Vision & Strategy Specialist

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home making it one of the largest regions in Canada and the fastest growing with a population thats expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography which is comprised of about 1800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities is as beautiful interesting and diverse as our government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canadas Best Employers by Forbes we offer a collaborative progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13 Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace aligned with our vision to create strong caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health dental and life insurance access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Programand corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - Were committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential participate freely in society and live with respect dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion Diversity Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Program Manager Vision and Strategy this position supports the advancement of Regional Councils Vision and the organizations alignment to that Vision. The role focuses on strategic analysis performance insights engagement support and coordination of Vision-related activities including integrating data insights engagement results and strategic context to enable Vision monitoring interpretation and alignment.

WHAT YOULL BE DOING

• Supports the advancement of Councils Vision by combining data engagement feedback and departmental inputs to provide a consolidated view of alignment with Vision.
• Applies a strategic and systemslevel lens to assess how initiatives outcomes and indicators relate to the Vision.
• Identifies gaps in alignment emerging risks sensitivities or inconsistencies and provides analysis and options for Program Manager consideration escalating as appropriate.
• Coordinates the annual and ongoing Vision data call process including planning timelines issuing requests tracking submissions and following up with departments.
• Reviews and synthesizes departmental inputs related to Councilapproved Vision indicators to ensure completeness clarity and consistency.
• Supports the design and execution of internal and external engagement activities related to Vision alignment monitoring and validation.
• Assists with community and stakeholder engagement activities (e.g. workshops municipal sessions public booths insight sessions) and synthesizes engagement outputs into key findings and insights that inform Vision monitoring and improvement.
• Provides guidance and clarification to departmental strategy and policy staff on Vision expectations indicator interpretation alignment considerations and timelines.
• Researches emerging trends insights and best practices related to community wellbeing strategic measurement and Visionlevel outcomes.
• Integrates research findings into Vision discussions internal materials and analytical context.
• Applies foresight and designbased approaches to explore future opportunities risks and scenarios related to Vision outcomes and alignment.
• Prepares briefing notes background materials and presentations and develops options on a wide range of design foresight and strategic planning topics and initiatives as required.
• Gathers synthesizes analyzes and reviews data and information from multiple sources including searching best practices fostering collaboration and networks with stakeholders within and outside of York Region and participation in various working groups.

WHAT WERE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a University Degree or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in strategic analysis policy or planning support program coordination engagement or performance reporting.
• Ability to interpret and integrate data into strategic insights and context.
• Ability to support or coordinate enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Ability to apply experience in community engagement.
• Ability to demonstrate the Regions corporate core competencies.
• Sound judgement political acuity and ability to recognize sensitivities and escalation points.
• Demonstrated facilitation communication interpersonal and presentation skills to present information to varied audiences.
• Demonstrated advanced written facilitation and presentation skills.
• Intermediate skills in virtual platforms and MS Office Suite
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to connect with a range of internal and external stakeholders while focusing on fostering collaborative work relationships.
• Strong ability to develop relationships and work in a welcoming and inclusive environment where diversity is celebrated and where everyone can develop to their full potential.
• Ability to work independently and with teams and with ability to manage competing priorities.