Manager, Policy and Accreditation

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, Policy and Accreditation is a public policy expert who provides comprehensive and diverse policy analysis services for the sector.

The Manager, Policy and Accreditation supports the Director by overseeing the development and maintenance of policies related to accreditation and approval processes for various education providers, including independent schools, ECS operators, charter schools, collegiate schools, and Alberta Accredited International Schools. The role provides policy guidance and interpretation and contributes to the development and implementation of education legislation, regulations, and ministry programs related to these institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensuring accreditation and monitoring related legislation, policies, programs and initiatives are designed and implemented to support ministry priorities, sector mandates and the requirements of school accreditation and monitoring.
• Leading SAMPS and other department staff in accreditation, approval and monitoring processes in alignment with legislations, regulations, and policies to support teaching and learning across the province.
• Keeping senior and executive leadership informed, providing sound options and recommendations on a variety of education issues, and ensuring briefing papers, activity status reports, action requests responses, and draft correspondence for the Minister and other senior Ministry representatives are prepared in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Working to achieve Program and System Supports Divisions' purpose and core functions in support of the department's vision, mission and business plan.
• Leading accreditation and monitoring processes, developing policy options, preparing briefing materials, and providing strategic recommendations to senior leadership and the Minister. 

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

Qualifications

Minimum Recruitment Standards 

• University degree in a related field with four years of experience or equivalent as described below. Education degree is an asset. 

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.
  
  

For application consideration, you must attach a cover letter explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

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

• The Education Act and regulations; Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12; Funding Manual for School Authorities; Program of Studies and other applicable legislation, regulations, ministerial orders and guidelines.
• The Alberta education system (ECS to Grade 12), including operations of ECS operators, schools and school authorities.
• Extensive and applied knowledge of policy frameworks, legislation, regulations, and ministry level program design and implementation (e.g., Education Act, regulations, Program of Studies, accreditation requirements
• Experience in strategic leadership, strong relationship building, and the ability to navigate complex and politically sensitive issues with school authorities, educational partners, and cross ministry stakeholders.
• Experience in preparing briefing notes, issues analysis, action request responses, and Ministerial correspondence under tight deadlines and high pressure scenarios. 

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

Working location will be Edmonton, Alberta.

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.

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.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.