Reporting to the City Manager, the Executive Director of Strategic and Corporate Policy leads key executive functions and government-wide initiatives including intergovernmental relations, strategic planning and policy development, agency relations, governance and decision-making structures for Council, committees, and accountability offices, and civic engagement activities that support these functions. The incumbent provides executive level strategic support and advice directly to the City Manager, the Mayor and Council, and to the organization as an order of government; directs the development and implementation of policies and governance directions on behalf of the City Manager.
Major Responsibilities:
Directs the City Manager's Office strategic interface with the Mayor's Office to support the Mayor's role as head of government, and with Council in its governmental capacity
Provides professional and objective strategic advice, often on highly confidential and contentious matters, to the City Manager, Mayor and Council
Leads the government-wide strategic planning process
Takes a leadership role in corporate policy development, intergovernmental and international strategies and process, and the implementation of many Council priorities
Provides confidential policy and program recommendations to the City Manager on innovative solutions for the allocation of resources and strategies for meeting program objectives
Directs the planning and delivery of complex, multi-disciplinary cross-jurisdictional projects and initiatives; identifying issues, methodologies, teams and impacts on other activities across the corporation on any issue assigned
Manages sensitive and controversial matters with a very high degree of organizational, financial and service impacts. These include the establishment of City corporations, developing and implementing accountability frameworks and mechanisms, significant legislative changes with major governance implications, and multi-level governance and operating frameworks
Provides advice and recommendations related to City governance structures and processes to facilitate effective decision-making
Conducts reviews and undertakes implementation of new and innovate administrative structures, as required
Provides leadership to the City's policy community and supports opportunities for policy development learning and professional development
Sits on executive level committees as the City Manager's representative
Directs the preparation of reports to Committee and Council, makes presentations, defends policy directions and answers questions at standing committees and Council
Anticipates emerging issues and City directions and presents the City Manager's position/interests in shaping policies and responses
Leads and motivates a diverse workforce, ensuring effective teamwork, providing resolutions to human resources issues, ensures high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others
Directs the day to day operation of all assigned staff including the scheduling, assigning and reviewing of work. Authorizes and controls vacation and overtime requests. Monitors and evaluates staff performance, approves salary increments and recommends disciplinary action when necessary
Directs and administers the annual divisional budget and ensures that the division's expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations
Directs overall divisional activities, ensuring efficient use of resources while meeting the performance objectives/goals established with the City Manager
Key Qualifications:
Extensive experience in public policy research, analysis, and development in fields related to social and economic development, intergovernmental relations, governance, municipal finance, service delivery efficiency and effectiveness, and/or the operations and services of major government organizations including the City of Toronto.
Post-secondary degree in a discipline related to the job functions or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Extensive experience in managing large and complex projects within a major public or private sector organization.
Experience writing complex reports, briefings and policy papers for senior management that include strategic advice and recommendations on sensitive issues.
Excellent ability to develop and maintain relationships, internally and with external organizations, in the context of complex policy and intergovernmental matters.
Experience engaging and negotiating with external parties on strategic issues related to intergovernmental funding and program related agreements.
Demonstrated understanding of the City's legislative framework and decision-making processes.
Ability to effectively lead project staff teams.
Highly developed communication skills, both orally and in writing, at all organizational levels.
Excellent strategic, analytical and conceptual thinking skills.
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