Policy Advisor - Nisku, Canada - Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA)

Description

The Position

Working in RMA's agile External Relations and Advocacy Department, the policy advisor has a unique opportunity to flex their creative muscles in developing innovative approaches to complex policy issues.

While much of the policy advisor's work is in a team environment, they also have an opportunity to work autonomously and take ownership of their work, both internally with colleagues and the RMA Board of Directors, and externally with members, stakeholders, and provincial and federal decision-makers.

Reporting to the Manager of Policy and Advocacy, the policy advisor serves an important role in representing the interests of RMA and its members.

The policy advisor researches, analyzes, and provides the rural municipal perspective on provincial and federal policy issues.

The policy advisor represents RMA through participation in government consultations, on government and stakeholder committees, and through the creation of formal submissions and informal correspondence with external stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

The key responsibilities for this position are as follows:

• Conducting research and developing positions on a range of issues related to rural municipalities or rural community development in general.
• Analysis of federal and provincial legislation, regulations, and policy through a rural municipal lens.
• Analysis of issues, trends, and events affecting rural municipalities which inform the development of advocacy positions and resources.
• Conducting detailed research on policy issues and utilizing that information to bring about positive change for RMA and its member municipalities.
• Representing RMA and its members on committees, working groups, or in consultations led by government or other stakeholders.
• Researching and drafting internal and external resources such as briefings and requests for decisions (RFDs), submissions to government and other key stakeholders, reports and position papers, and others.
• Providing informed advice for consideration by the Board of Directors that reflects the interests of Alberta's rural municipalities.
• Managing all aspects of projectbased initiatives, including: o Identifying project opportunities that align with RMA's strategic goals and member needs. o Managing requests for proposals. o Supporting grant reporting for funding used to support project activities. o Ensuring that the project proceeds in scope, on time, and on budget. o Ensuring that the final product reflects RMA branding and quality standards to meet the needs of members.
• Supporting RMA's Strategic Direction by:
• Ensuring the rural municipal perspective is integrated into research, analysis, and position development.
• Contributing to the preparation and implementation of the strategic and operational plan for the ERA department.
• Supporting the development of an internal advocacy strategy to identify, implement and monitor advocacy objectives.
• Reporting results and disseminating information to members. o Acting as lead administrator and researcher for RMA committees.
• Contributing to the planning and execution of RMA's two annual conventions by contributing to agenda development and organizing workshops.
• Contributing to thought leadership on issues of importance to RMA and its members.
• The position will consist of occasional overtime and travel requirements as needed.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to work collaboratively in a professional team environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Outstanding critical thinking, analytical, and problemsolving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Willingness to propose creative or "outside the box" solutions to complex issues.
• Ability to work with mínimal supervision, selfmotivated, and selfdirected.
• Excels in managing multiple priorities in a fastpaced and changing environment while able to quickly analyze problems to reach a conclusion.

Qualifications:

• A postsecondary degree in political science, intergovernmental affairs, public policy, economics or a related discipline is required.
• A graduate degree is considered an asset.
• At least two years of professional policyrelated experience is an asset.
• Municipal experience or demonstrated familiarity with municipalities is an asset.

Compensation

• Commensurate on experience, postsecondary education (bachelor and master level degrees) and determined according to the current RMA salary grid: $65,000$90,000.
• Includes a comprehensive benefits package plus Local Authorities Pension Plan (LAPP) pension, after applicable waiting periods.

Applicants must submit, in confidence, a covering letter and resume detailing qualifications, work experience. The RMA is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant that meets the qualifications above is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to Canadian citizens and those already