Business Strategist

As a Business Strategist, you will support the Equity & Innovation team by developing and delivering strategic advice, analysis, recommendations, and change management expertise to the Leader, Equity & Innovation and senior management through the lens of equity, accessibility, anti-racism, cultural safety, and truth and reconciliation. You will also develop and support the implementation of strategies, policies, programs, practices, and services to advance organizational objectives. The work includes developing reports and business plans, setting business unit performance measures, and delivering on strategic initiatives to improve equity outcomes for the business unit. This position is a key source for analytical and subject matter expertise in the development and delivery of strategic frameworks including the Equity & Innovation Strategy. This role is responsible for creating project plans, assembling and leading project teams, monitoring project progress, overseeing the execution of projects, and communicating results to involved internal and external parties. Primary duties include:

• Support, consult, and manage strategic initiatives for the Equity & Innovation Team.
• Provide strategic and policy expertise, identify gaps, assess risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Conduct research and develop strategies, policies, plans and recommendations to senior management, and internal and external involved parties through the lens of equity, accessibility, anti-racism, cultural safety, and truth and reconciliation.
• Develop strategic frameworks, work plans, and lead project chartering work with the knowledge of project management, service line and policy review through the lens of equity, accessibility, anti-racism, cultural safety and truth and reconciliation.
• Provide business analysis, consultation, and recommendations about the efficiency, effectiveness, and scope of business activities to advance the delivery of equity frameworks and initiatives.
• Provide collaborative and innovative solutions to complex issues and facilitate strategic discussions across the corporation and with the general public, partners, non-governmental organizations and Indigenous Peoples.
• Provide expertise and knowledge in performing analysis or current operational processes, qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, performance measures and services, while identifying opportunities to leverage best practices.
• Prepare communication and information for a variety of audiences, such as reports on complex social issues, population data, trends, impacts, changing participant and client needs.
• Prepare reports and presentations for senior leadership.
• Interface with City senior leaders, strategic planners, and partners on strategic initiatives.

• A degree in Business, Management, Public Administration, Human Services field (i.e., Social Work, Critical Race Theory, Peace and Conflict Studies, etc.) or a related field plus at least 8 years of related experience in policy or program development, business development/management consulting, and/or operational and strategic planning that supports an understanding of equity, accessibility, anti-racism and/or truth and reconciliations.
• Living and lived experience as a member of an underrepresented community or experience working with and as an ally for persons from an underrepresented community group will be considered an asset.
• Experience in project management and a Project Management Professional designation (PMP) or equivalent will also be considered assets.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research and data analysis, change management, and Council report writing would be considered an asset.
• Success in this position requires well-developed communication and interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships.
• The ability to prioritize, build consensus among participant and influence without authority.
• Strong analytical, problem solving, and strategic planning skills are required as well as strategic planning and client negotiation experience/skills are essential.