Issues Advisor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

6d•CA$82,168 - CA$107,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Education and Childcare supports students, parents, teachers, and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. The Issues Advisor plays a critical role in supporting the Executive Director's Office (EDO) and ensuring effective coordination of correspondence, briefing materials, and emerging issues across the division. This position works closely with program areas, branch leadership, and executive offices to ensure timely, accurate, and coordinated information reaches senior leadership. The position provides strategic and operational leadership to ensure high quality, consistent licensing services that protect the health, safety, and well-being of children and support positive outcomes for families across Alberta. This role works closely with license holders, community stakeholders, and internal ministry partners. Child Care Licensing operates within the Canada–Alberta Canada Wide Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. The position supports staff and senior leadership through consultation and decision making on complex situations, such as program closures, investigations involving harm to children, and Ministry reportable incidents. The Issues Advisor also oversees responses to public concerns, stakeholder issues, and inquiries from community agencies or other legislative bodies, ensuring decisions are defensible, transparent, and aligned with ministerial expectations and public interest. Strong analytical skills are required to identify organizational risks and opportunities, support effective planning, and ensure efficient use of resources. The role requires the ability to respond quickly and effectively to requests from senior leadership, the broader Ministry, and the public. The role also involves providing timely and accurate advice, analysis, and recommendations to the Director, Executive Director, and Assistant Deputy Minister on complex and politically sensitive matters, including the preparation and coordination of Action Requests such as briefing notes, reports, and formal correspondence.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Minimum 2 years leadership and/or supervisory experience with proven ability to develop, mentor, and lead in a childcare or human services field.
Demonstrated critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently within a team focused environment.
Demonstrated ability to handle a wide variety of work demands within short time frames.
Effective communication written and verbal to respond to concerns, request appropriate information, and participate in court procedures as needed.
Effective documentation skills are essential.
Excellent consultation, and organizational skills.
Knowledge of community resources and Indigenous culture is essential.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Office Suite, and SharePoint (must be comfortable with using multi-media platforms).
Valid Class 5 Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle.
Appropriate business insurance.
Flexibility to travel within the province as required.
Registration with the Alberta College of Social Workers (ACSW) if applicable.
Ability to undergo academic check, reference check and provide a suitable security screening.
Ability to provide a Criminal Records Check (CRC) completed within the last six months.
Ability to provide ACSW (if applicable) registration details.
Ability to provide a Standard Driver’s Abstract for the past five years (for final candidates).
Cover letter demonstrating how education and required experience make the applicant suitable for the role.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the Signs of Safety Model.
Advanced strategic and analytical thinking, strong planning skills, issues management and effective consultative practice.
Developing, evaluating, implementing policy initiatives, programs, and services.
Knowledge of Signs of Safety Practice and a strengths based/solution focused approach.
Strong supervisory and interpersonal skills, ability to promote teamwork, collaboration, and partnership.

Responsibilities

Coordinate and manage divisional correspondence and action requests.
Support day-to-day operations of the Executive Director's Office.
Monitor and track emerging issues affecting Child Care Delivery programs.
Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, correspondence, and issues notes for senior leadership.
Collaborate with program areas to gather information and ensure responses are accurate, complete, and aligned.
Ensure the Executive Director, Assistant Deputy Minister, Deputy Minister, and Minister receive timely and accurate briefings on current and emerging issues.
Facilitate communication among affected program areas to support coordinated responses and decision-making.
Monitor timelines and ensure deliverables are completed within established deadlines.
Supervision and Leadership of staff supporting Issues management within the Childcare Licensing Branch.
Provide advice and support regarding issues management processes and executive correspondence requirements.
Oversee responses to public concerns, stakeholder issues, and inquiries from community agencies or other legislative bodies, ensuring decisions are defensible, transparent, and aligned with ministerial expectations and public interest.