Manager, Strategic Initiatives

Government of Alberta; Edmonton; Hybrid; CAD 102,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

The Government of Alberta seeks a Manager, Strategic Initiatives in Edmonton to lead strategic policy projects within Education and Childcare. You will provide expert guidance on complex initiatives and coordinate cross-ministry efforts to align with ministry priorities.

Responsibilities include stakeholder engagement, policy analysis, and ensuring evidence-based decision-making, while guiding junior staff and delivering high-quality policy outcomes.

Qualifications

• University graduation in Education, Arts, Public Administration or in a field related to the position assignment.
• Related experience or education may be considered as an equivalency on a one for one basis.
• Knowledge of the Education Act, regulations, and related policy documents.
• Experience with policy development and project coordination.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert advice on complex departmental and cross-ministry projects and initiatives.
• Lead development, evaluation, and implementation of complex projects with stakeholders.
• Manage stakeholder engagement and consultation processes to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Mentor and provide leadership across branch initiatives, tracking priorities and timelines.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Cross-ministry collaboration

Change management

Negotiation

Education

University degree (Education, Arts, Public Administration or related)

Equivalent combination of education and experience

Job description

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Job Information
Job Title: Manager, Strategic Initiatives
Job Requisition ID: 87839
Ministry: Education and Childcare
Location: Edmonton
Full or Part-Time: Full Time
Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week
Permanent/Temporary/Wage: Permanent
Scope: Open Competition
Closing Date: October 6, 2026
Classification: Management Manager Zone 2
Salary: $3,920.66 to $5,276.07 bi-weekly ($102,329 - $137,705/year)

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities.

Alberta Education and Childcare supports students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12.

Role Responsibilities

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives is a strategic policy leader who provides expert advice on complex departmental and cross-ministry projects and initiatives.

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives leads the development, evaluation, and implementation of complex departmental and cross-ministry projects and initiatives. The role provides expert advice and recommendations to senior management on emerging issues, supported by research and the synthesis of information from internal and external stakeholders. The position manages and coordinates complex projects and initiatives, manages stakeholder engagement and consultation processes, and supports evidence-based decision-making and accountability objectives. The position also provides leadership across branch initiatives by tracking competing priorities and timelines and supporting junior staff to ensure high-quality policy outcomes.

The Manager, Strategic Initiatives is accountable for:

• Ensuring education policies, legislation, and initiatives are evidence-based, strategically aligned, and support ministry priorities and positive outcomes across Alberta's education system.
• Advancing strategic education priorities through effective collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and coordinated implementation.
• Providing senior leadership with timely, high-quality advice, analysis, and recommendations to support informed decision-making on complex education policy and system issues.
• Driving the achievement of branch, divisional, and ministry objectives through project leadership, organizational collaboration, and continuous improvement.

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: Identifies themes and trends in recurring, systemic issues that span multiple areas, and applies an understanding of organizational structures to navigate issues, ensuring appropriate areas are consulted and/or assigned for resolution.
• Agility: Modifies processes/procedures and reporting requirements to meet ADM/DM requests. Understands the direction provided and makes necessary adjustments, communicates reason/rationale with impacted areas and stay focused on the task as changes are implemented.
• Creative Problem Solving: Understands the unique characteristics and challenges of the education system and leverages knowledge of political and government processes to advance recommendations that address issues and/or establish policy direction.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Works across the department to share and provide relevant and/or contentious information, and is prepared to delve into complex issues with a focus on improving processes and procedures for stakeholders, staff, and program areas.

Qualifications

University graduation in Education, Arts, Public Administration or in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by four years related experience.

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

The position requires the following knowledge and skills:

• Comprehensive knowledge of the Education Act, associated regulations, the Guide to Education: ECS to Grade 12, the Funding Manual for School Authorities, Programs of Study, and other applicable legislation, ministerial orders, and guidelines.
• Strong knowledge of the Alberta education system (ECS to Grade 12), including schools and school authorities.
• Understanding of the clients and stakeholders affected by sector and ministry mandates.
• Knowledge of government strategic priorities, policy directions, and ministry business plan goals related to the ministry mandate.
• Knowledge of government strategic priorities, ministry programs, resources, and key issues impacting the education sector.
• Knowledge of policy and legislative development processes, coordination, and capacity building, including the ability to accurately interpret and apply policy and legislation in specific contexts.
• Understanding of government structure, operations, and decision-making processes.
• Experience in business review, compliance, or monitoring.
• Expertise in change management, facilitation, mediation, and negotiation.
• Exposure to a variety of stakeholders and complex initiatives.
• Experience in human resource and financial management.

This is one (1) permanent, full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

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

Final candidates will be required to undergo a criminal records check (CRC).
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 we have to offer:

• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.

Closing Statement

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across the Government of Alberta, at the same or lower classification level.

We thank all applicants for their interest. All applications will be reviewed to determine which candidates' qualifications most closely match the advertised requirements.

If you require any further information on this job posting or require an accommodation during the recruitment process, please contactLiliane Karara at [e-mail] .