Policy, Research and Reports Advisor

ABOUT US
Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER
Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• 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.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Briefs the CAO, Executive Advisor and Liaison and others, as required, on matters of interest, Council agendas/minutes, and current and anticipated issues affecting Regional policy and operations.
• Reviews briefing notes and other materials in advance of CAO review and approval and works with departments providing feedback, advice and guidance. 
• Attends regular meetings with Senior Leadership to review and provide input on Council and Board reports.
• Reviews draft Council materials for Agenda Review Committee; provides initial comments to Executive Advisor and Liaison and the CAO to support their reviews and collaborates with departments to finalize Council and Board reports for CAO’s final approval and signature.
• Coordinates key messages with departments to support the CAO at Council and Board meetings. 
• Works closely with Clerk’s Office which oversees Committee and Council processes to share insights from the CAO, documenting lessons learned aiming for continuous improvement. 
• Leads the Strategic Policy Committee process; working with departments to bring materials forward to the Committee including advance review and approval from the CAO, capturing meeting action items, and sharing feedback on materials with departments. 
• Reviews and provides background reports on policy statements, consultation documents and proposals, including background information for public relations activities.
• Provides input to or prepares reports, briefing notes, presentations, statistics, and analysis, for the CAO and Executive Advisor and Liaison.
• Represents the Office of the CAO at meetings and participates on strategic corporate committees, task forces and work groups, as assigned.
• Acting as a liaison between the Office of the CAO and Regional employees and interprets and communicates the CAO’s expectations and requirements, as required.
• Works with Corporate Communications on issues management and media requests as needed to support initial reviews and triage. 

 
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University degree in Public Administration, Business Administration, or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years demonstrated experience in policy and planning, policy/project management advisory experience in a public sector environment, with a sound understanding of municipal organizational environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of public policy, practices and issues, provincial and federal legislation and current issues affecting local government with an understanding of public sector management accountability frameworks.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research and evaluation methods, including experience interpreting and reporting statistical, demographic, and socio-economic data, and writing reports and proposals.
• Experience conducting extensive literature reviews, including the ability to summarize complex data into understandable, user-friendly, relevant explanations for a varied audience. 
• Ability to demonstrate the Region's core competencies.

Please apply online by 5:00PM EST of the closing date indicated above. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted via email.