Senior Policy Advisor

City Of Edmonton; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative city is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to shape the future of Edmonton through strategic intergovernmental relations. This role is essential in fostering collaboration between various government levels, ensuring the city’s strategic priorities are met. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of municipal structures and demonstrate exceptional communication and relationship-building skills. Join a forward-thinking team where your expertise will contribute to impactful policy development and enhance the City’s interests. If you are passionate about public service and ready to make a difference, this opportunity awaits you!

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in municipal, provincial, or federal government.
• University degree in relevant fields like Political Sciences or Public Administration.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic advice on intergovernmental issues to senior leaders.
• Collaborate with departments to advance City priorities with other governments.
• Analyze trends and perform environmental scanning on intergovernmental issues.

Skills

Strategic Thinking

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Policy Coordination

Research and Analysis

Negotiation Tactics

Education

University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts

Master's degree in a related field

Tools

Government Relations Courses

Project Management Certification

Job description

Job Description - Senior Policy Advisor (51229)

Job Description

Senior Policy Advisor Up to 18 months

Job Number

51229

Help shape the future of Edmonton! The City of Edmonton is seeking a passionate and experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join our Intergovernmental Affairs team. As a key player in our government relations efforts, you will play a vital role in fostering relationships with other orders of government and advancing the City's strategic priorities. If you are a strategic thinker with exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, we invite you to apply!

The Senior Policy Advisor will serve as a subject matter expert on intergovernmental affairs and provide strategic advice to City leadership on navigating complex policy issues. You will collaborate with various departments, Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and Council members to develop and implement innovative strategies that advance the City's interests. This role requires a deep understanding of the municipal government structure, political acumen, and the ability to build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

What will you do?

• Provide strategic advice to the Chief Advisor and other senior leaders on intergovernmental issues and act as a facilitator of policy coordination within the organization.
• Work collaboratively with departmental staff across the corporation, ELT, and members of Council to advance City priorities with other orders of government and key external stakeholders.
• Represent the City at meetings with diverse groups such as the federal, provincial, and municipal orders of government, external stakeholders, and other organizations.
• Analyze relevant trends/data, gather information on the policies and actions of other orders of government, and perform ongoing environmental scanning on issues and trends with an intergovernmental dimension.
• Develop proactive and innovative strategies, business processes, policy options, and negotiation tactics to support the advancement of the City's strategic priorities.
• Undertake and coordinate intergovernmental research projects to build business cases for the City based on best practices, current academic research, and industry trends.
• Continually develop and maintain relationships with key officials with the different orders of government, ELT, department leadership teams, and Councillors’ and Mayor’s offices.
• Conduct research and analysis on policies and actions of other orders of government and relevant organizations to identify trends, issues, and opportunities.
• Provide timely and strategic advice to City leadership on intergovernmental affairs and policy coordination.

Qualifications

• University degree in Political Sciences, Economics, Sociology, Public Administration, Business Administration, Urban Planning, Arts, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible experience in municipal, provincial, or federal government, including experience working with elected officials.

Assets

• Master's degree in a related field. Project management certification.
• Completion of government relations courses or certifications. Working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act.

Skills required for success

• Comprehensive understanding of the municipal government structure and workings, Edmonton’s regional structure and relationships, as well as strong familiarity with the political and administrative functioning of other orders of government.
• High level awareness of current trends/issues in federal and provincial governments, other municipalities, academic research, and