Manager, Research and Policy

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, Research and Policy, is a key member of a team that supports government and department Business Plan and goals by working collaboratively with staff in all Program and System Support Division branches, and other branches, sectors, divisions and ministries, and educational stakeholders. Specific duties and tasks are assigned by the Director, System Support and Policy, and all work is guided by Alberta Education's core values of respect, integrity, accountability and excellence.

The Manager leads the System Support and Policy Integration Unit. This unit provides an integrated and coordinated sector approach on policy decisions and inclusive education that have implications for branch, sector or ministry work priorities.

As Manager, Research and Policy, you will be accountable for the following activities:

• Managing policy development, projects and related activities in the Education Supports Sector (such as the Program Unit Funding Grant, Inclusive Education Standards, Guidelines for Supporting Students with Type 1 Diabetes, etc.).
• Coordinating research and analysis activities to support current and emerging policy issues, including establishing environmental and cross-jurisdictional scanning, research and data analysis processes, to identify and analyze emerging issues and trends that may affect ministry issues and priorities.
• Building collaborative and consultative relationships and partnerships with sector, division, Ministry and government representatives, community agencies, stakeholders and partners to support meeting Ministry priorities.
• Supporting the development and implementation of comprehensive strategies to identify effective practices and integrate findings into strategic policy and initiatives.
• Managing contracts and external consultants/vendors, where required, including overseeing the RFP process, monitoring contract terms and conditions, and evaluating deliverables.
• Leading sector work to align and coordinate ministry and cross-ministry initiatives to support ministry strategic priorities.

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.

• System Thinking - The work done within the Alberta Public Service (APS) is part of a larger integrated and inter-related environment. It is important to know that work done in one part of the APS impacts a variety of other groups or projects inside and outside the APS.
• Creative Problem Solving - Possess an ability to engage others and encourage debate and idea generation to solve problems while addressing risks.
• Build Collaborative Environments - Lead and contribute to conditions and environments that allow people to work collaboratively and productively to achieve outcomes.
• Agility - Possesses an ability to create an adaptable environment and overcome barriers through proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Develop Networks - Establish and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with internal and external stakeholders through proactive engagement and collaboration.

Qualifications

University graduation in Education, Public Policy, Public Administration, or in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by three (3) years progressively responsible experience.

Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.

The position requires the following:

• Significant knowledge and experience in policy development, and the ability to accurately interpret policy and legislation and how it applies to specific contexts.
• Experience in program evaluation and data management.
• Experience in developing and implementing stakeholder engagements.
• Experience in developing analysis, reports, briefing notes, what we heard reports and other documents presenting policy options to Minister for consideration.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships and partnerships with stakeholders, both within and outside the Alberta public service.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a diverse range of audiences.
• Strong decision-making abilities and proven abilities to manage politically sensitive issues.
• Experience leading a team of policy professionals.

Assets

• Knowledge of relevant regulations and policies like Standards for Special Education and the Provision of Early Childhood Special Education; Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12; Funding
• Manual for School Authorities; Program of studies and other applicable legislation, regulations, ministerial orders and guidelines.
• Knowledge of Government strategic and policy directions and business plan goals relating to the Ministry mandate.
• Knowledge of the Alberta education system (ECS to Grade 12), including operations of ECS operators, schools and school authorities.

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 (1) permanent, full-time positions working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton. We require you to attach a Cover Letter with application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

The final candidate for this position will be asked to undergo pre-employment checks (including a criminal record check).

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.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• 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.