Policy and Planning Officer

Under the direct supervision of the Manager, Policy and Planning, the Policy and Planning Officer:

• Prepares and coordinates documents and briefings for senior management and the Board pertaining to public and cultural policy issues;
• Develops, prepares, and provides strategic advice;
• Reviews and provides input into corporate policies, risk management processes, and operational plans;
• Researches, prepares and coordinates responses and input in response to internal or external requests;
• Monitors and analyses trends in the arts environment and performs research and analysis of a wide range of legislative, policy and research materials;
• Develops and coordinates governance and accountability frameworks (corporate policies, committee terms of reference) and collaborates in cross-divisional working groups;
• Contributes to development of cabinet documents (Memoranda to Cabinet, Treasury Board submissions) and corporate and legislative reporting;
• Contributes to the development and implementation of the Council’s strategic plan and conducts various environmental scanning and strategic foresight activities;
• May be required to focus on any of three specializations: (1) Corporate planning and risk management; (2) Government/stakeholder relations and policy analysis;or (3) Official languages.

• An undergraduate degree in a related field (e.g. arts administration, public administration, social sciences) or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience related to the principal responsibilities of the position

• Five (5) years of experience related to the principal responsibilities of the position
• Experience in the areas of project management, policy and report writing, research and analysis

Experience preparing annual reports, Treasury Board submissions, and other key documents to support government reporting and decision-making processes (Asset)

• Strong knowledge of the Canada Council, its strategic directions, mandate , history, policies and programs
• Excellent knowledge of the legislative requirements and operating environment for Crown corporations and their application and relevance to the Canada Council
• Excellent knowledge of the arts community as well as social issues, factors and trends as they relate to the arts and cultural sector
• Strong knowledge of the arts funding sector and government policies related to arts and culture, both nationally and internationally
• Knowledge of techniques for strategic planning, operational planning and risk management in a public sector organization
• Knowledge and ability to interpret statistical information and other data

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal and analytical skills
• Excellent judgment and prioritization skills
• Excellent skills in project and information management
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills
• Excellent ability to synthesize complex information and provide advice in the form of briefings, reports and presentations for senior managers, executives and/or the Board Ability to take initiative, work independently and adapt to changing priorities
• Ability in dealing with highly confidential matters where judgment and discretion are required

Strong ability to produce, edit and proofread high-quality written products in both official languages (English and French) for government and public audiences under tight deadlines (Asset)

This position requires the use of both official languages.

The requirements in the second official language are:

• Anadvancedlevel in reading comprehension (C)
• An intermediate level in writing (B)
• Anadvancedlevel in oral (C)