Director, Curriculum Assessment and Student Success

Note: The job term for the successful candidate can be permanent or a 3-year secondment.

Do you want to make an impact in the lives of students across Ontario's education system by improving student achievement, equity and well-being? If so, consider being part of the exceptional leadership team at the Ministry of Education. Working as a director in the Student Achievement Division, we are seeking an executive to lead teams of professionals in the development and implementation of the education curriculum (K-12) and assessment policies.

This unique opportunity will appeal to strategic executives with a passion in student learning and education, and who thrive in a collaborative environment that builds effective relationships with stakeholders and partners. This position works collaboratively with colleagues across divisions to support the strategic directions of the Ministry of Education and enhance program accountability. As a member of the Ministry's leadership team, you will lead and be accountable for fostering an anti-racist and inclusive workplace, where all staff feel safe, supported and can fully contribute and progress in their careers.

An effective leader in the Ontario Public Service (OPS) is responsible, innovative and collaborative. A responsible leader is someone who demonstrates authenticity, accountability and courage in how they interact with others. An individual who models ethical behavior, and who is honest and capable of making difficult choices. An innovative leader is someone who leads with common purpose, embraces positive disruption, and has a future mindset. An individual who inspires others, values continuous learning and encourages development and integration. A collaborative leader focuses on helping others to grow, drives people-centered outcomes and promotes an environment of inclusivity. A leader who consistently works to confront bias and systemic barriers while understanding the importance of creating a more diverse and accessible workplace.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

OPS commitment to diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism

The OPS is an innovative, responsive, and accountable public service that works hard to be diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable. Diversifying leadership teams is a top OPS priority with the goal to achieve parity with the Ontario labour force by 2025 for the most underrepresented groups (Indigenous, racialized and persons with disabilities) in leadership positions.

To advance this goal, the OPS is collecting socio-demographic information that will help to address potential barriers and achieve equity in hiring. You are requested to complete the voluntary survey and contribute to building a more diverse, anti-racist, inclusive and accessible OPS.

The OPS invites all interested individuals to apply and encourages applications from Indigenous and racialized individuals and persons with disabilities.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.

The OPS offers employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario'sHuman Rights Code. Refer to the application instructions below if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

As the Director of Curriculum, Assessment, and Student Success Policy Branch you will:

• Provide executive leadership, vision and direction for the development and implementation of the Kindergarten – Grade 12 education curriculum and assessment policy for the Ministry of Education to improve student achievement, equity, and well-being
• Lead the planning, design, and development of the ministry province-wide education curriculum, assessment, and student success policy agenda, framework and strategy for publicly funded elementary and secondary education in Ontario
• Lead the planning and deliverables of effective provincial teaching/learning policies that prepare students for future pathways and support students to meet economic and social opportunities and challenges within an increasing digital environment
• Direct, lead and ensure accountable student achievement measurement and assessment policy framework, resources and practices to provide clear reporting and communication of student achievement in key education areas
• Collaborate with internal and external ministry partners in the development and implementation of the education curriculum and assessment policy

How do I qualify?

Executive Leadership and Management

• You are a seasoned executive with strategic leadership abilities to lead and influence people
• You have proven expertise in curriculum policy and program analysis, implementation, and evaluation
• You have demonstrated experience in building organizational capacity and promoting continuous improvement in a changing environment
• You are an effective communicator, negotiator and consensus builder who is able to work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders
• You are strategic in your planning and can develop long-term strategies

Relationship Management and Political Acuity

• You have a proven track record of fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external partners and communicating and influencing across a broad spectrum of organizations
• You have a collaborative leadership style, and recognize the value of working horizontally with internal and external stakeholders with diverse perspectives
• You have a high degree of integrity and demonstrated experience communicating complex and sensitive information to senior leaders/stakeholders, and can recognize politically sensitive issues and their potential implications in an organization with high public profile and scrutiny

Technical Knowledge and Experience

• You have knowledge and experience in the education sector to inform policy development, and the design and implementation of curriculum
• You have or are able to quickly obtain excellent understanding of curriculum assessment and development
• You have experience in engagement, consultation, and negotiation methods, techniques and best practices; new and emerging trends in communications (e.g. social media and the government's vision) to manage the development and implementation of stakeholder, indigenous and key partner relations and communications strategies and to support ministry initiatives
• You have experience developing policy and/or are able to operationalize policy
• You have knowledge and experience in transfer payment service delivery

All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or Commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry-specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre-determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee's exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment.

Remember: The deadline to apply is Tuesday, October 25, 2022 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted.

We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted.