Job Description
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving positive community change?
Strathcona County is seeking a strategic and collaborative leader to guide our Community and Social Innovation (CSI) Branch—a team at the heart of transformative social policy, community development, and cross-sector collaboration. The branch also administers grant funding to non-profit organizations and residents and supports evaluation and planning efforts across the department and within the social sector.
This position oversees three interrelated units and is instrumental in fostering a culture of collaboration, both within the organization and with external stakeholders. By engaging community agencies and partners, this position helps to define and advance collective strategies aimed at improving social outcomes for all residents, with particular attention to those experiencing challenges. Emphasis is placed on strategic planning, community engagement, research and evaluation, and the development of innovative, evidence-informed approaches that contribute to the overall safety and wellbeing of the community.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead a branch of three dynamic units, fostering collaboration across teams, departments, and community partners
- Mentor and support supervisory and professional staff, promoting a culture aligned with Strathcona County’s values
- Develop strategic direction and operational plans for the branch, supporting both individual growth and organizational excellence
- Co-create solutions with community partners and internal stakeholders to address social challenges.
- Lead and implement county-wide strategies and frameworks focused on addressing social priorities and driving transformational change like the Community Safety and Wellbeing Strategy and Healthy Aging Framework
- Align local work with broader regional and provincial initiatives to advance collective impact
- Work with Department Director and Management team to prepare comprehensive operating and capital (as appropriate) budgets and advocate to secure adequate funding for the planned and appropriate operation of the organization
- Oversee internal granting processes, procedures and reporting (for grants issued by CSI) as well as grant reporting to funders as required
- Working with other departments as needed, lead community-wide engagement to inform social policy or programs
- Build funding partnerships and explore new sources of investment for social innovation initiatives
- Build and sustain strategic relationships with nonprofits, agencies, schools, health services, law enforcement, and other levels of government
- Engage local businesses, residents, and community groups to foster inclusive, collaborative planning processes
- Facilitate communication between FCS partners and local prevention and early intervention agencies by hosting regular virtual and in-person meetings, or coordinating regular email updates to ensure alignment of activity
- Present FCS work to Council, Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team to elicit support and approval for recommended policy and programmatic directions
- Ensure the development of accessible, engaging communication materials and digital content in collaboration with internal the Communications and Design teams
- Identify improvements in use of data-driven decision-making and ensuring that data is collected, integrated, and communicated effectively across the organization and where appropriate with community partners
Qualifications and Skills:
- A post-secondary degree in the human services or public sector administration fields, with 7-10 years of applicable supervisory and leadership experience
- Experience in community development, strategic policy, research and evaluation, and oversight for grants/contracts
- Proven experience in policy development, including drafting, analysis, consultation, and implementation in complex or multi-stakeholder environments
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse communities, stakeholders, and partners to co-design policies or programs that reflect local needs and values
- Strong networking and relationship-building skills, with the ability to engage, influence, and maintain productive partnerships across sectors
- A creative and innovative thinker with a track record of bringing fresh approaches to complex social or policy challenges.
- Highly evidence-informed, with the ability to interpret and apply research, data, and evaluation findings to support sound decision-making
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distill complex information into clear, actionable insights
- Strategic mindset with strong problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
- Experience navigating political, cultural, and organizational sensitivities with tact and professionalism
- Demonstrated experience interpreting current social, political, economic, and technological trends to effectively manage portfolio of expertise
- Strong political and organizational understanding
- Strong conceptual, analytical and problem-solving skills that facilitate decisions in a timely manner
- Ability to identify key issues and develop solutions
- Ability to shift strategic focus and activities quickly in response to changing organizational priorities
Conditions of Employment:
- Submission of a Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Child Intervention Record Check
Who We Are:
Strathcona County is a specialized municipality located in the heart of Alberta. Our vision is to become Canada’s most livable community, where our workplace culture and identity are supported by our people plan and values of integrity, respect, safety, fairness, and cooperation.
Why Join Strathcona County: (depending on position)
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, which includes:
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Health and wellness spending account
- Life and disability insurance
- Retirement and pension programs
- Paid and unpaid leave programs
- Employee and family assistance program
- Commitment to employee development, through internal and external training and development opportunities
- Well-being programs and a safety culture focused on physical and psychological health in the workplace
Equivalencies of education and experience may be considered.
This competition may be used to fill future vacancies for similar positions within the next 6 months.
Strathcona County is committed to an inclusive, respectful, and equitable workplace that represents the community we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who can contribute diverse perspectives and experiences.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
