Are you seeking a unique opportunity to lead projects that shape and influence Early Years and Child Care program and service delivery? Are you a dynamic and purpose-driven leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment? If so, consider this exciting opportunity to join the Ministry of Education!
The Programs and Service Integration Branch is looking for an experienced leader to manage the implementation and monitoring of early years and child care programs for the Ministry of Education and within regions across Ontario. As the Manager, Planning and Program Transformation Unit, you will play a critical role in ensuring the effective delivery of programs to meet the government's objective of creating a continuity of high-quality early years experiences for children in Ontario.
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
The OPS is an innovative, responsive and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, merit-based, and equitable. Diversifying leadership is a top priority for the OPS. Our goal is to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most under-represented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) on our leadership teams.
The OPS is an accessible employer and we offer accommodation in all aspects of employment, including the recruitment process.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, diversity and inclusion.
About the job
Reporting to the Director, Early Years and Child Care, you will:
• Lead province-wide implementation of early years initiatives with the strategic objective to establish a comprehensive and increasingly integrated early years system, delivering quality programs for young children in childcare, and schools in urban, rural and First Nations communities across the province.
• Provide strategic leadership for the development of funding and program policy, and implementation and oversight of legislation, regulations and policies for child care programs in Ontario.
• Lead, manage and support a corporate and regional integrated team, recognizing their unique strengths, roles and responsibilities.
• Manage partnerships and relationships with internal stakeholders within the division and ministry, as well as with non-government and external stakeholders.
• Lead and manage multiple contract and funding agreement negotiations and issues management, in partnership with other ministry colleagues.
• Provide technical leadership for program implementation and manage projects and initiatives.
What you bring to the team
Strategic Leadership and Management skills:
• You have proven experience leading a diverse team with demonstrated ability to create an inclusive and productive work environment.
• You have experience motivating and inspiring staff to achieve results in a changing environment.
• You have demonstrated success as a supportive leader who fosters collaboration and teamwork in your staff.
• You have knowledge of HR policies and practices, including labour relations, organizational development, and succession planning.
• You exercise a high level of political acuity and judgement when developing and providing evidence based advice for confidential/sensitive issues.
• You have demonstrated the
leadership behaviors, attributes and mindsets to lead the OPS into the future.
Communication and Relationship Management Skills:
• You have experience developing and maintaining relationships with internal and external partners to gather input, build consensus and deliver on priorities.
• You have experience successfully negotiating, influencing, building agreement and supporting change with internal and external stakeholders.
• You are a strong negotiator who can influence others to find collaborative solutions for complex issues.
• You have superior written and oral communication skills to guide the analysis and prioritization of and response to, all program and project requirements.
Program and Policy Design Skills:
• You have experience in successfully leading priority initiatives that support the achievement of organizational goals.
• You have demonstrated the skills to provide evidence-based policy and program recommendations and assessment of the effectiveness of new/changed policies and programs.
• You have demonstrated the skills to lead multiple projects, initiatives and program implementations concurrently.
• You have demonstrated the skills to lead complex change initiatives by developing, coordinating and managing project strategies.
Be sure to check out the Manager Recruitment Unit's Application Preparation Guide for Aspiring Managers for tips on creating an impactful application!