Manager of Policy & Research

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) represents Alberta’s 69 counties and municipal districts as an independent association. Since 1909, the association has helped rural municipalities achieve strong, effective, local government. The RMA provides advocacy, insurance, and business services, including cooperative procurement through the Canoe Procurement Group of Canada.

The RMA is seeking an Insurance Manager of Policy & Research.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Manager of Policy and Research serves a key role in advancing RMA’s advocacy efforts by assisting in overseeing and providing leadership to the Policy and Advocacy (PA) department. The Manager of Policy and Research contributes to guiding the development of data-driven research, as well as advocacy campaigns and materials on a wide range of issues impacting Alberta’s rural municipalities. This position plays a role in monitoring federal and provincial legislation, regulation, and policy, determining emerging issues that may impact Alberta’s rural municipalities and working with relevant PA department members to plan and execute advocacy responses.

Under the guidance of the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, the Manager of Policy and Research works closely with the RMA Board of Directors, member municipalities and key stakeholders. This supervisory role includes providing advice and direction to direct reports within the department, reviewing and approving deliverables, and fostering an environment of collaboration that reflects the RMA’s organizational culture.

This is a full-time, permanent position. The position will be working directly from the RMA offices in Nisku, AB.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Monitoring legislation, regulation, and policy pertaining to rural municipalities and rural issues to inform the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy in issue planning and strategic decision-making.
2. Building and maintaining relationships with corresponding senior leaders within relevant Government of Alberta ministries and stakeholder organizations.
3. Providing guidance and support to PA staff to undertake evidence-based research that supports advocacy efforts.
4. Assigning policy and research staff leads to support focused effort and balanced workload.
5. Collaborating with the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy to identify and assess emerging issues and identify opportunities for research and policy development.
6. Providing guidance and support to Policy & Advocacy staff to devise strategies and advocacy campaigns that serve members, supporting advocacy on new and emerging issues.
7. Researching and drafting various communications pieces that include, but are not limited to issue backgrounders, briefing materials, submissions, reports and position statements.
8. Reviewing and approving advocacy materials.
9. Collaborating with the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy to manage research and policy staff, including undertaking performance reviews and supporting professional development planning.
10. Fostering a positive work environment, reflective of the RMA’s collaborative organizational culture.
11. Providing advice and policy recommendations to senior management and the RMA Board of Directors.
12. Collaborating with the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy to update and implement a provincial advocacy strategy, department operations plan, and other strategic documents.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

1. Completion of related post-secondary degree, such as political science, intergovernmental affairs, or related discipline. A master's degree in a related field is considered an asset.
2. Experience in or demonstrated familiarity with Alberta’s system of municipal government, specifically from the perspective of rural municipalities.
3. Experience in a management role or in leading a team is considered an asset.
4. Excellent written, oral, and listening communication skills.
5. Outstanding critical thinking and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability for solutions-based approach to problem solving.
6. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage projects.
7. Personable and able to build and maintain positive professional relationships.
8. Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment.
9. Demonstrated understanding of legislative processes and policy development.
10. Expects the highest quality performance from self and others.

APPLICATION PROCESS

The Manager of Policy and Research reports to the General Manager of Policy and Advocacy, working collaboratively to support successful advocacy to benefit member interests. Working closely with the RMA Board of Directors, the Manager of Policy and Research provides informed recommendations, data-driven research, and clear communications materials to enhance advocacy.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter in PDF format outlining how you meet the above qualification requirements, to the attention of Shannan McAuley at shannan@RMAlberta.com. This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

We thank all applicants, but due to the high volume of responses expected, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.