Senior Advisor, Planning Strategy

Metrolinx•Toronto, ON

About The Position

Metrolinx is connecting communities across the Greater Golden Horseshoe. Metrolinx operates GO Transit and UP Express, as well as the PRESTO fare payment system. We are also building new and improved rapid transit, including GO Expansion, Light Rail Transit routes, and major expansions to Toronto’s subway system, to get people where they need to go, better, faster and easier. Metrolinx is an agency of the Government of Ontario. At Metrolinx, equity, diversity and inclusion are essential to living our values of serving with passion, thinking forward and playing as a team. The Planning team is looking for a Senior Advisor, Planning Strategy role who is a strategic and trusted advisor responsible for advancing Planning's role in delivering high-quality analysis, decision support, and strategic advice across Metrolinx. Reporting to the Director, Planning Strategy, this role provides expertise in business planning, governance, continuous improvement, reporting, and cross-functional strategic initiatives.

Requirements

Completion of a degree in Business, Public Administration, Public Policy, Planning, Strategic Business Communications, or related field – or a combination of education, training and experience deemed equivalent
Experience working on major public infrastructure projects – including but not limited to subways and railways
Demonstrated experience/training ideally in the public sector, developing business processes, strategic communications material, managing special projects, complex and sensitive issues/tasks, timely flow of information along with stakeholder interaction.
Knowledge of the theory, principles, and practices of organizational practices, workflows, stakeholder management, and strategic communications.
Project management to plan, organize, and coordinate internal and external resources engaged in business planning activities to meet timelines, budget limitations, and adhere to quality control standards and best practices
Proficiency in computer applications, including MS Office (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Strong influencing/negotiating as well as political acumen capabilities to deal with a variety of stakeholders, agencies and staff to ensure successful outcomes and achieve goals.
Analytical skills to analyze business needs, and identify and assess communications risks and impacts on company reputation and develop recommendations for corrective action
Excellent interpersonal and oral/written/presentation communication skills to write business memos, prepare presentations, edit and compile reports, and develop strategic communications.

Responsibilities

Guide the translation of planning work into strategic advice, recommendations, and decision-ready products for senior leadership and stakeholders.
Support the intake, scoping, prioritization, and coordination of strategic initiatives and requests within the Planning function.
Facilitate the progression of planning products through established governance and approval processes.
Provide strategic analysis and recommendations to support business planning, continuous improvement, reporting, and organizational priorities.
Ensure assigned projects and workstreams comply with established milestones, deliverables, scope requirements, and workflow standards.
Develop, manage, and execute workplans delegated by People Leaders, Senior Managers, and Directors.
Monitor project progress and regularly update milestones, performance measures, and tracking tools.
Apply standard operating procedures, templates, and reporting frameworks to ensure consistency and quality of outputs.
Build and maintain effective working relationships across Planning and other business units to support cross-functional initiatives.
Collaborate with key internal stakeholders to advance Planning's priorities and strengthen organizational alignment.
Represent and support the Director, Planning Strategy, on strategic engagements, meetings, and enterprise-wide initiatives, as required.