Director, Strategic Issues

Role Responsibilities

The Director, Strategic Issues is a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, Strategic Operations (EDEO) and the Deputy Minister. The Director ensures the Deputy Minister and department are well positioned to anticipate, assess and respond to complex and emerging issues. The Director brings systems thinking, sound judgment and strong analytical skills to support executive decision making in a dynamic and fast paced environment. The role is a primary point of contact for the DMO and acts as a liaison and key resource for strategic support and advice to ministry staff, the Minister's Office (MO) and other Ministry DMOs. The Director also oversees the Ministerial Correspondence Unit team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Proactive identification and management of urgent and emerging strategic issues.
• Collaboration with departmental executives and issue managers to resolve issues early and minimize the need for executive escalation.
• Timely development and implementation of effective plans and strategies that align with departmental priorities and government direction.
• Ensuring executive leadership is fully briefed on emerging issues, proposed actions and progress toward resolution.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across government, using collaboration, influence and political acuity to support timely issue resolution.
• Supervise and support direct reports

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

• • Integrate broader social, political, and economic trends into planning
  • Strategically align initiatives with organizational vision and long-term goals
  • Anticipate and address barriers to progress, including behavioral and structural challenges

Develop Networks

• • Build and sustain diverse stakeholder relationships
  • Actively seek input and perspectives to shape programs and change efforts
  • Engage collaborators across departments and sectors to support long-term outcomes

Creative Problem Solving

• • Investigate root causes and leverage community insight
  • Innovate across complex systems to create practical, sustainable improvements
  • Facilitate inclusive idea generation and open dialogue to address risk and impact

Agility

• • Anticipate change and lead proactive adjustments to plans and practices
  • Remain composed under pressure and support team resilience
  • Clearly communicate the impact of changes and ensure smooth integration into operations

Develop Self and Others

• • Set stretch goals aligned with personal and professional growth
  • Support the development of others through feedback and inclusive leadership
  • Value team diversity and cultivate a culture of continuous learning

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 6-years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Assets:

• Experience identifying, analyzing, and prioritizing complex strategic and operational issues in a high volume environment.
• Strong systems thinking and analytical skills to anticipate impacts, risks and interdependencies.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare clear, concise, decision ready briefings and correspondence for senior executives.
• Sound judgment in managing sensitive, confidential, and time critical matters, including politically complex issues.
• Strong collaboration, relationship management, and influence skills with senior officials and executives across government.
• Demonstrated agility and creative problem solving in situations involving ambiguity, change and competing priorities.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, public safety contexts (e.g., law enforcement, corrections, emergency management) is considered an asset.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

A cover letter is required. In your cover letter, please provide information that clearly demonstrates how your qualifications meet the advertised requirements for this position.

Hours of Work: 36.25/week.

In your resume, please include dates (including months and years) associated with all education and work experience. As well, please indicate whether your work experience is casual, part-time or full-time. For example, January 15, 2006 - June 25, 2009: Assistant (PT three 8 hrs. shifts/week). Please indicate who you provided support for Example ”Director, CEO or other”.

Pre-employment checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks can include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, and academic verification. 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.

What we offer:

• 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