Corporate Strategy Program Advisor

Job DetailsTemporary Full Time (Non-UnionT)DurationApproximately 12 monthsPosting StatusOpen to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicantsClosing DateApplications for this position must be received at oakville.ca by no later than 11:59 pm on June 15, 2026.This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.Don't meet every qualification?If you are excited about this position and meet some, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. You may still be considered for a development opportunity in the event we don't find a fully qualified candidate. In such cases, the successful candidate will be compensated at a non-union Grade 5.We OfferA hybrid work schedule.An optional defined benefit pension plan (OMERS).Contract employee benefits packageA progressive work environment that promotes a work/life balance and strives to be a great place for great people to do great things. What can I expect to do in this role?Reporting to the Manager, Corporate Strategy in the Corporate Strategy & Government Relations Department, the Corporate Strategy Program Advisor will be responsible for providing advice and expertise regarding corporate programs, policies and strategy. Internally, this position provides development, prioritization, and recommendations which include research and analysis regarding corporate programs, policy and strategy. This could include items such as: Council’s Strategic Plan, Integrated Business Planning, corporate performance; emerging issues and key corporate programs such as Continuous Improvement. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (IDEA) and Employee Engagement. As well, this position provides an external role in identifying emerging trends, and undertaking public engagement, and partnership development.This role involves confidential matters relating to organizational structures and the development of management strategies and plans across the corporation. This includes directing and coordinating staff on strategic projects; assessing and recommending corporate performance measures; and providing analysis and recommendations that will influence policy and operational planning for departments.Develop Corporate Policy, Procedure and Standard ManagementDevelop and manage corporate policies and procedures, including best practice research (e.g. environmental and jurisdictional scans), issues analysis, identification, risk assessment, and the development and evaluation of options and tools as well as the corporate rollout for corporate policies, procedures and standards.Facilitate internal and external discussions including creating and leading steering committees and focus groups, and working with departments to develop corporate policies, procedures and standards. Advance, Coordinate and Develop Corporate StrategySupport the development of Corporate Strategic Plans, such as Council’s Strategic Plan, including via conducting best practice research, analysis activities, evaluation of existing policy/service/programs and delivery models, issues identification, and ensuring alignment with operational plans.Develops, coordinates and evaluates reports; synthesizes research and evaluation materials and impact analyses; prepares options, recommendations and implementation plans to senior management to inform decision-making. Manage and Develop Corporate ProgramsLeads the development and management of major corporate strategic projects to support corporate strategy and program delivery, examples include digital strategy, business planning, continuous improvement and diversity and inclusion. This involves providing team/project leadership and leading/coordinating administrative management of multiple concurrent project activities.Activities include creating the framework, undertaking the analysis, performing project management, preparing recommendation reports and plans, and monitoring/tracking/reporting on progress and priorities. This position also hires/manages third-party consultants, leads internal committees, facilitates discussion with external parties, allocates resources, coordinates/directs various staff, and plans the rollout of plans with external parties.Consults, assesses, recommends, and embeds elements of corporate strategic plans in various departments, including activities related to change management, resourcing, training and communications.Proven ability to distill complex information into clear, concise, and actionable messaging, with experience effectively advising and communication with senior leadership to support informed decision-making. Establish Performance Measurement and ManagementManages the oversight, analysis, and reporting of corporate-level KPIs, via consulting with departments, providing analysis, corporate/community surveys, and developing reports and communications. Support Emerging Issues, Partnership Development and Government RelationsUndertakes research activities to review, analyze, and investigate key emerging issues from other jurisdictions, external organizations, interest groups, and others, to understand opportunities and issues of importance to the corporation.Activities include: conducting environmental/jurisdictional scans for best practices; identifying key issues; developing options/recommendations; developing business cases; building productive and consultative relationships and partnerships with external groups, intergovernmental entities, academia, the community, and others, to support corporate and community strategic objectives. How do I qualify?Minimum of 5 years experience as a senior advisor with progressively responsible experience providing policy, project management coordination, advice and expertise in the research, analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation of strategy management and corporate policy activities and initiatives, preferably in a public sector environment.Previous experience in the development, management and measurement of corporate-wide programs including Business Planning, Continuous Improvement, DEI and Employee Engagement are considered an asset.Successful completion of a four-year university degree in an area such as business or public administration, political science, or suitable equivalent.Strategic planning skills to identify, propose and pursue opportunities for departments, the corporation, and external parties, including conducting needs assessments, developing business cases, and generating buy-in.Policy and program development principles and techniques and decision-making abilities to: lead/coordinate the development and implementation of corporate strategy management, policy and program initiatives, options and recommendations; and conduct the review/analysis of corporate policy initiatives’ documents and reports.Program analysis/design/evaluation techniques to assess the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs, and to provide recommendations on policy, procedures and program change.Research methodologies/principles, analysis and issues management skills to: lead the identification, research and analysis of priorities and issues; undertake analysis of trends and environmental scans and evaluation of best practices, options, costs, and impacts; monitor trends and interpret data and their impact on corporate policy management and corporate strategy management.Project & Program management methodologies, change management, consultant management, coordination, organizational, and time management skills to lead the development and management of complex and major corporate strategic projects that support the corporation’s immediate and longer-range planning of corporate strategy and program delivery.Relationship management, consultation, collaboration, political acuity, networking, and negotiation skills to: develop strategic partnerships; provide information and to consult; and foster working relationships with interested parties, teams, committees, working groups, members of Council, and executive management.Verbal communication, written communication, presentation and persuasion skills to: inform, consult, and collaborate with internal and external parties, including senior leadership; design workshops, facilitations, surveys, and other engagement and communications strategies; present recommendations, strategic options, and implementation plans; prepare position papers, reports, briefings, and progress reports; to represent the corporation on working groups and committees; and provide advice and expertise to senior management, corporation staff and other parties.Data and information management to: accurately assess information and data to develop and manage corporate KPIs.Political acuity and strategic thinking to: provide advice and expertise to senior management and Town Council in a contextually appropriate manner and ensure initiatives and recommendations are done in a manner that will be appropriate to the needs of the corporation and community and support feasible implementation.Resourcefulness, creativity and strategic thinking to anticipate and identify issues and generate buy-in through creating innovative and sustainable solutions to barriers.Ability to understand, interpret and apply municipal, provincial, and federal policies, by-laws, and regulations, as well the Town's plans (including IDEA Multiyear Plan, Strategic Plan, master plans, etc.).Ability to work both independently with a high level of initiative and as part of a cohesive team. Strong Financial management skills for budgeting.Proficiency in MS Office 365, and a strong command of internet search engines and AI for research. Knowledge of Access would be an asset.Ability to deliver services to meet the Town’s corporate values: teamwork, accountability, dedication, honesty, innovation and respect. Date: June 1, 2026This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. Applicants may also be required to undergo testing.We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.