Director Strategic Initiatives & Engagement

General Information:
As an equal opportunity employer, the City of Thunder Bay encourages applications from Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority groups and women.

ONTARIO HUMAN RIGHTS CODE: It is a contravention of the Human Rights Code of Ontario to discriminate on the basis of: race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, creed, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability, age, record of offences, gender identity or gender expression. Therefore, a resume submitted to the City must not include references to any of the above characteristics. Do not include:

Photos

Any certificates that have photo identification

Driver’s licences

Police records checks

Note: The above documentation will be requested by the Human Resources & Division should you be the successful applicant. If a Criminal Record Check is required it will be requested by Human Resources should you be the successful applicant. Please do not submit your Criminal Record Check with your application.

ACCOMMODATION: Reasonable accommodations are available upon request for all parts of the recruitment process.

PRIVACY: Personal information on this form is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, c. 302, as amended, and will be used to determine eligibility for employment. Questions about this collection of personal information should be directed to the Human Resources & Corporate Safety Division, 125 Syndicate Ave Suite 42, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7E 6H8, Telephone: 625-3866

Application forms must reference the competition number and be submitted to Human Resources by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date.

Job Description:
POSITION SUMMARY: Under the direction of the City Manager and as a member of the Executive Management Team, the Director is responsible for the overall strategic management, direction and efficient and effective operation of Strategic Initiatives & Engagement, which includes Corporate Communications & Community Engagement, Indigenous Relations & Inclusion, Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement and Project Management. A key area of responsibility includes the development, monitoring and communication of the Corporate Strategic Plan.

CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
As a member of the Executive Management Team (EMT), provides leadership in the development and ongoing review of the Corporate Strategic Plan, including plan implementation, coordination, and program delivery; coordinating interdepartmental work plans; providing and sharing information; reviewing corporate policies and procedures; and preparing and reviewing capital and operating budgets.

Participates as a member of EMT by providing input into: proposed organizational reviews from across the organization; human resource management with respect to vacancy review, succession planning, filling vacancies, employment equity and diversity; cost savings programs and initiatives; major issues management; and corporate performance management.

Provides oversight and strategic direction for the division and manages daily operations including Corporate Communications, Indigenous Relations & Inclusion, Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement and Project Management.

Provides strategic advice and recommendations to the City Manager, Council and EMT on sensitive and major issues management; anticipates and manages issues of corporate and community concern.

Provides leadership in the framework, process and development of the Corporate Strategic Plan, working closely with the City Manager, Council, and EMT. Develops and manages systems to monitor and report on the status of the Strategic Plan and facilitates alignment across the organization with a focus on outcomes.

Provides administrative support to further Indigenous Relations & Inclusion and the Anti-Racism & Inclusion Accord, and brings new perspectives and options to EMT to support effective decision making to advance Council’s strategic priorities and supports collaborative work on complex issues.

Provides leadership and guidance to Corporate Communications & Community Engagement in the development of a multi-media communications and engagement plan, and provides leadership for its implementation that addresses internal and external strategies, Council’s strategic objectives and supports services using a variety of formats and platforms.

Directs the development of corporate plans for public engagement and systems and programs to gauge public opinion through targeted surveys, monitoring media, and stakeholder discussions.

Provides leadership and guidance to Internal Audit & Continuous Improvement and Project Management, overseeing the maintenance of proper internal controls, strengthening risk management throughout the City and delivering strategic corporate projects.

ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILTIES:
Leads and directs the general and financial management and day-to-day administration of the Strategic Initiatives & Engagement Division.

Participates as a member of the City Manager’s Office management team by providing input into organizational and operational reviews, human resource management, budget issues, technical matters and major issues management. Also participates by providing input into the identification and development of policies, strategic initiatives, projects and priorities.

Develops, plans and implements short- and long-range Divisional objectives consistent with the Corporate Strategic Plan, ensuring the highest level of service, within funding, for Thunder Bay residents and internal clients.

Develops, administers, and maintains Divisional policies and procedures consistent with Corporate and Departmental objectives.

Prepares information, reports, letters and memoranda to the City Manager, Mayor and Members of Council; attends Council/Committee meetings, public hearings, community and other public meetings as required; makes presentations and provides recommendations on matters pertaining to Strategic Initiatives & Engagement

Develops and administers the Division’s annual budget; ensures budget requests are consistent with the Division’s operating objectives while maintaining optimum cost-benefit relationships.

Assesses Divisional staffing needs, makes recommendations for amendments to complement and organizational structure.

Directs Divisional staff in the areas of recruitment/hiring, staff development, performance management/review, attendance/disability management, coaching/mentoring, health and safety, collective agreement administration, and discipline and termination decisions; monitors for compliance with Corporate policies and procedures and applicable legislation.

Represents the City Manager’s Office on various committees and cross-functional teams.

Performs such other related duties as may be assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Experience:
University degree in public administration, business administration or related discipline, postgraduate degree preferred

Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in senior management level positions in an administrative capacity in a large, unionized and highly diversified public or private sector organization, and

A minimum of four years of experience in a similar function

Experience in business, human resource management and project management

Knowledge of the role of municipal government, its programs and services provided to the public, and the unique and diverse communication needs of its various business units and the citizens and clients they serve

Demonstrated knowledge and experience with effective communications practices

Track record of taking initiative in managing competing corporate and divisional priorities, and ability to work effectively under the pressure of short deadlines

Skills/Abilities:
Superior ability to communicate effectively and concisely, both orally and in writing

Superior ability to deliver presentations to a variety of audiences and to skilfully handle on-the-spot questions from senior officials, members of City Council, special interest groups, and the media

Superior ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with members of the City Council, private and public officials, subordinates and the general public

Ability to identify, understand, and meet/exceed the requirements of internal and external customers

Ability to think and act strategically in a public sector environment, including the ability to conceptualize and implement change strategies

Excellent project/time management, analytical/critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

Proven acumen in business and financial management, with the ability to analyze and understand financial implications of proposals and the ability to perform some cost calculations and respond accordingly

Strong leadership skills, including the ability to direct, motivate, evaluate, and recognize staff; proven ability to share skills and knowledge with others

Proven conflict management abilities and mediation skills

Must be proficient in the use of computers and current related software

Must be competent within the meaning of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:
Must undergo a successful Criminal Record and Judicial Matters Check (CRJMC)

Must take Oath of Secrecy

Will be required to travel to various work locations and provide own transportation