Finance Communication Consultant

Role Responsibilities

The Finance Communications Consultant works within the parameters of relevant government and Ministry legislation, policies, and guidelines to provide comprehensive writing and editing, issues identification, consultation, and research and analysis services relating to sector programs and their impact on Ministry operations. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position produces briefings, speeches, speaking notes, presentation materials, and action request responses for senior Ministry officials and representatives.
 

In addition, this position develops key messages relating to budget, school finance, taxation, financial reporting, stakeholders, and other sector issues; writes information relating to budget development procedures for reference by Ministry representatives; and coordinates the development of communications strategies and materials in consultation with senior sector representatives. The Finance Communications Consultant also supports preparation of the Ministry's consolidated budget submissions to Treasury Board and Finance as required.
 

The role of Finance Communications Consultant performs the following responsibilities:
 

• Assigns, coordinates and develops responses to action requests, briefing requests, and correspondence received from the Minister, Deputy Minister, and Assistant Deputy Minister; forwards requests to appropriate area of sector and coordinates response preparation within established deadlines; liaises with Ministry and Correspondence Unit representatives to provide information; reviews draft responses for style, tone, clarity, conciseness, and accuracy; and drafts responses to urgent, complex ,and/or sensitive requests in consultation with sector staff members.
• Researches, writes, and edits briefing notes, correspondence, speaking notes and speeches, news releases, greetings, factsheets, reports, presentations, newsletters, and other documents, liaising with sector and Ministry representatives as required.
• Develops responses to inquiries received electronically, ensuring responses are complete, accurate, and consistent with applicable guidelines and standards.
• Prepares issues documents, briefing materials, and speeches relating to the Funding Framework, including coordinating production of accompanying documents and visual aids.
• Performs environmental scanning to identify trends affecting education funding.
• Performs research and develops summaries and briefings relating to issues, proposed changes to policies and guidelines, and other sector initiatives and projects. Collaborates with senior sector representatives to develop responses and strategies to address issues in manner consistent with Ministry business plan, legislation, and relevant guidelines.
• Identifies issues with potential Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy concerns or implications, alerting supervisor and other senior sector representatives and liaising with Legislative Services to develop responses.
• Develops recommendations to support continual improvement of operations, including new and revised processes, tools, and best practices for provision of information and communications services.
   

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
 

Drive for Results - Flag, provide solutions, and address issues in accordance with the priorities of the Ministry and division.
 

Agility - Coordinate individual tasks within the overall workflow and processes. Collaborate with functional and project team members with the end-result in mind. Understand overall system (both at the department and division levels) and seek to understand the parameters of the role within that system.
 

Creative Problem Solving – Understand and challenge processes with an eye to continuous improvement. Explore different approaches to a task and/or process; and distinguish what is working, what isn't working, what can be improved.
 

Build Collaborative Environments - Collaborate within functional and project teams, as well as with internal stakeholders within the branch and division and across the department. Demonstrate effective communication strategies that promote win-win solutions.

Qualifications

University graduation in a Political Science, Public Policy or related field plus 2 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.
 

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

This competition is for a position based in Edmonton, offering a work schedule of Monday to Friday, totaling 36.25 hours per week.
 

Candidates must submit a cover letter and resume 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) details.
 

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

Final candidates will be required to undergo a security screening.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies across the government of Alberta, at equal or lower classification and salary.
 

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 has to offer to prospective employees.
 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages- working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.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.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements such as working from home up to two days per week and modified work schedule agreement.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.