Policy Advisor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

2d•CA$76,614 - CA$100,493•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Advanced Education in Alberta is a key department of the provincial government responsible for overseeing the post-secondary education system. It plays a vital role in supporting universities, colleges, polytechnic institutions, and apprenticeship programs across the province. In addition, the Ministry works to align education with the needs of Alberta’s economy by promoting skills development, research, and innovation. It collaborates with educational institutions, industry partners, and communities to prepare students for successful careers and to contribute to the province’s economic and social growth. Overall, the Ministry of Advanced Education plays a critical role in shaping Alberta’s future by strengthening its workforce and supporting lifelong learning opportunities for all residents. The Policy Coordination and Intergovernmental Relations unit is responsible for leading a corporate approach to policy coordination and priority tracking that enables strategic alignment and navigation of government decision making processes to deliver on the Minister's mandate and Government of Alberta priorities. It is also responsible for special projects including Minister-appointed advisory agencies, Advanced Education's role under the Provincial Priorities Act, and the department's strategy prioritization, tracking, and reporting. This includes leading and directing development of Advanced Education's materials for government and senior leadership transitions.

Requirements

University graduation in a related field plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Minimum 2 years of relevant experience in policy, strategy, program, project coordination, or a related field.
Knowledge of government priorities, policy development, decision-making processes, and ministry operations
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare briefing materials, reports, presentations, and strategic advice for diverse audiences.
Demonstrated analytical, research, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, including policy analysis, jurisdictional scanning, and data interpretation.
Experience supporting projects, policy initiatives, or program implementation, including tracking deliverables, coordinating stakeholders, and meeting tight deadlines.
Strong organizational and issues management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to build collaborative relationships, exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and contribute effectively both independently and as part of a team.
Understanding of the policy cycle, Cabinet decision-making processes, and the machinery of government.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Alberta legislation, Advanced Education priorities, and the post-secondary education sector.
Experience with government administrative processes, systems, and technology platforms.
Experience using AI tools, including large language models (LLMs), to support research, analysis, and content development while applying critical judgment to outputs.
Experience providing secretariat support, including agenda development, meeting coordination, note-taking, and managing shared mailboxes.
Experience working on cross-functional projects, strategic initiatives, and stakeholder engagement activities.

Responsibilities

Supporting strategic initiatives, mandate commitment tracking, ministry planning, and agenda-setting activities.
Drafting briefing notes, Cabinet reports, presentations, speaking notes, and action request responses.
Conducting policy research, analysis, jurisdictional scans, and developing policy options for senior leadership, the Minister, and Cabinet.
Coordinating projects through timelines, critical paths, trackers, meetings, and progress reporting.
Providing secretariat services, including agenda development, meeting support, mailbox management, note-taking, and administrative coordination.
Supporting Minister-appointed advisory agencies through governance, communications, records management, and member support.
Assisting with policy and program implementation, legislative interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and program reporting.
Analyzing quantitative and qualitative data to support program evaluation and continuous improvement.
Preparing and coordinating Cabinet packages, initiative tracking, and reporting on Cabinet decisions.
Monitoring Legislative Assembly discussions (Hansard) and providing analysis to inform ministry priorities.
Providing strategic advice and facilitating collaboration across policy, program, executive, and stakeholder groups.
Building strong relationships to support coordinated decision-making, clear communication, and alignment with ministry priorities.