Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Director of Technical Services, the Strategic Partnerships and Projects Advisor will play a critical role in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder community initiatives aimed at creating positive and sustainable outcomes. The role will be focused on major projects and initiatives of broad public interest.

The successful candidate will act as a liaison between the City, government agencies, Indigenous communities, private partners, the business industry, and other key stakeholders, to seek alignment and understanding in achieving meaningful outcomes. This position requires strong skills in relationship management, collaboration, strategic planning, and issues management.

This position will involve significant interaction with community members, political officials, the business industry and senior Administrative leadership. The ability to manage multiple stakeholder interests and priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment is essential. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
 

Duties & Responsibilities

• Builds and maintains strong, trust-based relationships with community partners, government agencies, Indigenous organizations, private sector stakeholders, and other key partners to foster collaboration on community-driven initiatives.
• Develops and executes strategies to advance major projects and initiatives, balancing the priorities of diverse stakeholders with various interests. Provides strategic input and recommendations to seek alignment with the City’s broader strategic priorities and goals.
• Proactively identifies potential challenges and conflicts related to high-profile community projects and initiatives and develops issues management plans to address issues effectively. Acts as the point of contact during escalations, providing leadership for significant issues and navigating complex political landscapes.
• Works closely with the Communications and Public Engagement Department to develop key messaging and outreach strategies that align with the City’s vision and strategic priorities. 
• Supports the successful execution of major projects and initiatives by working with cross-functional teams to achieve project milestones. Regularly reports on progress, risks, and stakeholder collaboration efforts to senior Administrative leadership.
• Participates in discussions with provincial and federal government ministries, supporting the City's strategic priorities and interests. Stays informed about legislative changes that may impact project and initiatives execution.
• Develops and delivers major projects and initiatives with a focus on equity, inclusion, and reconciliation, particularly regarding Indigenous and under-represented groups.
• Negotiates and resolves issues involving various interdepartmental needs and external agencies.
• Prepares reports and presentations to City Council and other relevant committees regarding assigned projects and initiatives.   
• Addresses complex, sensitive, and confidential issues on a regular basis and facilitates collaborative solutions to these issues.
• Creates a customer service culture by displaying and promoting leadership, integrity, accountability, and recognition.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Business, Communications, or a related field. A Master’s degree would be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in strategic roles related to community development, government relations, or large-scale complex projects and initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in navigating complex, multi-stakeholder environments, with a track record of achieving positive outcomes.
• Strong understanding of Indigenous relationship building and public sector processes.
• Exceptional issues management and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, collaboration, and relationship-building abilities.
• Experience in managing high-profile complex projects and initiatives involving diverse community interests is preferred.

Competencies:

• Strategic Thinker: Able to see the big picture and align short-term actions with long-term goals.
• Relationship Management: Proven ability to build rapport with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Problem Solving: Strong crisis management and conflict resolution skills with the ability to navigate political and community complexities.
• Cultural Competence: Familiarity with Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues in relation to projects and initiatives.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and projects and initiatives in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.
• Collaboration: Skilled at working collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders, fostering a cooperative environment to drive positive outcomes.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to different audiences, including the public, government officials, and internal teams.