POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & CULTURE

Job ID: 50979

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research

Division & Section: Economic Development & Culture, EDC Program Support

Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent Vacancy

Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

Affiliation: Non-Union

Number of Positions Open: 1

Posting Period: 30-OCT-2024 to 14-NOV-2024

Job Summary

The City of Toronto's Economic Development and Culture Division (EDC) strives to make Toronto a place where business and culture thrive. Our objectives are to advance Toronto’s prosperity, opportunity and liveability by fostering employment and investment opportunities, encouraging Toronto’s cultural vibrancy through more and enhanced cultural experiences, and by engaging partners in the planning and development of the City’s economic and cultural resources.

Major Responsibilities

• Implement detailed plans and recommend policies/procedures regarding program-specific requirements.
• Conduct research into assigned areas ensuring that such research takes into account developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, legislation and initiatives by other orders of government.
• Lead the preparation and issue of Requests for Proposals (RFPs). Leads the evaluation of submissions and consultant/firm selection.
• Oversee and manage the work of external consultants/firms and ensure the timely completion of contracted work.
• Coordinate the monitoring of Executive Committee/City Council Standing Committees/Community Councils to gather/track/follow-up on Council directives relevant to the Division.
• Track Council directives and follow up on Committee/Council recommendations for the Division.
• Monitor agenda forecast for all Divisions to identify opportunities and impacts relevant to the Economic Development and Culture Division.
• Support the Economic Development Committee through agenda development and planning and Agenda Forecast System (AFS) management and tracking.
• Provide input into and administer assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
• Prepare Committee/Council reports, accompanying briefing notes and other background information.
• Provide guidance in the preparation of Committee/Council reports, accompanying briefing notes and other background information for the Division.
• Assist senior management in the Division to address ongoing and emerging issues and priorities in a timely way to ensure delivery of policy and planning services and special projects.
• Provide strategic policy advice, day to day operational support and professional judgement on complex and contentious issues for the GM and senior management.
• Deal with confidential and sensitive information affecting EDC operations, assets, and resources.
• Provide oversight through the strategic review of all reports generated by the Division for Committee/Council.
• Prepare reports and make presentations to Senior Management on the policy development process and the Division’s policy initiatives.
• Develop policies and provide leadership in the development and implementation of policies, strategies and program recommendations to support the City's economic development and culture agenda.
• Identify policy, resource and systems issues and gaps.
• Develop targets and criteria to measure the effectiveness and success of programs.
• Monitors federal and provincial economic development and culture policy developments and provides advice to the division on emerging issues.
• Liaise and negotiate with provincial staff, local orders of government, elected officials and community groups regarding the development of new policies and provides expert advice on the interpretation of City policies relevant to the Economic Development and Culture Division.
• Maintain effective working relationships with other City staff, political staff, Councillors, other orders of government, not-for-profit organizations, business and the community.
• Maintain a thorough awareness of economic, cultural and political issues and trends and provide information, policy development and reports based on such issues and trends.
• Participate in various committees and project teams as a Divisional representative.
• Manage special policy projects as assigned.

Key Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a related discipline, i.e. Economics, Sociology, Political Science, etc. or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Graduate level education is considered an asset.
• Extensive experience in leading strategic policy development, planning, analysis, strategy development, and program evaluation, embedding a reconciliation and equity lens.
• Considerable experience in formulating, developing, implementing and evaluating the outcomes and impact of initiatives related to inclusive economic development and/or arts and culture within a municipal context.
• Considerable project management experience in economic development and/or arts and culture projects including managing complex assignments from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political, community, and stakeholder interests and the creation and administration of budgets.
• Considerable experience in leading and working constructively within multi-disciplinary teams, including engaging, influencing, and working constructively within a complex multi-stakeholder environment.
• Knowledge of legislation and policies, including federal/provincial/municipal government programs and initiatives that affect economic development and culture.
• High degree of conceptual ability and capacity to use critical thinking and analysis to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to communicate with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders, senior management and political representatives.
• Knowledge of various research methodologies and techniques, and how to leverage them to develop data-informed recommendations and solutions.
• Ability to prepare complex reports, presentations and speaking notes.
• Strong knowledge of equity issues, including federal/provincial/municipal government programs and initiatives that affect economic development and culture.
• Ability to work independently and in teams, with strong interpersonal skills and maintaining and enhancing relationships with professionals of diverse backgrounds and cultures.
• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act as it relates to the duties of the position.
• Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions reconciliation, equity, and respectful workplaces.

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 to employment equity.