Issues Coordinator

The Ministry of Health is building a more resilient and sustainable health care system that can support Albertans getting care when and where they need it, while responding to system-wide health challenges, improving health outcomes, and maintaining fiscal responsibility. The ministry supports Albertans’ health and well-being throughout their lives by protecting public health and promoting wellness; coordinating and delivering safe, person-centered, quality health services; health system planning and capital infrastructure planning; supporting innovative information management and technologies; regulating health care; and funding the health system.

The Department of Health establishes the Government of Alberta’s strategic direction for health, including advising government on health policy, legislation and standards, and public health concerns; monitoring and reporting health system performance; setting policies and priorities for the electronic/digital health environment; and providing oversight and ensuring accountability across the health system.

We are seeking two dynamic and highly organized Issues Coordinators to join our Finance & Capital Planning division. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, you will play a pivotal role in managing critical and emerging issues and producing high-quality written correspondence to both Albertans and senior offices, ensuring effective communication and issues management for the branch. As the Issues Coordinator, you will collaborate with both internal and external stakeholders to assess issues, prioritize, write, and edit responses, and develop appropriate actions to ensure the efficient delivery of Ministry programs and frameworks.

Role Responsibilities

One role reports to the Executive Director, Corporate and Capital Planning and one role reports to the Executive Director, System Planning. This role is responsible for working closely with the branch management team and supporting the achievement of departmental goals by providing coordination, strategic input, and effective communication solutions. You will ensure operational efficiency, oversee the management of issues, produce high-quality communications products, such as written responses and briefing notes, and contribute to a collaborative work environment. If you are a proactive problem-solver with excellent communication skills and the ability to manage multiple projects, we want to hear from you!

• Branch Management Support:

Participate in branch management team activities, identifying and prioritizing risks, challenges, and opportunities. Recommend strategies to support the branch in achieving successful outcomes. Research trends, identify best practices, and provide assessments on their impact and implementation. Prepare weekly branch situation reports, highlighting priority issues and key information.

• Communication Liaison:

Serve as the primary communication liaison for the branch, managing both internal and external inquiries. Establish and implement effective communication and information management processes to streamline information flow. Collaborate with communications and subject matter experts to ensure consistent and accurate messaging. Write internal and external correspondence or review correspondence drafted by other branches for content, alignment with priorities, and strategic positioning. Maintain the branch’s standard messaging repository.

• Operational Planning & Reporting:

Support operational planning and monitor progress against branch operational goals. Provide regular updates to the branch management team on performance measures and operational targets. Track progress on key initiatives and manage reporting deadlines. Assist in the development and review of branch operational plans and quarterly reports.

• Issue Management & Strategy:

Remain informed about ministry and department issues, proactively identifying potential risks. Provide research and analysis on issues affecting the branch and develop strategies to resolve them. Anticipate and identify emerging issues keeping the Executive Director apprised of these issues. Ensure the timely and effective resolution of issues impacting the branch.

Leadership & Coordination:

Provide guidance on performance management, business continuity planning, and other recurring processes. Track action items, ensuring follow-up and accountability across the leadership team. Represent the branch on relevant departmental committees and working groups.

Other Responsibilities:

Support the branch in achieving its mandate and goals. Provide secretariat support to the branch leadership team, tracking action items and preparing key documentation. Participate in committees and working groups to promote strategic awareness and consistency.

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 required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

• Systems Thinking: Analyze and consider interrelationships and emerging trends to guide the achievement of goals. Evaluate the long-term outcomes of different options and make decisions based on organizational goals and values. Identify and address unintended consequences to ensure effective solutions.

• Creative Problem Solving: Continuously seek opportunities for improvement and enhance your breadth of insight to drive results. Ask insightful questions to understand and solve problems efficiently. Explore new methods and approaches to improve work processes and share key learnings across the organization.

• Agility: Adapt to changes in the work environment and take the initiative to improve work processes. Anticipate change and adjust behavior accordingly, remaining calm and composed in stressful situations. Seek advice and support when necessary to adapt appropriately to changes and challenges.

• Build Collaborative Environments: Facilitate open communication within teams and encourage the sharing of ideas and knowledge. Leverage the skills and expertise of others, valuing and learning from team members. Promote respectful conflict resolution and create an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are welcomed.

Qualifications

University graduation in business, public administration, public policy, communications, or an equivalent field is required plus 2 years progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent as described below.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and experience with briefing notes.

• Knowledge of English grammar and usage, including plain language.

• Knowledge of SharePoint and Microsoft Office.

• Knowledge of performance measurement and reporting theories, methodologies, principles, and techniques.

• Knowledge of issues management methodologies, practices, and principles.

• Project management skills to ensure efficient and timely delivery of the branch's initiatives and programs.

Notes

Two full-time positions working 36.25 hours per week. Candidates with lesser qualifications may be considered at a lower classification and salary. This competition may be used to fill future roles at the same or lower classifications.

The final candidates may be required to undergo pre-employment checks (Reference check/Criminal record and/or academic). A cover letter outlining how your experience relates to the qualifications outlined in this job ad is required. In your resume, please include dates associated with all education and work experience.

• Working for the Alberta Public Service -
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) -
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information -
• Professional learning and development -
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Opportunity to participate in flexible work arrangements.