The
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is a regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. The AGCO is responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horseracing, and cannabis retail sectors in Ontario, in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.
The AGCO's Strategic Policy and Market Insights branch is growing and is seeking an experienced Senior Policy Advisor to join its team. This role offers an exciting opportunity to provide policy leadership and expertise in the development and implementation of complex, diverse and innovative strategic policies and programs. These policies support the AGCO's regulatory framework, advances its strategic goals, and aligns with the government's policy agenda for the alcohol, cannabis, gaming, horse racing, and other emerging sectors in Ontario.
As a seasoned policy professional, the Senior Policy Advisor will play a pivotal role throughout the entire policy lifecycle. This includes conducting research on emerging issues and trends, preparing briefing materials, drafting policy papers, and delivering presentations to the Board, senior executives, and external stakeholders. The work will focus on regulatory, and policy matters specific to Ontario's regulated industries.
Position Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; Hybrid
How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility
We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.
We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.
Visit the
OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.
We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario's
Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.
About the job
Reporting to the Senior Manager, the Senior Policy Advisor will:
• Ensure regulatory policies align with public interest, deliver value for money, and remain fair and responsive across AGCO sectors.
• Address complex, novel situations by identifying key issues and developing actionable recommendations.
• Analyze trends and issues impacting agency legislation, policies, and programs.
• Provide ongoing monitoring and advice on new and emerging regulatory and commercial trends in the domestic and international alcohol, cannabis, gaming, and horse racing sectors.
• Lead the planning, research, analysis, and implementation of projects, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.
• Design and execute public and stakeholder engagement plans, including multi-stakeholder collaboration processes.
• Conduct research and develop balanced policy options using strategic and critical thinking.
• Identify risks and provide tailored recommendations using analytical skills and political acuity.
• Prepare executive briefings to support decision-making at government and agency levels.
• Lead responses to policy issues from government, stakeholders, and the public.
What you bring to the team
The ideal candidate will have:
• Background in Public Policy/Administration, Political Science, Law, Business Administration, Economics, or relevant experience in the cannabis, horse racing, or gaming sectors (preferred).
• Extensive experience in leading policy development processes, including analysis and implementation, within a regulatory or governmental environment.
• Proven ability to manage complex policy projects, set priorities, anticipate issues, and implement recommendations across teams.
• Advanced knowledge of research methods, including qualitative and quantitative analysis, and a deep understanding of policy development, program design, and evaluation techniques to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Strong understanding of government decision-making processes, with the ability to acquire and apply knowledge of legislative authorities, regulations, standards, and other regulatory mechanisms.
• Experience in assessing risks and evaluating the impact of legislative and regulatory changes.
• Exceptional judgment, research, and analytical skills for interpreting complex information and developing practical solutions and recommendations.
• Excellent consultative, relationship management, and partnership-building skills.
• Superior oral and written communication and presentation skills, with the ability to address complex and sensitive issues effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while managing conflicting demands, pressures, and priorities.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.
To apply to this vacancy please submit your application online at our Careers webpage located at: https://www.agco.ca/careers by February 7, 2025The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.
The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario's Human Rights Code.
Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request.