Research & Policy Associate

**Job ID**: 57052

**Job Category**:Policy, Planning & Research

**Division & Section**:Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Policy & Strategic Support

**Work Location**:City Hall, 100 Queen St W

**Job Type & Duration**:Temporary, Full-Time (18 month) vacancy with possibility for extension

**Salary**:$79,409.00 - $106,101.00

**Shift Information**: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week

**Affiliation**: Non-Union

**Number of Positions Open**: 1

**Posting Period**: 28-Jul-2025 to 11-Aug-2025

Join MLS as a Research & Policy Associate and support the development policy files that will move the Division forward on key initiatives such as multi-tenant housing (rooming houses), animal care services, street vending, and property standards, among other important initiatives. This early-career policy role is part of a team of policy and research professionals providing support to Committees, Council and the Division for the development of effective policies, by-laws and business practices.

**Major Responsibilities**:
To support the development, coordination and implementation of policies, programs, and strategies to contribute to the continuous improvement initiatives of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Division.
- Conducts research into assigned areas ensuring that such research takes into account industry trends, corporate policies and practices, legislation and regulations.
- Conducts secondary research including review of best/promising practices and plans in various industries.
- Conducts research to support the preparation of briefing notes on policy initiatives for senior management.
- Develops and implements detailed plans and develops options and recommendations for policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements.
- Provides input into and administers assigned budget, ensuring that expenditures are controlled and maintained within approved budget limitations.
- Deals with confidential and sensitive information affecting divisional operations, policy positions, assets, and finances.
- Presents options and recommendations for programs and policies that could impact organization structure re-modelling and staff across the organization.
- Attends strategic meetings with senior management.
- Conducts primary research including stakeholder interviews and staff focus groups and/or surveys to identify and document requirements and to obtain input.
- Keeps up-to-date on relevant research and coordination with relevant divisional staff on project related data analysis.
- Keeps management updated with progress on a regular basis and establishes buy-in for key project milestones.
- Develops options and recommendations for policies, processes and procedures.
- Coordinates consultation in an effort to solicit feedback on policy and program development.
- Drafts reports for senior staff on corporate and divisional issues, projects and related matters.
- Works together with team members on technical studies, policy and programs development and reviews and supports planning and execution of public and industry consultations
- Reviews and analyzes statistical data, external reports and research studies, as well as existing and proposed policies.
- Assists senior staff in identifying options, assessing implications and developing implementation strategies on project work.
- Acts as City representative on various internal and external committees.
- Assists with the development of RFPs and/or RFQs supporting the needs of the Division.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.
- Other duties as assigned.

**Key Qualifications**:

- Post-Secondary education in Public Policy and Administration, Business Administration, Intergovernmental Relations, Planning, or other related discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Experience in conducting research, analysis, summarizing findings and creating graphic presentations.
- Experience preparing and writing clear and succinct reports and recommendations on policy and administrative issues. Past experience preparing reports in a government setting is an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and highly developed communication and presentation skills with the ability to communicate both orally and in writing at all levels of the organization, and with staff, consultants and contractors.
- Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills with the ability to handle and resolve difficult situations in a professional manner.
- High degree of conceptual ability and capacity to develop creative solutions to refinement of operating procedures, development of policy and evaluation of problems.
- Ability to exercise political acumen, sound judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential operational matters.
- Ability to support the Toronto Public Service values to ensure a culture that champions equity, diversity and respectful workplaces.
- Knowledge of government structure, policies and decision-making processes is an asset.

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