MANAGER STRATEGIC ISSUES POL & RESEARCH

• Job ID: 42830

• Job Category: Strategic Planning & Coordination

• Division & Section: Employment & Social Services, E&SS General Manager Office

• Work Location: METRO HALL, 55 John St, Toronto, M5V 3C6

• Job Type & Duration: Permanent Vacancy

• Salary: $122,000.00 - $158,105.00, TM2175 and wage grade 8.

• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

• Affiliation: Non-Union

• Number of Positions Open: 1

• Posting Period: 05-JUL-2024 to 19-JUL-2024

Toronto Employment and Social Services is dedicated to fostering an inclusive client-centered social service systemgrounded in equity and diversity that aspires to support and empower all people to thrive and prosper. We are actively seeking candidates of diverse backgrounds who bring unique experiences and perspectives to our team. We welcome candidates who have demonstrated resilience, innovation and commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.

Reporting directly to the General Manager, in this role you will be responsible for providing strategic advice and guidance on key divisional and City business. Working closely with the Senior Leadership Team and an extensive network of internal and external stakeholders you will have the opportunity to influence operational and strategic decisions that reflect the City’s core values, address emerging challenges, and support the achievement of organizational goals / objectives.

Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service as a Manager, Strategic Issues, Policy & Research within our Employment & Social Services Division.

Major Responsibilities:

• Manages Program Information Support Group and hires, manages, motivates and trains the unit’s staff, ensuring effective teamwork, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, continuous learning and encourages innovation in others.

• Provides direction regarding issues management when there are implications for other city services, inter-governmental and community liaison and political sensitivity.

• Leads and advises on the development and implementation of cross-corporate issues on projects and reports by working with key stakeholders in various divisions.

• Provides accurate and timely data and advice to City divisions, Council and other levels of government to inform and support their programs and initiatives.

• Manages all matters involving communications and public relations activities including internal and external communication, media relations, correspondence and complaint investigation and response.

• Liaises with political representatives on behalf of the General Manager and responds to political inquiries.

• Prepares strategic analysis reports for the General Manager on divisional issues, research and evaluation initiatives, reports, projects and related matters.

• Reviews and analyzes all pertinent Committee and Council documents including in-camera documents, certificate of amendments and decision documents.

• Prepares and provides guidance in the development of briefing notes, policy documents, reports, presentations and other material to support the General Manager.

• Deals with confidential labour relations and sensitive information affecting operations, assets and resources.

• Develops and implements detailed plans and recommends policies regarding program specific requirements.

• Supervises 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.

• Develops, recommends and administers the annual budget for the unit and ensures that the unit’s expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.

• Supports and ensures the alignment of Divisional interests with the City's direction and strategic plan and with Provincial objectives and legislation.

• Participates in the establishment of strategic plans and development of effective responses to emerging employment and social issues and ensures coherence and communication of business strategies and priorities across the division.

• Manages key strategic projects and supports the establishment of annual divisional priorities.

• Manages and/or facilitates research, provides key information and analysis and draws conclusions in support of effective divisional decision making.

• Advises the General Manager and Divisional Management Team on impacts of social, employment, economic and administrative policy changes and provides broad employment, social and strategic issues management perspectives to the development of Toronto Employment & Social Services positions and frameworks

• Provides corporate policy advice to the General Manager and senior management team on emerging issues that will impact divisional operations and ensures appropriate responses are developed for Council policy directives

• Influences and informs policy and program development related to the delivery of social assistance/programs by managing the development and implementation of relevant research, analysis and evaluation activities to ensure they meet divisional goals and objectives.

• Provides policy analysis, planning and research to the General Manager and senior management on the division’s operating policies and planning directions to support the delivery of social assistance/employment services within Toronto.

• Identifies trends on relevant socio-economic factors, conditions and developments in relation to employment and social services and provides strategies and recommendations to address issues and/or findings to enhance divisional efficiency and quality of service.

• Fosters and maintains cooperative and collaborative working relationships within and external to the organization.

• Represents the division at meetings with Council, city staff, other levels of government, agencies and other public bodies.

• Participates on various committees and project teams as a divisional representative.

• Maintains a continuous and thorough knowledge of current corporate and other divisional and cluster issues and initiatives.

Key Qualifications:

1. Post Secondary education in a related discipline i.e. social sciences, public administration, business administration/management program or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

2. Extensive Supervisory/management experience

3. Considerable and recent experience managing issues that requires interfacing with internal and external stakeholders i.e. political representatives, and/or other levels of government, agencies, and boards.

4. Experience researching and analyzing information to inform strategic planning and/or policy program development.

5. Experience in planning, developing, and implementing complex communication products andreports.

6. Knowledge of developments and trends in socio-economic indicators that impact employment and social supports in the City of Toronto.

7. Ability to establish effective working relationships using highly developed interpersonal, conflict resolution and problem solving skills with the ability to engage staff, foster teamwork and establish an environment of excellence.

8. Ability to develop and administer budgets to ensure fiscal accountability and effective use ofresources.

9. Sound judgement and demonstrated skills and abilities in effectively achievingresults.

10. Familiarity with government legislation in the areas of occupational health andsafety,Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA),Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Ontario Works (OW) and/or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP).

11. Ability to uphold the Toronto Public Service fostering a culture that prioritizes equity, diversity, and inclusive workplaces. Candidates from diverse backgrounds including Indigenous, Black, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ or other equity deserving groups, are encouraged to apply.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment toemployment equity (https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/content/Hiring-Policies-and-Statements/?locale=en_US) .

Accommodation

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request . Learn more about the City’sHiring Policies and Accommodation Process (https://jobs.toronto.ca/jobsatcity/content/Hiring-Policies-and-Statements/?locale=en_US) .