Policy Development Officer P&R

• Job ID: 64128
• Job Category: Policy Planning & Research
• Division & Section: Parks & Recreation PR Policy & Strategic Planning
• Work Location: North York Civic Center 5100 Yonge Street
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time 2 Permanent Vacancies

• Salary Range: $105241.00 - $160649.00 TM2430 and PTM3

• Shift Information: Mon - Fri 35 Hours/week per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1
• Posting Period: 30-SEPT-2026 to 14-OCT-2026

Policy Development: Research Analysis and Reporting

• Develops and delivers system-level and evidence-based policies procedures and projects for P&R Division in alignment with corporate and divisional priorities assessing risks implications trade-offs and feasibility.
• Prepare high-quality Council reports briefing notes policy reports recommendations and other decision-support materials.
• Monitors other orders of government and non-government organizations academic and research bodies and local communities to ensure ongoing awareness of existing and evolving issues and concerns related to the needs of Torontos residents and PR strategic objectives.
• Conduct jurisdictional scans environmental scans and best-practice reviews to identify opportunities risks and emerging approaches that inform policy development and decision-making.
• Develop outcomes targets performance measures and evaluation approaches to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Analyze legislation government policy and municipal decision-making processes to identify policy considerations opportunities and impacts for the Division.
• Apply reconciliation equity anti-racism and anti-oppression principles to policy development engagement and decision-making.

Project Management

• Convenes and leads multi-stakeholder teams often without direct authority to successfully complete and deliver complex research analysis consultation and policy development products using effective negotiation collaboration coaching and influencing skills.
• Leads complex projects from conception through implementation ensuring strategic alignment and successful delivery.
• Establishes project objectives scope deliverables timelines and evaluation approaches.
• Develops implementation plans operational guidance evaluation approaches and continuous improvement processes that support effective delivery throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identifies operational policy program and resource gaps and develop practical solutions to address them.
• Manages a diverse portfolio of policy files balancing competing priorities and working independently on complex assignments while exercising sound judgement in a fast-paced and politically sensitive environment.

Relationship Building and Communication

• Stewards leads or coordinates PRs role in strategic corporate initiatives. Partners with other divisions to expand opportunities and interdivisional efforts that impact PR.
• Cultivates strong relationships and represent the Division by providing policy expertise at project consultation and partnership meetings across the City of Toronto ensuring policy development is informed by stakeholder perspectives and community needs.
• Builds alignment among stakeholders with diverse interests priorities and perspectives.
• Designs and leads engagement consultation and collaboration processes that inform policy and program development.
• Communicates complex information clearly concisely and appropriately for different audiences.
• Prepares accurate high-quality presentations correspondence reports and communication materials tailored to senior leaders decision-makers and stakeholders.
• Presents analysis recommendations and options in a manner that supports informed decision-making.
• Demonstrates strong political acuity and the ability to navigate sensitive complex and high-profile issues.
• Handles confidential and sensitive information with professionalism diplomacy and discretion.

1. Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g. social sciences urban design/planning public policy/public administration) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Extensive project management experience stewarding complex initiatives from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political community and other stakeholder interests and resolving conflicts.
3. Considerable experience in strategy development and policy design ability to advance knowledge translation between research policy and operations.
4. Considerable experience using evidence to support policy development.
5. Exceptional problem-solving abilities; proven ability to generate creative solutions to complex operational policy and evaluation problems.
6. Exceptional leadership negotiation and collaboration skills and the ability to coach and influence without direct authority.
7. Strong knowledge of some or all of the following: equity diversity and inclusion issues; anti- racism and anti-oppression; reconciliation; environmental resilience and sustainability; community development; recreation service system planning; parks design or planning.
8. Ability to work independently and under pressure to meet deadlines.
9. Ability to articulate insights and present information spoken visual and written across all levels of management.
10. Political acuity with an exceptional ability to handle sensitive and confidential situations with diplomacy.

The City is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the Citys commitment to employment equity.

The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the Citys Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.