Senior Director, Strategies and Initiatives

York Region (The Regional Municipality of York); Newmarket; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading regional government body in Ontario is seeking a Director to oversee strategic planning and performance management. The ideal candidate will have over ten years of public service experience and a university degree. The role emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and preparing for emergencies, while fostering a diverse workforce. The organization offers competitive benefits, including a defined benefit pension plan and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Defined Benefit Pension Program

Comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan

Recognition as top government employer

Inclusive workplace environment

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten years of experience in public service with significant managerial responsibility.
• Ability to oversee organizational strategy and performance measurement.
• Knowledge of emergency management functions and continuous improvement strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Strategies and Initiatives Branch and oversee strategic planning.
• Develop and deliver corporate strategic plans and updates.
• Ensure preparedness for emergencies and maintain service continuity.

Skills

Public sector transformation

Enterprise planning

Policy analysis

Change management design

Financial management

Education

University Degree in a related field

Job description

About the Role

Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer and participating as a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will lead the Strategies and Initiatives Branch — overseeing strategic planning, performance measurement, enterprise risk management, continuous improvement and emergency management across the Region. Your work will be instrumental in translating Council’s Vision into tangible and actionable results, guiding strategic initiatives and aligning organizational operations with the Region’s long-term goals.

In this high-impact role, you will oversee development and delivery of the Region’s corporate strategic plan, coordinating updates every four years and reporting annually to Council on progress. You’ll lead the charge on continuous improvement and innovation, champion enterprise risk and performance management frameworks, and guide change management initiatives that ensure York Region remains a forward-thinking, results-driven organization.

With oversight of the Region’s emergency management and business continuity programs, you’ll ensure we are prepared to respond to crises and maintain service continuity under any circumstances, championing innovation at all steps. Your ability to connect the dots between people, data and strategy will help York Region advance its strategic priorities and vision — fostering a high-performing, resilient public service that delivers real, measurable outcomes for our diverse communities.

We’re looking for a collaborative, dynamic, and strategic leader with deep experience in public sector transformation, enterprise planning and cross-functional execution. If you are ready to make a lasting impact and help shape the Region’s future, we want to hear from you.

What We’re Looking For

• Successful completion of a University Degree in a related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of ten (10) years demonstrated experience in public service with responsibility for policy analysis / development, program and strategic planning, project management, continuous quality improvement, and significant direct senior managerial experience including financial, budget administration and human resource management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation, municipal and regional government organization, programs and structure, industry standards, issues and communities served.
• Knowledge of administrative policies and procedures, including budget analysis and statistics.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in strategic planning, change management design, process and implementation strategies, to optimize both quality and cost-effectiveness of services.
• Knowledge of emergency management functions, customer service and continuous improvement strategies.

Other Details

• Seniority level : Director
• Employment type : Full-time
• Job function : Management
• Industries : Government Administration

What We Offer

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24 / 7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.