Policy & Program Specialist

Innovation Saskatchewan is the innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan. We fuel economic growth by empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector and research community. Our robust portfolio of grant programs, tax incentives, research funding and the Innovation Saskatchewan Research and Technology (R+T) Parks help accelerate technologies and advance research. Innovation Saskatchewan works closely with industry, academia and other stakeholders to provide strong foundations that allow the province’s ecosystem to thrive and make Saskatchewan a world leader in innovation.
The Opportunity  The Policy and Program Specialist supports the design, delivery and continuous improvement of policies, programs and initiatives that advance Saskatchewan’s innovation economy. This role combines program administration, policy research, stakeholder engagement and impact analysis to ensure the agency’s investments are well-managed and strategically aligned with provincial priorities.
The ideal candidate brings a deep understanding of the province’s interconnected economic and innovation landscapes, enabling them to translate strategic priorities into effective programs, partnerships and funding approaches that support economic growth across Saskatchewan. They must be skilled at analyzing complex information to contribute to the development, delivery and evaluation of evidence-based policy and innovation programs, and possess the interpersonal skills needed to build strong relationships with government, industry, post-secondary institutions and ecosystem partners.
If you’re a strategic thinker with strong analytical skills and a passion for innovation and economic development, we’d love to hear from you!
Primary Responsibilities  Duties include but are not limited to:
Supporting the design, delivery, maintenance and continuous improvement of programs and initiatives such as the Made In Saskatchewan Technology (MIST) program and Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive (STSI) in alignment with Innovation Saskatchewan's strategic priorities.
Developing and recommending performance metrics to evaluate program effectiveness and demonstrate return on investment.
Identifying program risks and recommending mitigation strategies.
Coordinating funding agreements, reporting requirements, program deadlines, budgets and related activities to support effective program administration and accountability.
Evaluating project funding applications, including assessing their economic, environmental and social impacts.
Developing processes and systems to evaluate programs and provincial investments in innovation, including investments in partner organizations and initiatives.
Conducting policy research and analysis related to innovation, investment attraction and Saskatchewan's strategic priorities.
Developing evidence-based policy options, recommendations and briefing materials to support decision-making.
Analyzing the potential economic, fiscal, stakeholder and implementation impacts of proposed policies, programs and initiatives.
Consulting and building relationships with industry, government, post-secondary institutions and ecosystem partners.
Supporting communication strategies that highlight the value and impact of Innovation Saskatchewan's programs, policies and investments.
Gathering stakeholder feedback, sector intelligence and emerging issues to inform policy advice and program improvements.
Representing Innovation Saskatchewan at public, industry and community events.
Performing other duties as assigned.
What We Want from You   Two or more years of experience in economic development, public policy or program management is preferred.
Bachelor's degree in business, political science, public administration or a related field is preferred.
Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
A clear Criminal Record Check (required).
Understanding of Saskatchewan's innovation ecosystem and a demonstrated interest in innovation and economic development.
Ability to build and maintain strategic partnerships with industry, government, post-secondary institutions and other stakeholders.
Strong…