Contribute to the City of Hamilton, one of Canada’s largest cities - home to a diverse and strong economy, an active and inclusive community, a robust cultural and dining scene, hundreds of kilometers of hiking trails and natural beauty just minutes from the downtown core, and so much more. Join our diverse team of talented and ambitious staff who embody our values of sensational service, courageous change, steadfast integrity, collective ownership and being engaged empowered employees. Help us achieve our vision of being the best place to raise a child and age successfully. #BeTheReason
- Job ID #31073: Policy & Public Affairs Specialist
- Union: Non-Union
- Job Description ID #: 7724
- Close date: Interested applicants please submit your application online at www.hamilton.ca/city-council/jobs-city by 4:00 p.m. on May 14, 2025.
- Duration: 24Months
This vacancy is for a period of 24 months as a result of a Maternity/Parental Leave, Leave of Absence, Illness. - Internal applicants should apply with your work e-mail address. External applicantsare considered only after the internal posting process has been completed. Only applicants chosen for an interview will be contacted.
Reporting to the Senior Advisor, Housing Secretariat, the Policy & Public Affairs Specialist – Housing Secretariat will provide coordination and support to the Housing Secretariat Division regarding housing policy research, report writing, development of communications, government relations, and the regular business of the Housing Policy & Relations Section of the Housing Secretariat Division. The Policy & Public Affairs Specialist – Housing Secretariat will work independently with minimal supervision on multiple activities and ensure deadlines are adhered to, established procedures are followed and follows-up on outstanding issues to ensure they are actioned as appropriate.
GENERAL DUTIES
- Responsible to coordinate initiatives/projects and manages programs and proposals as delegated and/or directed by the Senior Advisor, Housing Secretariat.
- Responsible for conducting research regarding housing policies, legislations, projects and initiatives being reviewed by the Housing Secretariat Division.
- Supports effective divisional meetings through prioritizing agenda requests and ensures briefing notes have information needed for decision making; follows up on outstanding items; prepares and researches items as requested by the Housing Secretariat Management Team and ensures regular reviews of Terms of Reference for the division and Working Groups.
- Assists in the development of new public policies and position papers for business and organizational planning efforts. Reviews and updates policies to ensure that they continue to meet the requirements of the Corporation.
- Assists in the development of strategic briefings to the Director; develops reports, presentations, and other documents for the Senior Advisor, Housing Secretariat and the Director as required.
- Participates in special, governance or policy-related projects, including the development of briefing reports and reports for Council and SLT as required.
- Routinely deals with directors, managers, and other municipal staff. Interacts with elected officials as required, other external agencies, and members of the public. Uses communication and relationship building skills to obtain business-related information and associated context.
- Works independently on general tasks, using divisional, departmental, and general corporate policies and standards as references and guidance.
- Requires the ability to make decisions based on direction from the Sr. Advisor as well as standard corporate policy and procedures.
- Liaises with the Communications and Strategic Initiatives Division as required and follows all divisional process and procedures for communications-related duties.
- Works in accordance with the provisions of applicable Health and Safety legislation and all City of Hamilton corporate and departmental policies and procedures related to Occupational Health and Safety.
- Performs other duties as assigned which are directly related to the responsibilities of the position.
QUALIFICATIONS
- A university degree in Political Science, Communications, Business or Public Administration a related field or an equivalent combination of education and relevant work experience.
- Project Management Professionals certification would be an asset.
- Demonstrated ability to coordinate initiatives, manage projects and processes under tight timelines.
- Proven ability to contribute meaningfully to the strategic and business planning processes of a senior leadership team.
- Highly developed research, report writing, verbal communications and interpersonal skills including the ability to independently prepare reports and complex correspondence.
- Must possess excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated tact and professionalism. Ability to exercise appropriate judgement and discretion while dealing with confidential and/or potentially controversial information,
- Ability to work independently, taking initiative.
- Proficient in a computerized Windows based environment with a working knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Outlook, Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
Disclaimer:
Be advised that Human Resources frequently audits resumes of internal/external applicants to ensure/validate information provided is consistent and trustworthy.Falsification of information provided at any time throughout the recruitment process may be grounds for disqualification, and for internal applicants, subject to discipline up to and including termination.
Terms:
The City is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes.Consistent with our Values and Corporate Culture Pillars, the City of Hamilton is committed to providing equitable treatment to all with respect to barrier-free employment and accommodation without discrimination. The City will provide accommodation for applicants in all aspects of the hiring process, up to the point of undue hardship. If you have an accommodation need, please contact Human Resources as soon as possible to make appropriate arrangements.