POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER SDFA

Job ID: 53803

Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research
Division & Section: Social Development, Finance & Admin, SDF&A Community Resources
Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, Toronto.
Job Type & Duration: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: $112,280.00 – $149,247.00
Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week
Affiliation: Non-Union
Number of Positions Open: 1
Posting Period: 01-APR-2025 to 15-APR-2025

Job Description:

Reporting to the Manager, Tower & Neighbourhood Revitalization, the Policy Development Officer will be responsible for assessing ongoing initiatives to advance the development of complete communities with inclusive, equity-focused practices, community spaces and actionable plans within City-building and land-use planning initiatives.

Major Responsibilities:

Coordinates social policy analysis, planning and development and manages research and evaluation of policy and program initiatives.
Manages internal and external engagement activities on community service infrastructure and equitable social planning issues in collaboration with the project team.
Prepares and implements plans to meet strategic objectives related to increasing community space availability, enhancing public-benefit sector capacity, and advancing inclusive social planning.
Creates and activates the structure and activities of community, tenant, staff, and stakeholder advisory groups, ensuring inclusive engagement and prioritizing equity.
Designs and manages the engagement strategies for social infrastructure decentralization initiatives in Toronto neighbourhoods.
Provides lead staff support to Council-directed initiatives focused on social service infrastructure and community benefit negotiations, managing and assigning work from meetings, leading policy and program development and establishing strategic directions and work plans.
Works with diverse communities, City divisions, public-benefit service organizations, and Indigenous partners to develop and support responsive, sustainable, and equitable service models that address identified community needs
Manages and coordinates inter-agency and inter-departmental work groups to strengthen collaborative social planning.
Develops and implements, with key stakeholders, strategies to address community service gaps, improve access to social infrastructure, and build partnerships that promote long-term sustainability.
Develops material and content for internal and external communications.
Develops and maintains monitoring systems to collect, analyze and report on engagement strategies.
Develops and maintains monitoring and evaluation systems to measure the effectiveness of social service planning, engagement strategies, and policy implementation.
Represents City/Division on inter-jurisdictional work groups and community meetings.
Provides strategic advice and support to cross-sectoral partnerships, inter-divisional groups, senior management, stakeholder organizations, and tenant groups.
Determines social policy priorities and frameworks supporting sustainable, equity-driven social service infrastructure development.
Formulates policy directions and initiatives arising from emerging social infrastructure needs, community-led priorities, and senior government orders, assessing their implications for Council and developing appropriate program responses.
Provides lead support in strategic planning, governance development, and sustainable financial modelling for public-benefit service organizations.
Coordinates and writes reports to City Council on policy and program issues.
Manages all phases of the engagement and final reporting, as needed.

Key Qualifications:

Degree in Sociology, Social Work, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or an equivalent combination of education/experience.
Extensive experience working with diverse communities to address social inequities and provide needs assessment, program planning, resource development, facilitation and project management, particularly within the context of social service infrastructure.
Experience designing, developing, and delivering culturally appropriate and accessible outreach materials to support community capacity building, tenant engagement, and equitable social planning.
Experience in organizational development, community capacity building, and advocacy to foster cross-sectoral partnerships and promote inclusive, place-based social planning.
Experience developing, writing, and presenting reports and policy recommendations for senior management, elected officials, and multi-stakeholder groups, particularly on issues related to social infrastructure and equitable community services.
Ability to work within an anti-oppression and equity-focused framework, with a deep understanding of the socio-economic and cultural dynamics affecting communities, particularly within large and complex social housing networks.
Ability to establish effective working relationships across City divisions, community organizations, Indigenous groups, and public-benefit service providers and to enhance collaborative and sustainable service delivery.
Knowledge of resident engagement principles and strategies and an understanding of equity-seeking groups’ needs, challenges, and the policies, services, and programs that support inclusive social infrastructure.
Firm conflict resolution, interpersonal and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop consensus and recommend practical, strategic solutions at the community level.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence various audiences, including community members, community organizations, senior management, and policymakers.
Well-developed project management, policy development, and administrative skills, with the ability to implement strategic plans that promote sustainable and responsive social service networks.
Excellent knowledge of the human service system in the City of Toronto, including funding structures, governance models, and opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration.
Expertise in Toronto’s social housing and public-benefit sectors, focusing on addressing infrastructure gaps and strengthening service capacity through innovative policy solutions.
Ability to travel to various locations within the City as required.

Ability to work flexible hours, which may include overtime, occasional evenings or weekends

Note To Current City of Toronto Employees

City of Toronto employees are eligible to apply for the posted job opportunity, but cannot hold two different jobs. To be considered for this job posting, you must indicate that you are a "Current City of Toronto employee" on the on-line application form, and provide your "Employee Number".

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.

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