Issue Strategist, Workforce Support

If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

As an Issue Strategist, you will provide strategic and operational support to the Workforce Support (WFS) section of the Calgary Fire Department. You will identify and assess complex workforce issues, develop evidence-based strategies and solutions, and support leaders with planning and decision-making. You will also coordinate projects and work with teams and partners to advance WFS priorities while considering operational needs, legislation, policies and procedures. Your work will help improve workforce effectiveness, manage risk, and support the readiness and resilience of the Calgary Fire Department. Primary duties include:

• Support annual business and strategic planning, including identifying risks, developing action plans, monitoring progress, and recommending improvements.
• Identify and assess emerging workforce issues, compliance risks, program gaps, and process inefficiencies, and work with leaders to develop prevention strategies and practical solutions.
• Research, develop, review, and update policies and procedures in consultation with leaders and partners to support operational needs, legislative requirements, and organizational objectives.
• Provide analysis, recommendations, briefing materials, business cases, reports, planning documents, and presentations to support leadership decision-making and operational improvements.
• Lead and coordinate projects of varying scope and complexity, including developing project plans, coordinating activities and deliverables, monitoring progress, managing risks and resources, and reporting outcomes to WFS leadership.
• Collaborate with leaders, teams, and partners to implement programs and workplan initiatives, assess impacts, support change, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor and report on program and project performance, including quarterly, annual, and ad hoc measures, to ensure deliverables and objectives are achieved.
• Plan and facilitate meetings, strategic planning sessions, and workshops, and support tools and resources that improve information sharing across WFS.
• Support section-wide requirements and initiatives, including Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) accreditation and recognition and reward submissions.

Qualifications

• A degree in Social Science, Public Administration, Business or related discipline and at least 5 years of experience in policy and program development, project management, strategic planning, business planning, project design and management, policy theory/development, business case development, or related area, OR;
• A graduate degree in Social Science, Public Administration, Business, or related discipline and at least 1 year of related experience as outlined above.
• Experience analyzing data and performance measures, assessing organizational and operational risks, and working with multiple teams and partners to develop recommendations and solutions.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Power BI).
• Knowledge of people management and scheduling systems will be considered an asset.
• Certification in Project Management or Change Management (for example Prosci or ADKAR) will be considered an asset.
• Experience in Human Resources, a unionized environment, or a paramilitary or hierarchical environment will be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated competencies in analytical thinking, problem solving, organization, attention to detail, communication, collaboration, customer service, sound judgement, political acumen, and continuous improvement, with the ability to work independently and handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately.

Pre-employment Requirements

• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Position and Pay Information

• Business Unit: Calgary Fire Department
• Union: CUPE Local 38
• Position Type: 1 Temporary (up to 22 months)
• Compensation: Pay Grade 11 $46.21 - 61.78 per hour
• Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.
• Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.
• Location: 4144 11 Street SE
• Audience: Internal/External
• Apply By: November 16, 2026
• Job ID: 315598