Manager Programs, Student Services

Are you looking for an opportunity to showcase your management and leadership abilities? If so, bring your dynamic leadership style to the Policy and Programs unit where you will provide management and people focused leadership while balancing a portfolio of activities aimed at the delivery of student financial assistance programs to postsecondary students in Ontario.

What can I expect to do in this role?

You will:

• manage the delivery of student financial assistance programs to postsecondary students across Ontario
• lead the development of protocols and procedures to ensure quality and consistency in information, advice and services provided
• establish processes and procedures for the management of complex/ unusual cases
• work collaboratively with partners and stakeholders to resolve issues and complaints
• identify issues, gaps and opportunities for program delivery enhancements, streamline processes and enhanced services to students
• develop and implement operational procedures
• collaborate with other branch units in the development and implementation of performance measurement tools
• draft replies and briefing notes for Minister, Deputy Minister and ADM on behalf of the Program and Policy Unit
• provide leadership, coaching, mentoring and team building to unit staff located in Toronto and Thunder Bay
• manage financial resources, the unit budget and support corporate planning processes and reporting
• participate in strategic planning, program and policy development

How do I qualify?

Management and leadership knowledge and skills:

• You have expert knowledge of the theories, principles and practices of leadership and management to manage a province wide program delivered by staff in two geographic locations.
• You have extensive supervisory skills and demonstrated experience hiring staff, assigning work, determining performance standards, conducting performance reviews and managing labour relations matters.
• You have proven experience planning and managing administrative, financial, human resources and information technology resources in accordance with government and ministry guidelines.
• You have good knowledge of relevant collective agreements to manage staff and respond to labour relations issues.

Communication, consultation and interpersonal skills:

• You have well developed consultation and interpersonal skills to review and resolve complex situations and appeals from students.
• You can demonstrate your political acumen in order to resolve contentious issues and to participate in the issues management process.
• You have excellent oral communication, consulting and relationship management skills to develop and maintain business relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• You have extensive experience working with high profile stakeholders such as MPPs and the Office of the Ombudsman and in preparing briefing and issues papers to resolve issues and complaints.

Specialized knowledge, skills and experience:

• You have the ability to develop an expert knowledge of provincial and federal student support programs and understanding of public secondary and postsecondary school systems in Ontario.
• You have excellent knowledge of the principles and practices of business management to develop business processes.
• You have the ability to develop an expert knowledge of government objectives, strategies and legislation related to postsecondary education and student support.
• You have an understanding of information technology to participate in the development of systems supports and tools

Judgement and decision-making skills:

• You can demonstrate your ability to carry out independent decision making within a broad framework of legislated authorities, and in accordance with established standards, policies and procedures.
• You have proven experience developing, planning and managing operational policies, systems and procedures.
• You have experience developing and monitoring performance measurement processes, identifying performance gaps and issues and implementing corrective action.

Analytical, problem-solving and issues management skills:

• You have excellent analytical, problem solving and issues management skills to participate in the development and implementation of performance management tools, analyze performance data, identify developing issues, trends and best practices.

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 Wednesday, May 21, 2014 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.