Senior Policy Advisor

St. Clement's School; Whitby; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead the development and management of a comprehensive policy framework. This role is crucial for ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and legislative compliance. The Advisor will engage with various stakeholders, providing strategic, evidence-based advice and facilitating collaboration across departments. The position requires strong analytical skills, exceptional communication abilities, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment. If you are passionate about making a meaningful impact in the educational sector and thrive in a collaborative atmosphere, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• In-depth knowledge of policy development processes and legislation.
• Exceptional communication skills for presentations and stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and review of policies ensuring alignment with DDSB priorities.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership and monitor legislative developments.

Skills

Policy Development

Analytical Skills

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Research Skills

Project Management

Education

Post-secondary degree in related discipline

Graduate or postgraduate degree (asset)

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Job Details

The Senior Policy Advisor leads the development, implementation, and management of the Durham District School Board's (DDSB) policy framework, ensuring alignment with Board priorities and legislative compliance. This role involves evaluating and refining policies for effectiveness and risk awareness while driving seamless integration across the organization. The Advisor collaborates extensively across departments, consults stakeholders, and builds strong relationships to ensure policies are well-informed, widely adopted, and effectively executed.

Key Responsibilities

The Senior Policy Advisor will work with the Senior Manager, Public Affairs, General Counsel, the Human Rights and Equity Advisor, Superintendents, and other key stakeholders in their role. As the Advisor for the organization, critical thinking, problem solving, and influence will be key competencies in order to carry out the following:

Advise:

1. Provide strategic evidence-based advice to the senior leadership team in policy review and revisions, including leading consultative processes and preparing materials for the Board of Trustees.
2. Monitor municipal, provincial, and federal developments, as well as community initiatives, to evaluate their implications for the DDSB and make recommendations based on risk/benefit analysis.

Development and Review:

1. Develop the Board’s Policy framework, processes and workflows, including implementation, training and integrating the framework throughout the organization.
2. Lead the planning, development, review and amendment of policies and procedures, ensuring adherence to an established policy review cycle.
3. Implement strategies to embed human rights considerations in policy development and review as part of the framework.
4. Assess proposed policies and procedures, identify impacts, and recommend performance indicators for monitoring.
5. Coordinate the policy development schedule and meetings, facilitating collaboration between subject matter experts, policy owners, and other relevant parties.
6. Conduct environmental scans and trend analyses to identify emerging issues and inform policy decisions.
7. Undertake quantitative and qualitative research in support of cross-sectoral policy and procedures.
8. Facilitate stakeholder consultation processes with Trustees, staff, and the community to inform policy development and revisions.
9. Review initiatives of other jurisdictions and evaluate their implications.

Alignment and Compliance:

1. Evaluate existing policies and procedures to assess their consistency with and effectiveness in meeting DDSB priorities.
2. Oversee the organization and maintenance of DDSB policies and procedures, including the development and update of a policy repository and cataloging system.
3. Ensure policies and procedures, supporting documents, and communications are aligned with DDSB priorities and comply with applicable legislation, regulations, and directives.

Training:

1. Develop and deliver training sessions for senior leadership, staff, Board of Trustees, and the public regarding the policy development and review process, individual responsibilities, and maintenance of the policy repository.

Communication:

1. Provide input into the development of communication strategies for disseminating policy-related information to staff and the community, and draft correspondence in response to public inquiries regarding policy.
2. Ensure the DDSB’s internal and external websites are updated with the most current versions of policies and procedures.
3. Draft policy/research papers, memoranda, and briefing documents on a range of policy issues as required.
4. Develop and maintain a Policy Toolkit and Style Guide.

Reporting:

1. Lead the development of policy-related reports for the Governance and Policy Committee, liaising with subject matter experts and policy owners in accordance with the policy review cycle.
2. Regularly provide updates to the Governance and Policy Committee on the policy review cycle and workplan.

Qualifications and Skills

Policy and Program Development, Analysis, and Evaluation

1. In-depth knowledge of the processes involved in the development, analysis, revision, and implementation of policies, procedures, guidelines, programs, and legislation.
2. Familiarity with education and social trends, the strategic direction for Ontario's elementary/secondary education sector, and relevant legislation.

Relationship Building, Consultation and Communication

1. Skilled in engaging in consultation, facilitation and building consensus across various groups within the organization.
2. Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to deliver presentations with clarity and accuracy to a wide range of audiences.
3. Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, senior leadership and Trustees regarding the policy and procedure development and life cycle.

Research, Analytical and Technical Skills

1. Strong qualitative and quantitative research and analytical skills, essential for tasks such as environmental scans, trend analyses, and policy impact assessments.
2. Proficiency in using standard software programs and tools (e.g., MS Office).
3. Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to track policies and procedures effectively.

Education and Experience

1. Completion of a post-secondary degree in a related discipline (e.g. public policy/public administration, communications, social sciences, business).
2. Graduate or postgraduate degree in a related field an asset.
3. Multiple years of experience in leading all aspects of policy development in a public sector environment.
4. Leadership experience including negotiation, collaboration, and leading teams with or without direct authority, to balance interests, resolve conflicts, and achieve consensus.

Additional Requirements

Regular office hours, plus attendance at monthly Governance and Policy Committee evening meetings.

Commitment to Diversity

The Durham District School Board recognizes Indigenous rights are distinct. In the exercise of those rights, Indigenous staff and students shall not be subjected to actions with the aim or effect of depriving these distinct rights.

The DDSB is dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. We are committed to reflecting the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates who bring a variety of experiences and backgrounds. We adhere to fair, transparent hiring practices and are committed to equity and accessibility throughout the recruitment process. If you need accommodation during the application process, please let us know, and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Ignite Your Career

At the Durham District School Board (DDSB), we inspire the lives of over 80,000 students. Our diverse communities are places where your impact will be felt every day.

Picture yourself in a workplace where your ideas are celebrated, and your growth is a top priority. Here, collaboration and innovation thrive. Whether you're directly inspiring young minds or providing essential support behind the scenes, your contributions will have a meaningful impact on students and the community.

We welcome you to bring your experiences, your passions, and your talents to our inclusive community. Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being as much as your contributions. Ignite your potential at DDSB and help us make a difference, one student at a time.