Senior Specialist-Planning & Engagement (Ontario)

Title: Senior Specialist, Planning & Engagement

Employee Working Location: Partially Virtual / Hybrid (ON)

Employment Status: Permanent Full-time

The Canadian Red Cross (Red Cross) – an inspirational not for profit organization, helps people and communities in Canada and around the world in times of need and supports them in strengthening their resilience. As a Canada’s Best Employers 2024, we are committed to having an accessible, diverse, inclusive, and barrier-free work environment.

The Senior Specialist, Planning & Engagement plays a critical role in advancing strategic priorities by leading integrated planning processes, enabling cross-functional alignment, and supporting effective decision-making through data-informed insights. This role works closely with the senior leaders to coordinate financial and operational planning, coordinates select administrative functions and strengthen internal engagement and culture. In addition, the Specialist identifies and leads strategic engagement opportunities, supports organizational change initiatives, and fosters a culture of learning and collaboration through knowledge sharing and continuous improvement practices

In this role, you will:

• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration across departments to ensure alignment on strategic goals, planning processes, and organizational reporting.

• Lead the development and implementation of planning processes, ensuring alignment with the Canadian Red Cross’s strategic framework and priorities.

• Provide strategic support to the leaders through financial planning, forecasting, data analysis, and reporting to enable informed decision-making and resource allocation.

• Plan and coordinate complex multi-stakeholder initiatives, including strategic exercises, events, and engagement forums.

• Design and implement culture and engagement initiatives in collaboration with People Services and Humanitarian Services leadership to enhance the personnel experience.

• Identify and pursue strategic engagement opportunities by mapping relevant conferences, hosting thought leadership forums, and leading key internal and external engagement initiatives.

• Support the identification and mitigation of operational and strategic risks through scenario planning and contingency frameworks.

• Contribute to the development of key performance indicators (KPIs) and support regular monitoring, analysis, and reporting of progress against strategic objectives.

• Collaborate on the development and implementation of change management strategies to support organizational transformation or shifts in strategic direction.

• Promote knowledge sharing and support internal learning by documenting lessons learned from planning and engagement initiatives.

What we are looking for:

• Minimum of 6-9 years experience and a 3-year college diploma or university degree in business administration, public administration, strategic planning, organizational development, and/or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience in managing a large portfolio of work covering multiple disciplines.

• Strong depth of knowledge of business operations, logistics, and support processes.

• Strong business acumen, problem solving and effective project management skills including strategic and operational planning, budgetary processes, resource allocation, and strategic planning.

• Strong understanding of strategic planning frameworks, performance measurement, and reporting tools.

• Demonstrated ability to analyze data, forecast trends, and develop actionable insights to support decision-making.

• Solid understanding of organizational change and engagement principles.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and SharePoint.

• Ability to identify complex problems, analyze interrelated factors, assess and mitigate risks, and develop solutions using specialized skills.

• Communication and influence skills to gather perspectives, understand needs, and present information to reach consensus, often in somewhat sensitive situations.

Working Conditions :

• As we work with and support people (managers, colleagues, beneficiaries/customers, volunteers, donors and external partners) and communities in Canada and around the world, applicants whose first language is not English may be required to perform the responsibilities of the role in English.

• Eligibility to work in Canada: At this time, we welcome applications from candidates eligible to work in Canada. If you are not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada, we encourage you to carefully review your visa to find out whether you are eligible to work in the job you are considering applying for. Refer to our FAQ for more information.

• If you are selected for this role, you will be required to complete a successful pre-employment screening process which includes a satisfactory Enhanced Police Information Check (E-PIC).