Senior Policy Advisor – City of Edmonton

Job Title: Senior Policy Advisor

Location: Edmonton, AB

Job Description: 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 including initiatives on capital projects, legislation development and/or amendments, or activities/events
• Represent the City at meetings with diverse groups such as the federal, provincial and municipal orders of government, external stakeholders and other organizations including but not limited to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), Big City Mayors’ Caucus (BCMC), Alberta Municipalities (ABmunis) and the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB) and support effective advocacy of City positions at these meetings
• 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
• Serves as a subject matter expert on intergovernmental affairs and policy coordination. Responsibilities include advising City leadership, influencing departmental approaches to different government levels, and guiding departments, ELT, and Council members on advancing initiatives with other orders of government. The role also involves working with departments to proactively identify needs and steps for securing support from different government levels
• Continually develop and maintain relationships with key officials with the different orders of government, ELT, department leadership teams, and Councillors’ and Mayor’s offices
• Represent the City at internal and external meetings with diverse groups, including federal, provincial, and municipal government officials
• Develop proactive and innovative strategies, policy options and negotiation tactics to support the development and implementation of the City’s strategic policy direction on intergovernmental issues and its relationship with other orders of government and relevant organizations. This will often require the engagement of Council members, Administration, and other relevant stakeholders
• 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 “think-tank” organizations
• Strong business and political acumen to support various situations and respond appropriately to unanticipated issues with professionalism and innovative solutions
• Ability to create and foster relationships with individuals representing various government departments, municipalities and major external stakeholders
• Flexibility to manage emerging issues in a fast-paced work environment, while successfully advancing longer-term projects and priorities
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills to support opportunities that cross political boundaries and to form linkages to leverage these opportunities
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (

. Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusionApplicants may be tested.Work Environment:

• Note: This position ​may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement ​with ​the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52. ​
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact Learn more about our benefitsUp to 1 temporary full-time position for up to 18 months in accordance with Article 18.02 of the Collective AgreementHours of Work: 33.75 hours per week
Salary Range: $47.896 – $68.423 (Hourly); $84,380.78 – $120,544.22 (Annually)
Talent Acquisition Consultant: SM/MZEdmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.

Company Name: City of Edmonton

Salary:

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