Executive Director, Advisory Services and Municipal Relations Branch

The Ministry of Government Relations is responsible for municipal relations, building standards, and First Nations, Métis and northern affairs. The Ministry engages a diverse range of partners and stakeholders to plan for and respond to the opportunities and challenges of growth; provide leadership and direction so that integrated public services are available to communities and their residents; and support responsible governments.

The Municipal Relations Division of the Ministry of Government Relations works closely with municipalities, their representative organizations, and other provincial ministries to help support effective and sustainable local government. The division is seeking a collaborative leader who will join a team of professionals as the Executive Director, Advisory Services and Municipal Relations Branch.

As a member of the senior management team, reporting to the Assistant Deputy minister, the position will:

• Maintain a respectful and collaborative relationship between provincial and municipal government officials so it is strong, effective and efficient. This will help to ensure the Ministry and the province are well positioned to participate in and contribute to the various shared capacity building initiatives, conventions and events that are lead or co-lead by municipal sector associates.
• Lead a team of experts and manage the provision of Advisory Services (i.e., municipal administration technical assistance) to the over 700 urban and rural municipalities in the southern part of the province. These services will advance the interests of the ministry through strategic efforts to build municipal capacity, including municipal management self-reliance and long-term success.
• Develop approaches and capacity to provide direction to the Ministry’s branches and other provincial ministries on the development of policies and programs.
• As a key advisor, provide strategic advice to ministry executive management in developing and managing assistance programs and initiatives for the municipal sector.

The successful candidate will be an innovative leader who is able to:

• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and understanding of Saskatchewan’s system of municipal government, its environment, issues, stakeholders and legislation, as well as policies and programs across government as they relate to municipalities.
• Understand the role of the ministry and its programs and successfully work across other ministries to achieve common solutions.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge and understanding of Saskatchewan’s public policy issues, interests and objectives.
• Identify issues, evaluate the environment, undertake analysis, formulate options for change, facilitate consultations, and develop and communicate recommendations to lead and support change initiatives in the ministry and across government.
• Bring excellent conceptual and communication skills and work to address policy and program solutions.
• Apply strong negotiation and problem-solving skills in order to advance long standing public issues.
• Champion innovative solutions to support client and stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrate results-oriented leadership and the ability to: manage and establish priorities among the competing interests within government; access and analyze complex networks, relationships and issues to achieve solutions; and achieve policy, planning and program outcomes through collaboration with key government, municipal, and community stakeholders.

Typically, the knowledge and experience required to achieve the above is obtained through:

• A Master’s degree or equivalent level of education with emphasis on Public Administration/policy, including senior level leadership and management experience.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of Saskatchewan’s public policy issues. interests and objectives.
• Expertise in Saskatchewan’s system of local government, its environment, issues, stakeholders and legislation, as well as policies and programs across government as they relate to municipalities.
• Knowledge of strategic planning, accountability and performance management frameworks and programs/project evaluation methodologies required to ensure delivery of stated outcomes.
• Extensive knowledge of effective leadership, management and administration approaches in the public sector, particularly in a matrix management context.
• Extensive knowledge of government decision making and legislative processes.

What We Offer

• Dynamic, challenging work for talented individuals.
• A competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension.
• Vacation, scheduled days off (SDO) and other types of leave.
• Inclusive work environment.
• Advancement Opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements.