Program Analyst

**Job Description**:
**POSITION PURPOSE**
This position is responsible for providing program support to the organization's Community Opinion Polling Program. The Community Opinion Polling Program is a primary input for the Accountability Framework which includes the strategic planning initiatives of the Vision Program, Strategic Plan Program and supporting Departments with their 4-Year Departmental Plans. This includes coordinating research, analyzing opinion data including tracking of data trends and comparator benchmarks among municipal comparators, research related to the impact of legislative changes on municipalities, drafting reports, presentations and other briefings and communication products.

**MAJOR RESPONSIBILITES**
- Analyzes and interprets opinion data and information to determine gaps and identify course of action and future needs to support policy direction, programs and initiatives.
- Researches and analyzes emerging trends, issues, best practices, current events to assess impacts of resident survey results and enable informed decision making on initiatives.
- Leads and coordinates the implementation of projects including conducting research, liaising with internal and external partners, gathering information and material, and preparing reports and presentations, as directed.
- Develops, coordinates and implements program deliverables and initiatives, coordinates for projects and deliverables external to the unit, modifying priorities as required to meet objectives.
- Conducts review (including best practice reviews) of impacts of legislative change, including research, analysis and evaluation, to inform senior management decision making.
- Performs daily operational activities supporting the unit; provides information and responds to routine inquiries or requests for information, related to policies, practices, and procedures. Resolves concerns, as appropriate, and escalates where required.
- Assists the Department's management team in the development of annual plans for major initiatives that are in line with Branch and the Region's strategic direction.
- Liaises with other Branches and Departments in the Region, to disseminate and acquire information, as required.
- Represents the Branch, Department and Region with both internal and external stakeholders and is responsible for ensuring representation aligns with corporate branding and messaging.
- Explores established options and takes appropriate action, ensuring that services provided meet Regional customer service standards.
- Participates on committees, work groups, task forces and special projects, as assigned.
- Manages information in accordance with legislation and corporate standards.
- Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives.

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Successful completion of a Community College Diploma in Business Administration, Public Administration, Public Policy or Social Sciences or related field or approved equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum three (3) years of experience in project management, coordinating and implementing communication strategies and supporting program development including oversight of database.
- Demonstrated experience and ability to meet deadlines while coordinating and responding to immediate research needs in a dynamic environment.
- Understanding of project management methodology and continuous improvement processes.
- Demonstrated experience in writing and reviewing analytical reports/studies, including ability to identify problems, research, analyze and interpret data, and make and defend evidence-based recommendations.
- Demonstrated coordination skills to foster co-operative and collaborative working relationships with cross-functional teams and staff at all levels of the organization.
- Demonstrated writing skills for internal communication, document development and design and drafting reports, briefing notes, meeting minutes and presentations to communicate information to diverse audiences.
- Demonstrated analytical skills to analyse and synthesize information.
- Demonstrated ability in corporate core competencies for this level.
- Ability to work independently and with teams and with ability to manage competing priorities.
- Advanced skills in MS Office Suite including the use of virtual platforms for conducting meetings and/or presentations.
- Ability to travel to offsite locations, as required.
- Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.