Manager, Policy & Research (HS321)

Summary of Duties:

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Community and Strategic Initiatives, the Manager, Policy, and Research provides leadership to manage the development of policy, research, program evaluation, performance measurement, and community needs assessment activities that support evidence-informed decision-making across Neighbourhood and Community-Wide Services and Social and Health Development. This position is responsible for leading strategic divisional priorities, fostering innovation and providing subject matter expert advice to senior leadership on emerging issues, legislative changes, community trends, and service delivery improvements.

Work Performed:

• Provide leadership in the coordination and delivery of policies, planning, research, and programs that contribute to strategic initiatives that align with service area priorities and Council’s Strategic Plan.
• Establish, monitor, and report on internal controls to mitigate risks of the Corporation. Manage the collection, analysis, interpretation, and application of quantitative and qualitative data to support evidence-informed decision-making, service planning, and continuous improvement.
• Manage employees, including hiring, coaching, administration and performance. Respond to confidential human resources matters as required and support employee development and engagement.
• Lead the development of community needs assessments, environmental scans, strategic plans, business cases, and research studies to inform policy and program recommendations.
• Promote and foster working relationships with employees and bargaining units to provide a fair and consistent application of provisions within the collective agreement.
• Collaborate across Divisions and Service Areas to support enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Provide input to divisions regarding program objectives, federal, provincial and municipal policy implications, and evaluation methodologies.
• Communicate to a variety of audiences on program and policy issues and details and respond effectively to concerns and inquiries in a variety of settings.
• Prepare Council and Committee reports; respond to public, media, and Councillor inquiries as requested by the Senior Manager, Community and Strategic Initiatives.
• Develop and maintain communications, relationships and alliances with community and government agencies at the senior executive level, including providing leadership to some community committees and task forces, move forward common goals, build relationships and share best practices.
• Provide updates and recommendations on policy development, legislative and regulatory impacts, research findings, emerging trends, and best practices.
• Follow procurement policies and delegate approval authority as appropriate.
• Represent the Service Area at Council meetings, Standing Committee meetings, and legal proceedings as required.
• Demonstrate commitment and promotion of anti-racism, anti-oppression, and human rights in all operations, policies and programs.
• Promote and adhere to health and safety legislation and foster a culture of safety with direct reports.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills & Abilities:

Skills and abilities in the following areas are necessary:

• Ability to apply knowledge of policy development, research methodologies, program evaluation, performance measurement and monitoring to advance the objectives of the division.
• Ability to apply analytical, business planning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the demonstrated ability to synthesize complex quantitative and qualitative information and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrated experience monitoring organizational and community outcomes.
• Ability to effectively lead employees, develop and support high-performance teams, and to direct consultants, and contractors.
• Committed to employee safety; knowledgeable in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and how it relates to the position.
• Demonstrated communication, presentation, facilitation, and report writing skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to apply effective interpersonal and customer services skills. Demonstrated understanding of the unique needs and experiences of specific communities and populations.
• Ability to foster collaboration, build partnerships, and achieve results through influence and engagement.
• Knowledge of municipal government processes, applicable legislation, governance practices, and public sector accountability frameworks.
• Ability to apply knowledge of policy and research to advance the objectives of the Division.
• Political acumen and ability to identify and effectively manage emerging issues.
• Ability to implement initiatives that support the section’s customers in a timely and effective way.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and related software systems.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a Master’s Degree in Social Sciences or Science, Business, or Public Administration or equivalent combination of education or related experience.
• Five to seven years of related experience in policy development, research, program evaluation, or performance measurement, including management responsibilities.

Compensation & Other Information:

$105,278 - $138,095

This posting is for 1 permanent full-time position being filled on a permanent full-time basis.

Current hours of Work: Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid. Subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

These hours of work and work arrangements are subject to change in accordance with business requirements.

Police Record Check:

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Record Check