Strategic Advisor

Government of Alberta•Edmonton, AB

1d•CA$82,168 - CA$107,710•Onsite

About The Position

The Alberta Public Service works to build a stronger province for current and future generations. We make a difference in the lives of Albertans through rewarding and diverse career opportunities. The Finance, Governance and Capital Policy Sector include four branches that support school business officials, oversees internal business services, provides capital data analysis and policy, and plans and delivers diverse strategic initiatives and mandate items. This includes taking the lead on emergent priorities and the delivery of alternative projects. For information about the Ministry of Education and Childcare, please visit: https://www.alberta.ca/education-and-childcare

Requirements

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.
Issues management and problem-solving in a complex policy or operational environment.
Experience preparing executive briefings, correspondence, reports, and decision documents.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly.
Ability to research, analyze, and provide strategic recommendations on sensitive issues.
Experience interpreting and applying policies, legislation, regulations, and governance frameworks.
Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and deliver quality work under tight timelines.
Experience working collaboratively across branches, divisions, and external organizations.
Strong organizational, planning, and project coordination skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Nice To Haves

Experience in government, public sector policy, governance, finance, infrastructure, or education sectors.
Knowledge of education funding, school facilities, or capital planning processes.
Experience supporting executive leadership and senior decision-makers.
Experience preparing ministerial, legislative, Cabinet, or executive-level materials.
Knowledge of government decision-making and issues management processes.
Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or strategic projects.
Experience mentoring or coaching staff and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Strategic Advisor supports the coordination of assigned strategic initiatives and mandate projects within existing project management frameworks and processes. This includes pilot programs and novel, one-of-a-kind, or exploratory concepts as well as new policy direction and legislation changes. Depending on the specific needs of the project, the Strategic Advisor will provide expertise to facilitate the conceptualization and framing of the project and then support its implementation.
The Strategic Advisor also supports the Financial Services and Capital Planning Division Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) office by providing strategic advice and coordination regarding priority Education and Childcare initiatives. The position provides analysis on complex policy, funding, and operational issues, including class size and complexity, capital planning, and accountability frameworks. This position also provides input regarding the development of briefing notes, decision materials, and executive communications to support Cabinet, Treasury Board and legislative requirements. The Strategic Advisor works with the ADM office as a key liaison across divisions to ensure alignment, timely decision making, and effective implementation of ministerial and government priorities.
Identify, analyze, and manage complex, sensitive, and emerging issues impacting the Finance, Governance, and Capital Policy sector.
Prepare strategic briefings, reports, and decision-support materials for Directors, the Executive Director, ADM, and senior leadership.
Develop responses to ministerial, MLA, public, Cabinet, and executive-level inquiries and action requests.
Coordinate issues management processes to ensure timely information flow, risk mitigation, and informed decision-making.
Communicate ministry policies, funding frameworks, capital planning requirements, and strategic priorities to school authorities and stakeholders.
Provide expert interpretation of policies, regulations, initiatives, and expectations related to school facilities and capital projects.
Review and quality-assure correspondence, briefing materials, and executive documents to ensure alignment with ministry objectives.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and advance strategic priorities.
Support the development, evaluation, and presentation of project recommendations, status updates, and business planning initiatives.
Participate in cross-functional and inter-ministerial teams to coordinate projects, policy initiatives, and operational priorities.
Monitor emerging risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership on school capital policies and initiatives.
Support branch and sector operations through leadership contributions, including facilitating coordinated action, mentoring staff, driving continuous improvement, and responding to urgent and emerging issues.