COORDINATOR POLICY & PROGRAM (Policy Advisor)

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2026, the City of Toronto promotes professional development and is committed to providing opportunities to lead, learn and grow. We value integrity, reliability, and fairness, and we embrace the diversity of the people we work with and serve. Toronto is now home to more than 3 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents, and businesses. In a workplace where growth is fostered and diversity is celebrated, a team of approximately 42,000 employees is the driving force behind the City of Toronto’s ability to provide programs and services to residents, businesses, and visitors to this community. The Office of the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services is seeking a well-rounded, strategic and solutions oriented professional in the role of Coordinator, Policy & Programs (Policy Advisor). Reporting to the Director, Strategic Policy & Programs, this position offers a unique opportunity for a self-starter and problem-solver with a strategic mindset and exceptional judgment to play a pivotal role on a small, collaborative team at the heart of municipal government. Equally important, you are an inclusive and collaborative colleague who enjoys working with internal and external stakeholders as a partner, and are committed to contributing to a supportive, productive and team-oriented work environment. Corporate Services enables City Divisions, Agencies, Corporations and external partners to deliver the programs and services that residents and businesses rely on, through enterprise-wide leadership that improves service experiences, modernizes, sustains and protects critical technology and real estate assets, and drives climate action.

Requirements

Post-secondary education that supports broad and strategic thinking, policy development and analysis, communications, issues resolution, relationship building and stakeholder management (Public Policy/Administration, Political Science, Communications, Business, etc.) or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Considerable experience preparing reports, briefing notes and presentations on various topics.
Experience in a large public sector organization, combined with knowledge of government decision making processes.
Knowledge of Committee and Council proceedings, current corporate policies, programs, issues and initiatives is considered an asset.
Experience in policy research, analysis and development to evaluate implications of potential policy changes, anticipate stakeholder reactions, and make recommendations to senior leadership mitigate potential risks.
Experience in project management, including developing project work plans, managing deliverables, and monitoring and evaluating project outcomes.
Highly developed conflict resolution, problem solving, and facilitation skills.
Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive matters and use discretion to navigate and address complex matters.
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build effective and strong working relationships and trust with a broad range of stakeholders, including other service areas, politicians and their staff, other orders of government and external organizations.
Excellent presentation skills to conduct briefings for senior executives and stakeholders.
Ability to identify, coordinate and manage competing priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Committee and Council proceedings, current corporate policies, programs, issues and initiatives is considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Policy and program analysis, issues tracking and strategic coordination will be at the heart of your role as Coordinator, Policy & Programs (Policy Advisor), with a strong emphasis on City Council and Committee activities.
As a policy professional with a hands-on approach, you will work with and on behalf of the Deputy City Manager and Director, and in partnership with the Manager, Strategic Policy & Planning, to influence, coordinate and provide strategic support to Corporate Services Divisions on a range of key initiatives and issues, including reports to Committee and Council reports.
Working closely with the Manager, Strategic Policy & Planning, the Office will rely on your knowledge, insight and organization to coordinate the preparation and ensure the strategic alignment of staff reports from the Corporate Services service area.
You will also provide recommendations on policy matters, develop and review briefing and presentation materials for executive audiences, and conduct research and analysis on key matters of interest to the Deputy City Manager and Director to facilitate decision-making.
Finally, you may also support broader efforts to maintain and advance the organizational health of the Corporate Services team led out of the Deputy City Manager's Office, including in areas such as training, development and employee engagement.
Review and provide advice on reports to City Council and its Committees from the Deputy City Manager, Corporate Services and key reports from the divisions in Corporate Services and other service areas, as assigned.
Support Corporate Services' Committee and Council agenda management and forecasting process, including coordinating a table of leads across the service area, reviewing divisional input into the City-wide Agenda Forecasting System, proactively advising divisions on reporting requirements and timelines based on Council directions, and collaborating with other Deputy City Managers' Offices and the City Manager's Office.
Communicate regularly with staff across Corporate Services, on staff reports to Committee and Council, issues and other matters.
Support the coordination and tracking of key requests and direction for Corporate Services and its divisions.
Conduct research and analysis to support decision-making, for example, Council direction, industry advancements, and initiatives by other levels of government, other jurisdictions and the in the broader public sector.
Lead and coordinate projects and programs to research, develop and recommend strategies, policy and program options on program, policy and operational issues that achieve service area and City priorities, including reporting on assigned projects and programs.
Develop and/or facilitate presentations, briefings, reports, events and communication materials.
Maintain an awareness and knowledge of developments, issues, initiatives and advancements in areas related to Corporate Services' responsibilities.
Support the Deputy City Manager’s office with management of issues, client complaints, and public feedback.
Identify, prioritize and develop appropriate responses and recommendations on confidential issues, projects, media inquiries, and/or complaints.
Represent the Service Area and its interests at key meetings and participate on City-wide or corporate Committees and Task Forces as required.
Liaise with a variety of internal stakeholders with respect to operational programs and issues.
Liaise with senior management and divisional staff in the coordination and implementation of Corporate Services' various plans, policies and strategic programs.
Working with colleagues in the Deputy City Manager's Office and in divisions, help to identify ways to support employee engagement and recognition.