Senior Strategic Policy Analyst

Role Responsibilities

Bring your policy expertise to the forefront—lead initiatives that shape the future of K–12 infrastructure and the management of educational real property across Alberta.

As a Senior Strategic Policy Analyst, you will play a critical role in leading and advancing complex, system-wide policy initiatives that guide the planning and delivery of capital programs and real property management across the education sector.

Reporting to the Manager, Strategic Initiatives, you will:

• Work independently to initiate policy projects, develop policies, frameworks, standards, and procedures that provide direction to the education system.
• Provide expert policy analysis and advice, identifying emerging and complex issues affecting K–12 capital programs and developing evidence-based policy options and recommendations.
• Influence decision-making by assessing impacts, risks, and implications across stakeholders including students, school authorities, and government partners—while ensuring alignment with GoA priorities.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Infrastructure, Municipal Affairs, Primary and Preventative Health Services and cross-divisional teams, to deliver coordinated and effective policy outcomes.
• Build relationships across the department, bringing together subject matter experts and stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives.
• Represent Capital Data Analytics and Policy in cross-ministry forums, providing strategic advice and contributing to broader policy development efforts.

In this role, your work will directly influence how capital investments are planned, funded, and delivered. You will also shape how educational real property is managed, taking into consideration government’s mandate, the responsibilities of school authorities, and impacts to students, families, and communities across Alberta.

The Job Description is provided for further details on 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.

• Systems Thinking – Demonstrates strong policy development expertise by identifying and analyzing all viable options, developing a comprehensive range of outcomes to address policy questions, and applying systems thinking to ensure well-rounded, effective policies and procedures.
  
  
• Creative Problem Solving – Demonstrates innovative and resourceful thinking by developing creative policy solutions, effectively leveraging existing tools and frameworks while identifying or creating new approaches to address complex policy challenges.
  
  
• Drive for Results – Demonstrates a results-driven approach to policy development by advancing innovative, high-impact solutions that exceed expectations, while fostering accountability and coordinating team efforts to deliver timely, high-quality outcomes.
  
  
• Agility – Demonstrates adaptability and innovative thinking by continuously identifying new and improved ways of working, adjusting policies and processes in response to evolving contexts, and effectively collaborating with diverse teams. Seeks and integrates input from subject matter experts and stakeholders, remaining flexible to shifting direction while maintaining momentum to successfully advance policy initiatives.
  
  
• Build Collaborative Environments – Demonstrates strong strategic perspective in policy development by leveraging diverse expertise and engaging stakeholders in a cooperative and respectful manner, ensuring inclusive, well-informed, and effective policy outcomes.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration or Education plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience in policy analysis and development or similar; 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.

Required skills and experiences:

• Experience in public policy development and coordination (e.g., issue identification, research and analysis, options development, consultation, decision-making, implementation, evaluation, or performance measurement).
• Demonstrated understanding of the broader policy environment, including Government of Alberta priorities, legislative processes, cabinet and caucus structures, budget and business planning cycles, and the fiscal and operational implications of policy decisions.
• Experience supporting legislation development, regulatory processes, or submissions to Cabinet or Cabinet Policy Committees.
• Familiarity with Alberta’s education system, including governance structures, demographics, and key aspects of educational delivery (e.g., programs of study, resident students, school authority types, and classroom complexity).
• Strong analytical, critical, and lateral thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and identify emerging trends, issues, and implications.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear, concise, and neutral analysis and recommendations to senior leadership, including Executive Team and the Minister, as well as compelling messaging for external stakeholders.
• Ability to anticipate emerging issues, independently solve complex problems, and develop action plans with minimal direction from executive leadership.
• Advanced conceptual thinking skills, including the ability to integrate perspectives from leadership, stakeholders, and research across disciplines to develop innovative policy solutions.
• Commitment to ongoing research and environmental scanning, including awareness of government priorities, demographic trends, stakeholder needs, and external factors influencing policy development.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to influence across divisions, ministries, and stakeholder groups, and to develop solutions when facing competing priorities or limited resources.

Qualifications (Continued)

Assets:

• Knowledge of legislation impacting education policy in Alberta (e.g., Education Act, Disposition of Property Regulation, Municipal Government Act).
• Master’s degree in a related field such as political science, public policy, public administration, or education is an asset.
• Experience managing complex or sensitive stakeholder relationships in a politically or publicly visible environment.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Notes

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

This position is located in Edmonton.

The final candidate for this position will undergo academic checks, reference checks and provide a suitable security screening.

Please ensure your resume highlights how your previous work experience is related to the qualifications and requirements for this position. Please clearly state the employment dates on your resume with the month and the year. 

A cover letter is required. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Links and information on what we have to offer:

• Working for the Alberta Public Service
• Management Employee Pension Plan (MEPP)
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Professional learning and development
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance