Manager, Policy and Programs

Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Director of Regional Economic Development Policy, the Manager, Policy and Programs will work closely with team members, including other Managers and Directors in the branch, to inform senior leadership on regional economic development issues, collaboration best practices, related risk factors, economic development opportunities, and ultimately informs strategic decision-making and policy/program development. The successful incumbent requires extensive problem solving, systems thinking, decision-making, relationship development and business communication skills and may represent the department in interdepartmental work teams and cross-ministry teams

In your role as Manager, you will be responsible for:
 

• Providing project management leadership and oversight on the develop of policies, strategies, and initiatives focused on supporting and growing Alberta's economic regions.
• Providing guidance, leadership and strategic direction to a team of professional staff, delivering evidence-based policy research, analysis, recommendations, and documents to support and inform economic development policy, strategy and program development.
• Leading and supporting various policy projects and may lead strategic relations to develop, advance and communicate economic development policies. 
• 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.
• Providing senior-level policy advice and recommendations to executive leadership focused on key policy initiatives that support regional economic development and inform economic strategy and program development.
• 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 policy efforts, which are multifaceted and may not have precedents. As the position will work on a wide variety of issues and problems, 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 the gray and situations and obstacles encountered are often vague without a clear path to resolution. Required agility to tailor the approach to the given circumstance.  
   
• Build Collaborative Environments: Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to lead and collaboratively support strategic initiatives on behalf of the Department.
   
• Drive for Results: This position is required to meet the needs of stakeholders 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: Requires strong and positive working relationships with cross-ministry colleagues and partners in order to effectively and efficiently address issues.
   
• Develop Self & Others: This position will play a key role in developing skills and core competencies of the team in the advancement of key branch and organizational goals.

Qualifications

University graduation in Public Policy, Business, Economic Development, Economics or a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by four years progressively responsible experience. Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

Requirements:
 

• Direct experience in policy review, analysis and development, strategic planning and issue evaluation. Sound knowledge in project planning and management.
• Experience with developing briefing packages, conducting research, preparing reports, conducting and presenting analysis, options and recommendations and preparing materials for decision.
• 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).
• Well-developed organizational, prioritization and time management skills and ability to meet tight timelines.
• Understanding of the strategic directions and priorities, as well as the processes, of the department, government, and other key stakeholders.
• Experience managing people and leading efforts among diverse teams in developing strategies, analyses or policy and program development.

The following knowledge, skills and 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.
• Capacity to provide original analysis and creative thought in the development of strategic options and policy recommendations.
• Working knowledge and understanding of how policy frameworks are used to support the economic development and diversification of Alberta's economy.
• Strong communication (verbal and written) and facilitation skills, including the ability to establish and maintain senior level relationships and experience in working with diverse stakeholders.

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

Term of Employment: Permanent Full-time position 

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 36.25 hours per week

Location: Edmonton, Alberta 

Candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter that succinctly demonstrate their qualifications against the job requirements, including education, experience, and relevant competencies. Your cover letter should clearly outline your skills, knowledge and experience as they relate to this role. 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 written communication skills and attention to detail.

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 may require 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 Government of Alberta has 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.
• 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.