Policy Development Officer

City of Toronto; Toronto; On-site; CAD 105,000 - 161,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Non-Union

Job summary

The City of Toronto is seeking a Policy Development Officer within MLS Policy & Strategic Support at City Hall. You will lead policy files, shape by-law revisions, and advance regulatory frameworks affecting neighborhoods and housing, transportation, and safety.

As a collaborative team member, you will coordinate with committees, council, and external stakeholders to deliver evidence-based policies, management guidance, and effective operating procedures for the Division.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline or equivalent.
• Experience in policy and strategy development and translating research to action.
• Strong relationship-building across the organization and external groups.

Responsibilities

• Lead policy development, analysis and program design with implementation plans.
• Advise on policy procedures and coordinate related activities.
• Conduct research considering legislation and other jurisdictions.
• Review agendas and reports, flag items and drive follow-ups.
• Provide strategic financial and political advice.
• Handle confidential information affecting MLS operations and budget.

Skills

Policy development

Strategic thinking

Relationship building

Leadership

Communication

Education

Post-secondary education in public policy/public administration or related field

Job description

• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Policy & Strategic Support
• Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St W, Toronto
• Job Type & Duration: Full Time, Temporary (12 month) vacancies
• Salary Range: $105,241.00 - $160,649.00, Wage Grade PTM 3
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 2
• Posting Period: 17-Aug-2026 to 31-Aug-2026

The Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) Division is at the heart of keeping Toronto safe, vibrant and thriving. By developing and delivering by-law administration and enforcement services, business licensing, and animal care services, MLS plays an important role in shaping the character of Toronto's communities. As part of this work, the Division has conducted several major by-law reviews and implemented leading regulatory frameworks for major sectors including Private Transportation Companies (Uber/Lyft), Short-term Rentals (Airbnb/booking.com), RentSafeTO: Apartment Building Standards, and many more.

This is your chance to step into an exciting and dynamic role as a Policy Development Officer at MLS and lead policy files that will move the Division forward on key initiatives such as noise, property standards, indoor air temperature requirements, multi-tenant housing (rooming houses), and animal care services, among other important initiatives. You'll be part of a team that drives policy innovation and provides essential support to Committees, Council, and the Division in crafting effective regulatory frameworks, operating procedures, and business practices.

This Policy Development Officer will join an exceptional team of diverse and enthusiastic policy and research professionals committed to maintaining the safety and vibrancy of Toronto's communities. If you're a collaborative, innovative thinker with a passion for public policy, are curious and enthusiastic, and have a drive to advance high-impact policies and programs, this is the opportunity for you!

Major Responsibilities:

• Leads and supports strategic policy development, policy analysis, research and program development processes by identifying, formulating and recommending new policies and policy amendments, preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans to support management functions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and service delivery.
• Recommends policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements and implements detailed plans.
• Conducts research into assigned area ensuring that such research considers developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, and relevant legislation and initiatives by other levels of government.
• Reviews and analyzes Standing Committee/Community Council/City Council agendas and reports, identifying items for the Manager/Director and initiate and coordinates necessary action for follow up.
• Provides strategic financial and political advice.
• Deals with confidential and sensitive information affecting MLS operations, staffing and budget related implications, assets and resources.
• Develops, coordinates, and implements public consultation processes to support changes to policies and by-laws.
• Develops divisional communication materials and content for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides leadership to project teams comprised of multiple stakeholder interests such as divisional staff, consultants, staff of other divisions and/or City agencies and/or external stakeholders to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals and service contracts related to projects.
• Prepares various correspondences, presentations, reports briefing notes and other materials for the divisional senior management team.
• Fosters, and works collaboratively to maintain close and effective, working relationships with managers and supervisors in the division and City divisions and other levels of government, technical consultants, and members of the public or other groups as appropriate to ensure awareness of existing and evolving issues and concerns.
• Represents City interests in inter-jurisdictional, inter-governmental, international and community meetings/settings.
• Participates in inter-Divisional policy/program development initiatives.

Key Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g., public policy/public administration, planning, intergovernmental relations) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Considerable experience in policy and strategy development, including the ability to advance knowledge translation between research, policy and operations.
• Considerable experience building and cultivating relationships across an organization and with external stakeholder groups, including community groups or residents, in the development of public policy.
• Considerable project management experience, stewarding complex initiatives from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political, community and other stakeholder interests, and resolving conflicts.
• Exceptional leadership, negotiation and collaboration skills and the ability to coach and influence without direct authority.
• Excellent presentation and written communication skills with the ability to structure and present information to both internal and external partners through a variety of communications platforms, while ensuring corporate branding and messaging.
• High degree of judgment, political acumen and discretion; ability to analyze, problem solve and mediate complex situations, including ability to deal with divergent stakeholder interests.
• Strong networking and relationship building skills; and ability to handle matters of a confidential/sensitive nature as it relates to Council, senior staff, management and unionized employees.
• Ability to thrive in rapidly changing environment with frequent and competing priorities and deadlines and multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of municipal operations, Committee and Council proceedings, collective agreements, City guidelines, policies, municipal bylaws, and relevant legislation including Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code and Occupational Health & Safety Act, AODA, and a general understanding of issues facing divisions and the City.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.