MANAGER STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

City of Toronto•Toronto, ON

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Congestion Officer is seeking a strategic, politically astute, analytical and solutions-oriented policy leader for the role of Manager, Strategic Initiatives. Reporting to the CCO, this position offers a unique opportunity for a self-starter and problem-solver with a strategic mindset and exceptional judgement to drive initiatives and results on a fast-paced, dynamic, and collaborative team. Equally important, you are an inclusive leader who enjoys working with internal and external partners and interest groups, and are committed to contributing to a supportive, productive and collaborative work environment. This role is responsible for developing strategic policy and advice, overseeing and advancing priority projects, driving alignment across the City with respect to congestion, and ensuring that congestion mitigation strategies are coordinated, operationalized, and aligned across divisions. The Manager will lead cross-divisional initiatives, provide guidance and leadership to project teams, and champion a cohesive, city-wide approach to effective program delivery and innovation.

Requirements

Post-secondary education that supports broad and strategic thinking, policy development and analysis, communications, issues resolution, relationship building and partnership management (e.g., Public Policy/Administration, Urban/Transportation Planning, Public Policy, Business Administration, etc.) or an equivalent combination of education and/or experience.
Considerable experience in a large public sector organization, combined with in-depth knowledge of government decision-making processes.
Considerable knowledge of transportation policy, traffic congestion management, planning, infrastructure and related economic policies, programs, issues and initiatives.
Considerable experience in policy research, analysis and development to evaluate implications of potential policy changes, anticipate feedback, and make recommendations to mitigate potential risks.
Proven political acumen and exceptional judgement and insight.
Demonstrated ability to operate as a fully accountable program leader, including effective decision-making skills and a track record of innovation and result-oriented leadership.
Ability to handle confidential and/or sensitive matters and use discretion to navigate and address complex matters.
Considerable experience preparing reports, strategic briefing materials and presentations on various topics.
Considerable experience managing issues and leading projects or initiatives involving multiple interest groups and partners, including the ability to negotiate and achieve consensus among parties with different objectives.
Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with an ability to build effective and strong working relationships and trust with a broad range of internal and external partners, including other divisions and agencies, politicians and their staff, and other orders of government and external organizations.
Excellent presentation skills to conduct briefings for senior executives, partners, and interest groups.
Ability to identify, coordinate and manage competing priorities, and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with minimal supervision.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Council and Committee proceedings is an asset.
People leadership experience is considered an asset, as a foundation for mentoring staff and working across divisions to lead meetings, working groups and collaborate on plans and solutions.

Responsibilities

Lead projects to research, develop and recommend strategic policy options on complex program, policy and operational issues to manage congestion, considering key political, social and economic issues.
Provide research and analysis on matters such as previous Council direction and progress, initiatives by other orders of government, jurisdictions and public and private sector organizations, and emerging policy areas.
Anticipate high-profile issues in the media or political domain and liaise with a variety of internal divisional and agency partners to facilitate resolution, ensure implementation of high-priority initiatives and formulate appropriate responses, including media and other external/internal inquiries.
Review and provide advice on all reports to City Council and Committees from the CCO, and key reports from the divisions in Infrastructure Services and other service areas.
Develop performance monitoring frameworks, dashboards, and reports for review by the senior management team.
Lead interdivisional collaboration to advance Council direction and address recommendations from the City’s Accountability Officers, including the Auditor General and Ombudsman Toronto.
Prepare and present reports, briefing notes, presentations and issues analysis for executive, political and public audiences.
Maintain a thorough knowledge of current corporate and CCO issues and initiatives, and draft briefing notes and responses on issues, projects, escalated complaints and related matters.
Manage assigned projects, ensuring effective teamwork and communication, high standards of work quality and organizational performance, and continuous learning.
Represent the CCO and divisional interests at key meetings and participate on City-wide or corporate Committees and Task Forces.
Provide liaison between the Deputy City Manager’s Office and Members of Council and their staff as required.