Are you a dynamic and purpose-driven leader with a strong background in policy, program, and relationship management?
Are you seeking an opportunity to showcase your inclusive and collaborative leadership style within a motivated team?
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join the Ministry of Education in the Indigenous Education Office, where you will play a key role in planning, developing and implementing strategic directions, policies, programs, and resources to support access, inclusion and success of First Nations, Métis and Inuit learners in Ontario's education system.
As Manager of the Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Relations Unit, you will manage and build effective relationships with Indigenous education partners and key education sector stakeholders to develop and promote collaborative approaches and partnerships that promote and reflect First Nations, Metis and Inuit history, languages, cultures, contributions and education needs. This role will give you the opportunity to make a lasting positive impact on the fastest growing youth population in Ontario.
About Us:The Indigenous Education Office provides ministry-wide coordination and leadership on Indigenous educational issues and initiatives, working in collaboration with Indigenous communities and organizations, Ontario school boards, other ministries and the federal government.
The Strategic Policy and Intergovernmental Relations team leads the relationships and inter-governmental priorities with First Nations leadership and education partners who have responsibilities for on-reserve education and First Nations schools and supports the successful transition of students to publicly funded schools.
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, 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 invites all interested individuals to apply. As an organization that promotes equity and diversity, the OPS encourages applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized individuals, and persons with disabilities.
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, the
OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint, and the
Multi-Year Accessibility Plan to learn more about the OPS commitment to advancing racial equity, accessibility, diversity and inclusion in the public service.
What can I expect to do in this role?
Create the Work Environment In the Ontario Public Service, we hold our leaders to the highest standards, expecting them to embody authenticity, accountability, and courage in every action and decision. It will be your responsibility to create a work environment and team culture that ignites innovation, nurtures collaboration and champions inclusivity by creating a diverse, anti-racist and accessible workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment. By aligning your choices with these values, you will create a vibrant work environment where every individual can thrive.
Deliver on Business Goals and PrioritiesYour leadership will be crucial in guiding the team towards the achievement it's business goals. It will be your responsibility to inspire and motivate your team to deliver their best performance and align the team's daily actions with the strategic vision of the ministry.
You will contribute to the achievement of team goals by:• Leading and managing the planning, development, research and evaluation of strategic policy initiatives
• Providing expertise and advice to ministry executives, senior management and staff on policy options
• Leading and directing stakeholder relations and consensus building in co-developing, promoting and delivering policies/programs that support ministry goals
• Providing leadership and guidance to a team of experienced strategic policy staff, while supporting and promoting a productive, diverse and inclusive work environment
How do I qualify?
Leadership Experience:
• You have experience managing and leading teams within large, complex work environments.
• You coach team members to unlock their full potential, drive individual and collective growth and team success
• You incorporate the principles of inclusion and diversity across all elements of your management style.
• You have proven experience in providing strategic advice and issues management strategies.
• You have superior analytical and strategic thinking skills along with a highly developed sense of political acuity to deal with a variety of sensitive issues.
Indigenous and Education Knowledge:
• You have knowledge of Indigenous culture and education priorities, and deep understanding of the government's historic relationship with Indigenous communities, in order to respect the sensitivities and appreciate the perspectives of First Nations, Métis and Inuit leaders in dealing with the government.
• You have knowledge of First Nations, Métis and Inuit political and cultural protocols and political processes.
• You understand Indigenous education policy directions, issues and trends to provide authoritative policy advice and lead initiatives.
• You have knowledge of, and experience in a public education system.
Strategic Planning and Policy Expertise
• You have experience providing strategic direction, guidance and coaching to staff and/or project teams.
• You demonstrate the ability to lead large-scale initiatives and high-profile projects to successful completion.
• You are a strategic leader that can execute specific, measurable, accountable, realistic deliverables
• You have knowledge of and experience with public policy and programs from design and development to approvals and implementation, and a thorough understanding of the decision-making and approval processes.
• You can lead transfer payment oversight including the negotiations, design and risk assessment to ensure policies adhere to ministry strategic objectives.
Communication and Relationship Management Skills
• You demonstrate excellent judgement and political acuity to recognize and address politically sensitive and high-profile issues.
• You are a skilled communicator and can deliver briefings and sound strategic advice to executives.
• You have experience building and maintaining collaborative, credible and ethical working relationships with stakeholders and Indigenous partners in a complex changing environment.
• You can support and facilitate consultation and engagement with partners using anti-bias and equity inclusion practices and approaches.
