Job Description:
Reporting to the Executive Officer, Policy and Advocacy, the Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for researching, developing, implementing, and evaluating policies and programs that advance the vibrancy and sustainability of Alberta’s communities. Specifically, the incumbent provides strategic advice and manages sensitive and complex policy issues that engage municipal elected officials and administrators in identifying challenges and opportunities and developing and advocating solutions. Preparing briefings, decision requests, presentations, correspondence, articles, and other materials is a key responsibility. As well, the incumbent seeks funding and other resources to advance initiatives that build municipal capacity and leads associated budget and contract management activities, including attraction and evaluation of contracted and/or seconded resources. Other activities include managing and leveraging relationships with AUMA Committees, member municipalities, senior government staff, partners, and various stakeholders, which can include representing AUMA on external committees and work groups. In addition, the Senior Policy Analyst is responsible for leading the policy and advocacy team’s development of the program and content for the spring and summer Mayors’ Caucus.

Position Term
Full Time, permanent

Classification
Program Services 5

Education and Skills

Education
A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a related field.

Experience
Knowledge of and experience in policy development, project management, and grant management.
Working knowledge of governance, economic, social, and environmental issues and trends affecting municipalities.
Working knowledge of federal/provincial legislation, policies, and processes.
Working knowledge of inter-relationships between the federal and provincial governments, municipalities, community associations, and other key stakeholders.
Awareness of AUMA’s governance and decision making process.
Skills and Attributes
Ability to effectively gather and analyze information and develop policy options and solutions for a wide range of complex municipal matters.
Ability to recommend appropriate federal and/or provincial advocacy activities.
Strong interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining effective work relationships and partnerships with municipal leaders, provincial or federal staff, academics, service organizations and other stakeholders.
Ability to facilitate and influence dialogue with municipal elected officials and administrators with a view to understanding diverse views and objectively building consensus on solutions to municipal matters.
Ability to work in a politically charged, rapidly changing, and fast paced environment that requires tact/diplomacy, flexibility, impartiality, and confidentiality.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and ability to speak confidently and articulately in delivering presentations and representing AUMA at external events.
Excellent organizational and planning skills for working on numerous projects and coordinating multiple activities.
Strong computer skills (Internet research, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, webinars).
Ability to work with minimum supervision and to be self-managed, while working in a team environment, sharing knowledge and skills.

Responsibilities
Policy Development
Proactively identify, research, and evaluate complex and sensitive policy issues.
Develop and communicate creative and innovative policy options and solutions.
Prepare briefing notes and requests for decisions to inform and advise AUMA’s Board, Committees, and senior management team.
Provide key messages and background information for media inquiries.
Program and Project Management
Develop Terms of Reference, work plan, and budget for policy and program initiatives.
Seek grant funding or other partnership opportunities, as required.
Supervise contract staff, as required.
Based on a needs assessment, develop tools and other resources to build the capacity of municipalities in effective governance, community development, environmental stewardship, sustainability planning, etc.
Carry out all stages of project management including identifying and mitigating risk, monitoring progress, tracking expenditures, providing progress updates and submitting final project reports.
Lead the policy and advocacy team’s development of the program and content for Mayors’ Caucus, a key member event that takes place twice per year.
Promote AUMA programs and resources.
Engagement and Communication
Build and maintain relationships with municipal elected officials and administrators, government staff, service organizations, academic institutions, and other stakeholders.
Represent AUMA on external committees and at meetings and consultations.
Plan and organize consultations with urban municipalities and stakeholders.
Develop and maintain content for policy and program micro-sites and web pages.
Create presentations and speaking points for Board and Committee members, senior management or self to deliver to municipal and other audiences.
Prepare documents and articles for newsletter to communicate policy matters to municipal leaders and other stakeholders.
Committee Secretariat
Support development of Committee Terms of Reference and confirmation of committee mandate, and develop and monitor an annual operational plan.
Work with the Committee Chair to manage and prioritize the issues that come before the committee, creating agendas and supporting materials that enable the operational plan to be realized, while responding to emergent issues and opportunities.

Other Responsibilities
Provide input into development of AUMA’s strategic and business plans.
Provide input into AUMA’s provincial and federal advocacy strategies.
Provide input into Advocacy’s risk assessment and mitigation plan.
Provide input into Advocacy’s monthly activity report to the CEO and Executive Management Team.
Closing Date: April 5, 2017

Application Return:
To apply to this job posting, please send your resume to: AMcCollum@auma.ca