DIRECTOR STRATEGIC POLICY & PROGRAMS

• Job ID: 56037
• Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
• Division & Section: Office of the Deputy City Manager, Community & Emergency Services (CES)
• Work Location: Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto 
• Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent  Vacancy
• Salary: $195,150.00-$254,800.00, TM5162 and wage grade 11 
• Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week per week
• Affiliation: Non-Union
• Number of Positions Open: 1 
• Posting Period: 15-May-2025 to 30-May-2025 
•  

The City of Toronto is seeking a Director, Strategic Policy and Programs, to provide leadership and support to the City of Toronto’s Community and Emergency Services portfolio (CES). This strategic role offers the opportunity to lead innovative, high-impact initiatives that advance strategic priorities, elevate performance, and foster continuous improvement, within the CES portfolio and across the organization.

The City’s Community and Emergency Services portfolio includes Parks and Recreation, Toronto Public Health, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Emergency Management, Economic Development & Culture, Toronto Shelter and Support Services, and Finance and Administration. 

Mandate and Core Responsibilities 

Reporting to the Deputy City Manager, CES, the Director provides strategic leadership on major corporate initiatives, executive-level committees, and cross-divisional efforts. Key mandates include driving organizational performance and service delivery, aligning city-wide initiatives with long-term corporate goals, and leading the development and implementation of strategic and operational plans. The Director provides leadership to the day-to-day management of the Deputy City Manager’s Office, and provides strategic support to the Deputy City Manager. 

This role requires the ability to provide leadership and foster a collaborative and innovative environment that supports high performance, continuous learning, and equity. Synthesizing complex strategic issues into actionable plans that drive to specific outcomes, the Director ensures alignment with Council priorities and effective implementation of city-wide strategies. The Director ensures an approach to monitoring and evaluation of programs and services, adjusting as needed to successfully meet and/or exceed intended outcomes.

Critical to the success of this role, the Director must be able to build and maintain successful relationships with key internal and external stakeholders across a variety of key services delivered by the City. This includes working effectively with Division Heads, the Senior Leadership team, Members of Council, and the Mayor’s Office. The Director will proactively foster relationships across the organization to support and liaise on key initiatives, removing roadblocks as needed. 

By championing excellence in service delivery, policy development, and transformation, this role plays a critical part in advancing the City of Toronto’s innovative agenda. 

Key Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience: 

1. Director level experience in the key functional areas of public sector strategy and operations, service and program delivery, business transformation, strategic planning, and customer service, preferably within a complex organization.
2. Post-secondary education in public administration, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience.
3. Extensive experience in leading large-scale, high-impact strategic initiatives, including operational programs/services, resource coordination, and achieving defined outcomes.
4. Extensive expertise in developing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating performance frameworks, including metrics, accountability tools, and continuous improvement strategies.
5. Proven ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders, with a track record of securing alignment at all organizational levels.
6. Demonstrated success in leading professional teams, including driving performance, fostering engagement, and promoting a culture of continuous learning and development.
7. Advanced analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, with strong problem-solving, innovation, and conflict resolution skills that support the successful execution of priorities.
8. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the capacity to engage effectively with senior leadership, elected officials, staff, and external partners.
9. Strategic acumen in issues management and communications, with the ability to navigate sensitive or confidential matters while fostering trust and credibility.
10. Commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and transparency, grounded in ethical leadership and aligned with public service excellence.
11. Demonstrated ability to support and uphold the Toronto Public Service values, promoting equity, diversity, reconciliation, inclusion, and respectful workplace practices in all aspects of leadership.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

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 City’s commitment to employment equity.

Accommodation

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 City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.