Reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, the Manager, Corporate Initiatives - Strategic Planning and Organizational Performance will develop strategies and policies that support the effective delivery of Durham Region's 2025-2035 Strategic Plan. This role serves to strengthen the organization's ability to develop, adapt, and deliver on strategic priorities.
The incumbent will:
- Lead all aspects of strategic planning and organizational performance processes, drawing on jurisdictional trends, relevant data, and analysis of implications to construct strong recommendations
- Liaise effectively with Regional departments and external agencies to build strong relationships that improve information sharing and coordinated action towards shared goals
- Collaborate with a broad network of contacts across all levels of government, industry, business, academia, and other communities on strategic initiatives
- Plan, organize and deliver workshops, meetings, forums, and presentations to support the development and implementation of strategic priorities and organizational performance
- Coordinate and lead inclusive and innovative community engagement activities
- Guide the development of performance indicators, measurement, and evaluation frameworks
- Undertake high-quality research to support evidence-based decision making
- Organize, prioritize, and lead diverse projects including data insights analysis and dashboards to drive accountability and support innovation.
- Ensure Regional Council and staff are engaged in and aware of Regional strategic planning and organizational performance efforts by preparing briefing notes, presentations, and reports on strategic files
- Proactively address rapidly changing issues in a dynamic environment
- Develop annual workplans, performance reporting, and budget submissions
- Participate in the management of the Strategic Initiatives Division
- Model Durham Region's corporate values
The successful applicants will possess:
- A university degree in Public or Business Administration, Political, Social or Environmental Science or a related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience
- A master's or other advanced degree, additional certifications and/or training in process improvement and program evaluation are considered strong assets
- Certifications and experience in project management and change management are considered strong assets
- Progressive experience at a variety of levels in large organizations in strategic and/or program planning and delivery
- Detailed knowledge and understanding of complex ecosystems including policy and regulatory environments, as applicable
- Proficiency accessing and using data, and a natural curiosity that drives a deep commitment to continuous improvement and enhanced decision making through outcomes measurement and management
- Expertise in policy development, analysis, program delivery and public engagement, coupled with strong political acuity
- Strong leadership competencies, commitment to excellence, comfort with complexity and an ability to navigate and lead through transition and change
- Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, and an ability to interact professionally with a diverse group of staff, partners, elected officials, and community members
- Exceptional project management skills with an ability to manage competing priorities and see a project through from idea inception to delivery in a time-constrained environment
- Expert training and facilitation skills with the ability to coach and influence
- A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Knowledge of Durham Region's 2025-2035 Strategic Plan, municipal business planning and budget processes, and Regional Council reporting procedures
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office software
- A highly collaborative and creative spirit with demonstrated capacity to build positive, trusting relationships
- A track record of informed, equitable decision-making centered on fairness and representation