Director, Program Design

The Opportunity:

The Director will be client-focused with demonstrated program development, evaluation and compliance expertise applied in an environment of accountability and fiscal prudency to support team members in the design of programs and services.

You will provide clear direction and manage performance through the development of effective unit and personal work and learning plans aligned to Ministry goals and objectives.

You will champion change, collaboration and continuous improvement to drive results that meet the needs of the dynamic and evolving agriculture sector. You will operate effectively within established governance and decision-making frameworks. You will work closely with the delivery team to ensure programs can be effectively and efficiently administered with existing resources.

The ministry's deep-rooted values of innovation, teamwork, integrity, service excellence, and leadership at all levels serves as the foundation to ensure results are achieved. The Director must be a team player, able to both lead and collaborate, with a reputation for integrity, team engagement and a focus on service excellence and innovation in their work.

• Contributes to strategic planning and leads the development and execution of branch operational initiatives aligned with Ministry goals.
• Conducts research and analysis to support policy development, legislative reviews, and regulatory decision-making.
• Develops and implements strategies that promote voluntary compliance and ensures fair, consistent program administration.
• Leads cross-functional projects that involve diverse stakeholders, fosters collaboration and innovative approaches to meet organizational objectives.
• Collaborates with clients, agencies, stakeholders, and government colleagues at all levels to represent Ministry interests.
• Coordinates stakeholder engagement activities and formal consultations to inform program and policy development.
• Recommends strategic options to enhance intergovernmental relations and support the implementation of programs, services, and legislation.
• Provides strategic leadership, direction and manages team operations and initiatives that strengthen relationships and supports Ministry-wide priorities.
• Designs and delivers programs that build administrative capacity and supports sustainable community leadership.
• Directs staff research on emerging issues in governance, service delivery, and administration to inform strategic planning.

Job Capabilities:

In this leadership and supervisory role, we are seeking someone who:

• Holds themselves and others accountable for delivering on work expectations.
• Demonstrates innovation and supports their team to identify, iterate, and implement new solutions.
• Brings people together in a collaborative manner and builds relationships that deliver desired outcomes.
• Is inclusive, promotes, supports, and enables belonging, encourages diversity, and values all contributions.
• Is adaptable, anticipates the impact of change, models agility, and supports their team through ambiguity.
• Is outcomes-focused, enables their team to meet or exceed established goals, and balances longer term objectives with tactical execution.

Technical Knowledge and Skills:

Typically, the knowledge and abilities required for this position would be obtained through a degree in public policy, business administration or agriculture, combined with relevant program design/project management experience. A master’s degree in public policy or related field would be considered an asset.

Job Skills:

• Communication (Level D)
• Critical Thinking (Level D)
• Digital Skills (Level C)
• Interacting with Others (Level D)
• Navigating Ambiguity (Level D)
• Managing Self (Level D)
• Health, Safety and Wellness (Level C)
• Data Literacy (Level D)
• Influence (Level D)
• Political and Organizational Awareness (Level C)
• Managing Organizational Resources (Level C)
• Managing Talent (Level D)

Learn more about the Government of Saskatchewan’s Capabilities and Skills Framework here.

What We Offer:

• Dynamic and challenging work
• Competitive salary
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension
• Vacation, scheduled days off, and other types of leave
• Inclusive work environments
• Career growth, development, and advancement opportunities
• Flexible work arrangements

Our Commitment to Excellence:

The Government of Saskatchewan upholds deep-rooted values of Respect and Integrity, Serving Citizens, Excellence and Innovation, and Acting as One Team.

The Ministry of Agriculture supports farmers, ranchers and agribusiness through programs and services, policies and a legislative framework that fosters a globally competitive and sustainable food sector. We provide a broad range of agriculture-related programs, business risk management programs, regulatory oversight and economic development opportunities to grow the industry. We have 10 regional offices across the province, staffed with specialists who work directly with producers and agri-food businesses on everything from crop and livestock management, technology transfer to program delivery. The Government of Saskatchewan provides the services, programs and supports the people of Saskatchewan need. We deliver on the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth to build a strong economy, strong communities and strong families, ultimately building a stronger Saskatchewan. Dedicated to service excellence, we demonstrate innovation, collaboration and transparency, practice effective and accountable use of resources and promote engagement and leadership at all levels.