intersect, we advise CEOs, boards, and leadership teams at the most consequential moments. Our expertise spans strategic and financial communications, policy and public affairs, corporate reputation, crisis management, and data-driven digital engagement. Across 31 global offices, our partners draw on the full depth of the firm so clients can operate with clarity, act with confidence, and lead with trust.

FGS Longview is looking for a Director, Government Relations to join our Calgary office. This role involves leading the day-to-day execution of advocacy strategies to advance the policy and reputational objectives of clients in all industries. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with exceptional writing and analytical skills who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, and excels at distilling complex information into clear and compelling messaging. While candidates from diverse professional backgrounds are welcome, provincial or federal level government experience or government relations experience from a professional services firm is strongly preferred, and experience in the energy sector is an asset.   

Specifics include:  

• →Serving as account project manager, including assigning responsibilities, anticipating file needs and ensuring activities are completed on-time, while providing strategic and tactical support to senior team members.   
• →Engaging directly with clients and advisors, representing FGS Longview’s recommendations or position on issues that have a financial, reputation and/or business impact.  
• →Serving as the focal point for information on accounts with knowledge of all activity that is relevant to the file. 
• →Taking responsibility for developing materials (e.g., communications plans, policy analysis, corporate narratives, and other advocacy materials).
• →Building and maintaining relationships with key policymakers and regulators across government.
• →Staying up to date on emerging trends, issue and opportunities across sectors.
• →Serving as a role model for other colleagues by leading through actions – being prepared, proactive and available as a mentor.  
• →Supporting new business opportunities in the market and working to strengthen and expand existing client relationships with compelling ideas and excellent service.  

• Highly collaborative, with strong communications skills, and able to work well in teams.  
• Strong time management and organizational skills, and an ability to seamlessly balance multiple assignments and client situations simultaneously. 
• Client-focused, with a high bar for quality and results.   
• Outstanding writing skills, including excellent proofreading skills. 
• Confidence and presence to work effectively with senior members of account teams and clients in high-stakes situations.  
• A “roll-up your sleeves” attitude, without concern for getting the credit.  Driven by success of the effort versus personal ego.  
• Well-rounded, adaptable and detailed-oriented individual comfortable working through challenges. 
• Quick learner, who is prepared to jump in at a moment’s notice.  
• Solid judgment and the capacity to accurately assess complicated situations and ask the right questions.   
• A sense of urgency and creative persistence along with a willingness to go the extra mile.  
• Highly motivated and calm under pressure.  
• The ability to manage, be responsible for and mentor early career colleagues.   

• Collaborative team player 
• Demonstrates high integrity and confidentiality at all times 
• Honest, trustworthy, and personable 
• Articulate - a great communicator across all levels 
• A “how can I help” approach
• Entrepreneurial spirit 
• Self-Starter 

• 5-10 years of relevant experience in communications, government, law, journalism or a related field. A strong preference is for candidates with directly relevant experience from government or a government relations advisory firm. Energy sector experience is an asset.
• A bachelor’s degree with an outstanding academic record is required, advanced degree is a plus.