Manager, Defence Strategic Initiatives
About The Position
The Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration (JETI) enhances Alberta's competitive advantage by creating the conditions that will help more Albertans prosper. This includes delivering policies and programs that grow and diversify the economy; attracting and developing a highly skilled workforce; and promoting safe, fair and healthy workplaces. The Economic Strategy and Investment Division is focused on ensuring strategies and related policies are developed with a broad economic lens and line of sight to economic growth and job creation. The division leverages stakeholder intelligence, robust economic principles and advanced data analytics to formulate effective strategies that support job creating investments in Alberta. We are looking for an experienced leader that can effectively collaborate with industry and across governments, thoroughly understands government decision making processes, successfully executes complex projects and has exceptional political acumen skills. Reporting to the Director of Defence Strategy and Integration, the Manager of Defence Strategic Initiatives manages a team responsible for the development, integration and execution of strategies and initiatives to support defence investment, economic growth and job creation in Alberta.
Requirements
- University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by four years related experience.
- Direct experience working within or closely with the Government of Canada, preferably in Ottawa, with demonstrated exposure to federal decision-making processes, central agencies, and interdepartmental coordination.
- Experience engaging with or working within the Department of National Defence (DND), Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), or related federal defence organizations (e.g., DRDC, PSPC Defence Procurement, ISED ITB Policy).
- Demonstrated understanding of federal defence policy, procurement frameworks, and funding mechanisms, including familiarity with programs such as: Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Policy Major Crown Projects and defence procurement processes
- Proven ability to navigate federal stakeholders, influence decision-making, and advance initiatives within a complex Ottawa-based policy and procurement environment.
- Strong political acumen with a clear understanding of how decisions are shaped and advanced within the federal system, including Cabinet processes, Treasury Board submissions, and interdepartmental alignment.
- Experience leading or contributing to multi-stakeholder initiatives involving federal departments, industry, and provincial governments, particularly in defence, aerospace, or related sectors.
- Demonstrated project management experience, including leading initiatives with high ambiguity, multiple dependencies, and senior stakeholder visibility.
- Supervisory experience, with a track record of building and leading high-performing teams.
- Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate effectively in politically sensitive and time-constrained environments.
Nice To Haves
- Strong working knowledge of the Canadian defence ecosystem, including primes, SMEs, and government stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Lead defence strategy development and alignment activities.
- Develop networks and partnerships, to ensure strategic advice and perspective are integrated across GoA defence activities.
- Develop strategic, customized options for Government of Canada and private sector defence investments and priorities.
- Advance leadership, mentorship and employee development.
Benefits
- Management Employees Pension Plan (MEPP) - https://www.mepp.ca.
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
- Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
- Leadership and mentorship programs.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
