Director, Strategic Policy & Market Insights

Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario • Toronto, ON

37d • Onsite

About The Position

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is seeking a seasoned and strategic policy leader to take on a pivotal Director, Strategic Policy & Market Insights (Director) role at the centre of Ontario’s dynamic regulatory landscape. This is a rare opportunity to shape the Registrar’s Standards that underpin how high‑impact, highly scrutinized sectors, such as alcohol, gaming, retail cannabis, and horse racing, are regulated in Ontario, balancing innovation, economic vitality, risk mitigation, and the public interest.
Reporting to the Chief Strategy Officer, the Director will lead the development, modernization, and continuous improvement of Registrar’s Standards across diverse and evolving sectors, while driving forward a forward‑looking policy and research agenda on complex, cross‑cutting issues such as sports betting, anti‑money laundering, responsible gambling, youth access, industry enablement, and social responsibility. Operating at the nexus of government policy, stakeholder engagement, and evidence‑based regulation, this role requires sophisticated judgment, credibility with senior government partners, and the ability to navigate legislative and regulatory change in a complex environment.
This position offers the opportunity to work closely with central agencies and key ministries, collaborate with major provincial agencies and regulators, and engage meaningfully with industry and public stakeholders, while building internal policy research capability and data‑driven decision‑making that directly supports the AGCO’s enterprise strategic plan. For an accomplished public sector leader motivated by impact, integrity, and influence, this role represents a compelling next chapter in a senior leadership career.

Requirements

• Post-secondary education in one of the following fields: Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, Business Administration, and/or relevant senior experience that develops critical and strategic thinking. Graduate Degree in a related field.
• Over 10 years of proven people leadership experience in managing, mentoring, and coaching team members and team development.
• More than 10 years’ senior-level experience in public policy, corporate governance, and/or stakeholder relations or related experience, ideally in a public sector and/or regulatory setting.
• Comprehensive understanding of the provincial and federal public policy environments.
• Strong comprehension of political, environmental, and industry factors and information that may affect the regulation of the gaming, liquor, retail cannabis, and horse racing industries.
• Knowledge of sources of policy, research, and analytic expertise.
• Understanding the operating requirements of the various industry sectors regulated.
• Advanced experience in policy development, program design, and evaluation.
• Proven experience managing complex and sensitive consultation processes.
• Demonstrated ability in statutory, regulatory, and policy interpretation.
• Solid understanding of risk management principles and practices.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and tools.
• Understanding of change management principles and approaches.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

Nice To Haves

• Robust knowledge of the gaming, retail cannabis, horse racing, and liquor industries, both in Ontario and globally, and the potential implications of proposed policy and program design is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic policy leadership advice to AGCO Leadership for organizational direction-setting, enterprise strategic plan delivery, and responses.
• Work with the Executive Committee and senior management to prioritize and set policy initiatives in response to the AGCO’s mandate letter, government and corporate priorities, and enterprise strategic plan commitments.
• Lead AGCO strategic policy development process for AGCO-regulated sectors and Registrar Standards development process.
• Address complex and extremely sensitive regulatory issues related to policy and program development.
• Oversee analysis and develop recommendations related to legislative and regulatory amendments.
• Direct development and analysis of policy options and recommendations to inform executive decision-making and help ensure the gaming, liquor, retail cannabis, and horse racing sectors in Ontario continue to be regulated in the public interest.
• Manage regulatory program design and evaluation to ensure effective delivery of AGCO's strategic and policy direction.
• Build regulatory intelligence to support policy, program, and organizational initiatives, enterprise strategic plan delivery, and continuous improvement of the Standards development, monitoring, and evaluation process.
• Inform stakeholders and government relations engagement strategies to support AGCO policy and program development.
• Lead and develop highly complex and politically sensitive consultations, negotiations, and other consensus-building mechanisms to foster effective internal and external relationship management.
• Represent the AGCO at Ontario government meetings, roundtables, and working groups.
• Manage a team of senior managers and provide leadership to the Strategic Policy Branch Team while promoting a coaching culture.

Benefits

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director