Role Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Strategic Advisor supports the coordination of assigned strategic initiatives and mandate projects within existing project management frameworks and processes. This includes pilot programs and novel, one-of-a-kind, or exploratory concepts as well as new policy direction and legislation changes. Depending on the specific needs of the project, the Strategic Advisor will provide expertise to facilitate the conceptualization and framing of the project and then support its implementation.

The Strategic Advisor also supports the Financial Services and Capital Planning Division Assistant Deputy Minister (ADM) office by providing strategic advice and coordination regarding priority Education and Childcare initiatives. The position provides analysis on complex policy, funding, and operational issues, including class size and complexity, capital planning, and accountability frameworks. This position also provides input regarding the development of briefing notes, decision materials, and executive communications to support Cabinet, Treasury Board and legislative requirements. The Strategic Advisor works with the ADM office as a key liaison across divisions to ensure alignment, timely decision making, and effective implementation of ministerial and government priorities.

The role of Strategic Advisor actions the responsibilities as listed below:

• Identify, analyze, and manage complex, sensitive, and emerging issues impacting the Finance, Governance, and Capital Policy sector.
• Prepare strategic briefings, reports, and decision-support materials for Directors, the Executive Director, ADM, and senior leadership.
• Develop responses to ministerial, MLA, public, Cabinet, and executive-level inquiries and action requests.
• Coordinate issues management processes to ensure timely information flow, risk mitigation, and informed decision-making.
• Communicate ministry policies, funding frameworks, capital planning requirements, and strategic priorities to school authorities and stakeholders.
• Provide expert interpretation of policies, regulations, initiatives, and expectations related to school facilities and capital projects.
• Review and quality-assure correspondence, briefing materials, and executive documents to ensure alignment with ministry objectives.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders to resolve issues and advance strategic priorities.
• Support the development, evaluation, and presentation of project recommendations, status updates, and business planning initiatives.
• Participate in cross-functional and inter-ministerial teams to coordinate projects, policy initiatives, and operational priorities.
• Monitor emerging risks and opportunities, providing strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership on school capital policies and initiatives.
• Support branch and sector operations through leadership contributions, including facilitating coordinated action, mentoring staff, driving continuous improvement, and responding to urgent and emerging issues

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf

• Drive for Results: Delivers accurate, timely, and high-quality strategic advice, issues management, and stakeholder responses that support effective decision-making and operational outcomes.
• Systems Thinking: Analyzes issues within the broader education, policy, governance, and capital planning environment to identify impacts, interdependencies, and long-term solutions.
• Agility: Responds effectively to emerging priorities, sensitive issues, and changing business needs by adapting approaches and providing timely recommendations.
• Build Collaborative Environments: Fosters strong partnerships across ministries, school authorities, and stakeholders to achieve coordinated solutions and advance shared objectives.

Qualifications

University graduation in a related field plus 4 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

Equivalency

Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Required

• Issues management and problem-solving in a complex policy or operational environment.
• Experience preparing executive briefings, correspondence, reports, and decision documents.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Ability to research, analyze, and provide strategic recommendations on sensitive issues.
• Experience interpreting and applying policies, legislation, regulations, and governance frameworks.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Ability to coordinate multiple priorities and deliver quality work under tight timelines.
• Experience working collaboratively across branches, divisions, and external organizations.
• Strong organizational, planning, and project coordination skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

Assets

• Experience in government, public sector policy, governance, finance, infrastructure, or education sectors.
• Knowledge of education funding, school facilities, or capital planning processes.
• Experience supporting executive leadership and senior decision-makers.
• Experience preparing ministerial, legislative, Cabinet, or executive-level materials.
• Knowledge of government decision-making and issues management processes.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives or strategic projects.
• Experience mentoring or coaching staff and contributing to continuous improvement initiatives.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification.

Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards

Notes

There is (1) Permanent full-time position working 36.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

This position is based in Edmonton.

We require you to attach a Cover Letter with your application explaining your qualification and suitability for this role.

The final candidate will be required to undergo a security screening.

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.