Manager, Regional Strategic Coordination

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Regional Economic Development Services, the Manager is responsible economic development  strategies, and initiatives that support and grow Alberta's economic regions. This work is critical to inform GoA on regional economic development issues, collaboration best practices, related risk factors, economic development opportunities, and ultimately informs strategic decision-making and program/policy development.

As Manager, you are responsible for building and maintaining collaborative relationships with a wide diversity of stakeholders. This includes representing the interests of the department in engagements with external audiences, and on interdepartmental and cross-ministry teams. In this role you will be responsible to maintain an awareness of the broad outcomes and priorities of the department to ensure issues are addressed in a coordinated and consistent manner. This requires extensive problem solving, agility, systems thinking, decision-making, analytical, evaluative, creative thinking and relationship building skills, and a drive for results. The successful candidate must be able to take the initiative and proactively identify issues and develop recommended options for their resolution and carrying policy recommendation to completion.

In your role as a Manager, Regional Strategic Coordination you will be responsible for:
 

• Providing project management leadership and oversight on policy and analysis-related projects and key Ministry priority deliverables, such as strategies and reports.
• Leading a team of policy professional in the provision of research, jurisdictional and environmental scanning, strategic policy and program analysis, issue and option identification, and evaluation.
• Providing input and recommendations relating to issues, opportunities, and challenges associated with regional economic development policies, programs, and functions.
• Participating in cross-ministry committees, teams, and working groups, providing regional economic development perspectives and expertise to ensure thoroughness and consistency in policy and program development.
• Engaging and building collaborative relationships with senior representatives both within the Ministry and cross-ministry on regional economic development issues.
• Leading, coaching and mentoring others to achieve business plan goals.
  
  

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies:
https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Systems Thinking: This position is expected to regularly manage and coordinate multiple initiatives, understanding and mitigating risks to deliver long-term goals.

Creative Problem Solving: This position is expected to manage the team's research projects and supporting strategic initiatives efforts, which are multifaceted and may not have precedents.  As the position will work on a wide variety of issues and problems, there is no "correct" approach for each policy problem that the Manager is presented with. They will need to develop issue based solutions on a case by-case basis.

Agility: Aligns with creative problem solving as position often works in a gray and situations and obstacles encountered are often vague without clear path or resolution. The manager will work on a variety of strategic initiatives files spanning multiple stakeholders. Required agility to tailor the approach to the given circumstance.

Drive for Results: This position is required to meet the needs of stakeholders and partners in a timely manner and consider potential consequences of recommendations. Must think proactively to address potential risks and mitigate accordingly. the Manager needs to independently keep on top of the work with little oversight.

Develop Networks: The position involves formalizing a network of key economic development partners within the Government of Alberta, leading the implementation of stakeholder‑relations management tools, and serving as a primary point of contact for accessing regional intelligence. Requires strong and positive working relationships with cross-ministry colleagues, partners and stakeholders in order to effectively and efficiently address issues.

Build Collaborative Environments: Strong interpersonal skills and required to lead and collaboratively support strategic initiatives on behalf of the Department.

Qualifications

University graduation in Political Science, business, public policy, economics or economic development or in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by four years related experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Requirements:

• Experience in policy review, analysis and development, strategic planning and issue evaluation.
• Sound knowledge in project planning and management.
• Experience presenting complex issues through a variety of written and verbal communication forms (for example: developing options analysis, reports and/or executive briefing notes; presentations to diverse audiences and/or leadership).
• Experience with developing briefing packages, conducting research, preparing reports, conducting and presenting analysis.
• Understanding of the strategic directions and priorities, as well as the processes, of the department, government, and other key stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills (verbal and written), effective interpersonal and management skills, strategic planning skills, networking skills, and proven skills in problem solving, decision making, negotiation and conflict resolution.
• Experience leading efforts among diverse teams in developing strategies, analyses or policy and program development.
  
  

The following knowledge, skills or experiences are considered as assets:
 

• Knowledge of economic development concepts, processes, and practices, and of public and not-profit sector programs applicable to economic development and how they apply and can benefit Alberta.
• In depth knowledge and understanding of government policy development processes, strategic planning and preparing materials for decision.
• Capacity to provide original analysis and creative thought in the development of strategic options and policy recommendations.
• Well-developed organizational, prioritization and time management skills and able to meet tight timelines.
• Strong consultation and facilitation skills including previous experience in working with diverse stakeholders and Indigenous communities.
• Strong skills in interpersonal relations and the ability to establish and maintain senior level relationships.
• Extensive experience in effectively supervising, managing, coaching and developing teams to successfully achieve their objectives.
• Strong ability to work with, and provide advice to, other ministries, including the ability to work on a variety of cross-ministry/ intergovernmental initiatives.
• Previous experience and abilities in collaboration and consensus-seeking processes.
  
  

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

This is a full-time position, working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Candidates are required to submit resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. It’s important for applicants to ensure their resume and cover letter clearly articulate how their past work experiences align with the role’s qualifications and needs.

Resumes must include precise employment dates (month and year) to assist in assessing attention to detail skills.

The final candidates for this position will be asked to undergo an academic check, references, may need to provide a suitable security screening and may be asked to complete a written exercise and/or assessment.

Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in. 

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
  

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.