Job Description

Vaughan is a city on the move. With a downtown core rising from the ground - the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre containing a bustling subway, a state-of-the-art hospital that opened its doors in 2021 - the Cortellucci Vaughan Hospital, exciting projects that are transforming the community. Be a part of something amazing and build your career at the City of Vaughan.

The City of Vaughan is an equal opportunity employer serving one of the fastest-growing municipalities in Canada, we are an organization committed to diversity and inclusivity, providing a thriving work environment, excellent benefits, learning and growth opportunities and a place where collaboration and teamwork are fostered. As one of the , we continuously employ workplace best-practices - and they\'re getting noticed! Excellence demands brilliant personalities, visionary thinking and a passion for public service. Vaughan is your place to grow.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Manager, Economic Development, the Public Policy and Research Specialist is responsible for researching, analyzing and presenting briefing documents on matters of critical importance to the municipal corporation. In addition, the Public Policy and Research Specialist engages other government levels and stakeholders in preparing briefings that are further supported by quantitative and qualitative information. The briefings will help inform decision-making by members of the administration.

This position also has a dotted line reporting relationship to the Director, Economic Development and to the Chief, Communications and Economic Development.

Responsibilities

Public Policy Research, Analysis and Development:

• Provides support in the conceptualization, development and evaluation of policies and strategies which address a range of proposed regulatory and legislative provisions and issues impacting City of Vaughan Council-approved priorities;
• Works on multiple concurrent projects involving the research, analysis and reporting of policy issues, evidence-based research, public interest and sector trends influencing the development and advancement of Council-approved priorities;
• Compiles statistical analyses and scenarios for the assessment of industry programs and their impact on Council-approved priorities involving the development of statistical projections, quantitative and qualitative analyses and creation of tables and models;
• Develops policy analyses, options and recommendations for policy directions and strategies in conjunction with staff from the Office of Communications and Economic Development;
• Provides policy support to project teams to develop policies;
• Identifies and assesses policy issues, co-ordinates policy consultations to seek input on policy development projects and to influence the legislative process;
• Provides policy advice and expertise across the municipal corporation to ensure consistent interpretation and application of Council-approved policies and strategies;
• Attends meetings of Committee, Council and Sub-Committees, among others;

Stakeholder Engagement and Issues Monitoring:

• Develops, maintains and enhances relationships with other government levels and stakeholders;
• Ensures the appropriate government representatives and stakeholder organizations are aware of Council-approved priorities, and receiving ongoing briefings;
• Works in collaboration with City staff to identify external sources of funding from government levels and stakeholders, assist in the development of funding applications;
• Attends stakeholder relations meetings and conferences, and provide post-meeting reports;
• Monitors media reports, and government and stakeholder announcements about issues of importance to the City;

Qualifications and Experience

• An undergraduate degree in political science, public administration, or business administration or related field.
• A graduate degree or professional certification is an asset.
• A minimum of (5) five years of relevant experience. Prior experience working within a municipal, provincial or federal government capacity.
• Knowledge of current municipal, provincial and federal political and policy environment, including the Municipal Act and parliamentary procedures.
• Knowledge of tactics for advocating to government.
• Understanding of municipal affairs, issues and trends.
• Excellent ability in analyzing complex files and advancing related advocacy with various stakeholders
• Strong political acumen and networking skills.
• Demonstrated ability to gather strategic intelligence, and to develop and maintain information sources with government and external stakeholders.
• Exceptional English writing and verbal communications.
• Strong project management and event planning skills.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Ability to work independently towards set objectives within the team and collaboratively with other staff across the association.
• Ability to work under pressure while balancing competing priorities.
• High degree of judgment, discretion and insight.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated ability in the City\'s core competencies as well as relevant departmental functional competencies.
• Possesses a valid Ontario \'G\' Driver\'s License in good standing, with access to a reliable vehicle for corporate use.
• Ability to work outside normal business hours, as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Please be advised, the City of Vaughan uses email to communicate with applicants for open job competitions.

The City of Vaughan is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from qualified individuals of diverse backgrounds. The City of Vaughan is also committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.

City of Vaughan