Senior Policy Advisor

Are you a driven policy professional with strong leadership skills and a solid background in financial expertise, eager to elevate your career? Do you excel in dynamic, fast-moving settings where your insights can make a real impact? Join the Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security as a Senior Policy Advisor within the Financial Accountability Branch. In the Priority Projects and Supports Unit, you will lead critical initiatives, provide expert guidance, and play a key role in evaluating policy options and financial reporting that shape the future of post‑secondary education. About Us: At the Financial Sustainability, Performance and Oversight Division, we manage the ministry’s broad and vital partnerships with the postsecondary education sector. Our team is committed to fostering strong, collaborative relationships with institutions and organizations, driving sustainable progress in higher education. About the job As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will: Lead and coordinate financial reporting, policy development, and priority project tracking Provide strategic advice and expert consultation on key initiatives and funding proposals to senior leaders and government officials Drive cross‑divisional projects to research, develop, and recommend strategic finance policies Ensure policy options align with government objectives for post‑secondary institutions Build and sustain partnerships with internal teams and external stakeholders to support ministry goals Collaborate with senior management and Ministers’ Office staff to resolve complex issues effectively What you bring to the team Financial and Policy Analysis, and Program Development Expertise You have: Strong expertise in policy and program development and government legislative decision‑making An understanding of accounting, finance principles, and the postsecondary sector’s unique context Skills in program analysis and evaluation to assess policy effectiveness and guide recommendations Knowledge of economic theory, provincial post‑secondary funding models, priorities, labour market needs, and relevant legislation Strategic Thinking, Analytical, and Problem‑Solving Skills Analyze information, assess risks, and evaluate impacts on priorities Use data‑driven insights to develop effective solutions and grasp strategic consequences Provide strategic advice on funding requests, ensuring value for money, alignment with ministry goals, and compliance with directives Research, Analysis, and Project Management Skills You are: Proficient in research methods, statistical analysis, and managing qualitative and quantitative studies Skilled in financial analysis to evaluate statements and budgets, identifying trends and issues Experienced in project management within IT and financial systems development, prioritizing and addressing business unit needs Communication, Consultation, and Consensus‑Building Skills Strong communication skills in issue resolution, reporting, and developing presentations and training materials. Skills in consultation and consensus‑building to foster collaboration and align stakeholders around shared goals. Don’t meet every qualification? If you are excited about this position and meet most, but not all, of the listed qualifications, please still consider applying. We recognise that no one person might have every qualification in this job ad, and you just might be the right candidate How we support diversity, inclusion and accessibility We are building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We encourage everyone interested in working with us to apply, including people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black and racialised individuals, as well as people from all ethnicities, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions. Our hiring process is accessible, consistent with Ontario’s Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. We are working to prevent and remove barriers in our hiring processes and can offer accommodation to address specific needs related to Code‑protected grounds such as disability, family status and religion. For more information about accommodation during the hiring process please contact us. Learn more about the work the OPS is doing to create an inclusive, anti‑racist, accessible and diverse workplace: diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives accessibility Anti‑Racism Policy What we offer The Ontario Public Service is one of Ontario’s largest employers. Employees work for 29 ministries, with offices in more than 70 cities across the province. We offer: a career that can grow across ministries and job functions flexible learning and developmental opportunities, including education and mentorship programs many employee networks offering support for and education about underrepresented groups comprehensive benefits that look after your holistic wellness needs base salary that aligns to market trends with scheduled salary progression tailored work arrangements, including opportunities like self‑funded leave and more a modern, friendly, and accessible physical work environment Additional information Address 2 English Temporary, duration up to 12 months, 315 Front St W, Toronto, Toronto Region Compensation Group Association of Management, Administrative and Professional Crown Employees of Ontario Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule 6 Category Policy and Analysis Posted on Thursday, September 25, 2025 Note Less qualified applicants may be considered on an underfill basis. The information that you provide for the purpose of this competition and the results from this competition may be used to fill other positions. These positions may be of various tenures including short‑term assignments. Your information and the results from this competition will be retained for the purpose of filling vacancies in accordance with the applicable collective agreement or policy provisions. T‑TU‑234423/25(3) How to apply You must apply online by visiting www.ontario.ca/careers. You must enter the job id number in the Job ID search field to locate the job ad. Your cover letter and resume combined should not exceed five (5) pages. For tips and tools on how to write a concise cover letter and resume, review the Writing a Cover Letter and Resume: Tips, Tools and Resources. Customize your cover letter and resume to the qualifications listed on the job ad. Using concrete examples, you must show how you demonstrated the requirements for this job. We rely on the information you provide to us. Read the job description to make sure you understand this job. OPS employees are required to quote their WIN EMPLOYEE ID number when applying. If you require a disability‑related accommodation in order to participate in the recruitment process, please Contact Us to provide your contact information. Recruitment services team will contact you within 48 hours. All external applicants (including former employees of the Ontario Public Service) applying to a competition in a ministry or commission public body must disclose (either in the cover letter or resume) previous employment with the Ontario Public Service. Disclosure must include positions held, dates of employment and any active restrictions as applicable from being rehired by the Ontario Public Service. Active restrictions can include time and/or ministry‑specific restrictions currently in force, and may preclude a former employee from being offered a position with the Ontario Public Service for a specific time period (e.g. one year), or from being offered a position with a specific ministry (either for a pre‑determined time period or indefinitely). The circumstances around an employee’s exit will be considered prior to an offer of employment. Remember: The deadline to apply is Friday, December 12, 2025 11:59 pm EDT. Late applications will not be accepted. We thank you for your interest. Only those selected for further screening or an interview will be contacted. Seniority level Not Applicable Employment type Temporary Job function Government Administration #J-18808-Ljbffr