Senior Strategic Policy Analyst

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

6d•CA$82,168 - CA$107,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Ministry of Education and Child Care supports students, parents, teachers and administrators from Early Childhood Services (ECS) through Grade 12. The Capital Data Analytics and Policy Branch, within the Capital Planning sector, is a results-oriented branch that develops evidence-based policy to guide the school capital planning process and funding programs through stakeholder engagement, rigorous data collection and analysis, and cross-government collaboration. Their mission is to recommend informed and effective solutions to achieve government’s mandate. They solve capital planning issues through strategic policy development and data-driven analytics.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public policy, public administration or Education plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience in policy analysis and development or similar; or equivalent.
Experience in public policy development and coordination (e.g., issue identification, research and analysis, options development, consultation, decision-making, implementation, evaluation, or performance measurement).
Demonstrated understanding of the broader policy environment, including Government of Alberta priorities, legislative processes, cabinet and caucus structures, budget and business planning cycles, and the fiscal and operational implications of policy decisions.
Experience supporting legislation development, regulatory processes, or submissions to Cabinet or Cabinet Policy Committees.
Familiarity with Alberta’s education system, including governance structures, demographics, and key aspects of educational delivery (e.g., programs of study, resident students, school authority types, and classroom complexity).
Strong analytical, critical, and lateral thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize large volumes of information and identify emerging trends, issues, and implications.
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clear, concise, and neutral analysis and recommendations to senior leadership, including Executive Team and the Minister, as well as compelling messaging for external stakeholders.
Ability to anticipate emerging issues, independently solve complex problems, and develop action plans with minimal direction from executive leadership.
Advanced conceptual thinking skills, including the ability to integrate perspectives from leadership, stakeholders, and research across disciplines to develop innovative policy solutions.
Commitment to ongoing research and environmental scanning, including awareness of government priorities, demographic trends, stakeholder needs, and external factors influencing policy development.
Strong project management skills, including the ability to influence across divisions, ministries, and stakeholder groups, and to develop solutions when facing competing priorities or limited resources.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of legislation impacting education policy in Alberta (e.g., Education Act, Disposition of Property Regulation, Municipal Government Act).
Master’s degree in a related field such as political science, public policy, public administration, or education is an asset.
Experience managing complex or sensitive stakeholder relationships in a politically or publicly visible environment.

Responsibilities

Lead and advance complex, system-wide policy initiatives that guide the planning and delivery of capital programs and real property management across the education sector.
Initiate policy projects, develop policies, frameworks, standards, and procedures that provide direction to the education system.
Provide expert policy analysis and advice, identifying emerging and complex issues affecting K–12 capital programs and developing evidence-based policy options and recommendations.
Influence decision-making by assessing impacts, risks, and implications across stakeholders including students, school authorities, and government partners—while ensuring alignment with GoA priorities.
Collaborate with internal and external partners, including Infrastructure, Municipal Affairs, Primary and Preventative Health Services and cross-divisional teams, to deliver coordinated and effective policy outcomes.
Build relationships across the department, bringing together subject matter experts and stakeholders to advance strategic initiatives.
Represent Capital Data Analytics and Policy in cross-ministry forums, providing strategic advice and contributing to broader policy development efforts.