Director of Strategic Initiatives

Posted Wednesday, September 11, 2024, 11:00 PM | Expires Thursday, October 3, 2024, 10:59 PM

Located within the traditional land of the Anishnaabek, Haudenosaunee and Wendat-Wyandot-Wyandotte peoples, the Town of The Blue Mountains is a four-season community with stunning natural features, including the Niagara Escarpment, Beaver Valley and the Georgian Bay shoreline. Internationally recognized as a four-season tourism destination, The Blue Mountains offers a high-quality lifestyle that caters to families looking to build a solid foundation, adventurers looking to go off the beaten path and relaxation seekers taking in and experiencing the very best the area has to offer.

The Town is looking for people with a shared commitment to building a sustainable community, as well as shared values of integrity, inclusivity, excellence, accountability, and stewardship for the well-being of our residents.

Come gain a unique experience in the 2nd fastest growing municipality in Canada

Position Summary:

- Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, the Director of Strategic Initiatives will drive departmental efficiencies, oversee budgeting processes, and foster continuous improvement. This role is responsible for leading corporate-wide projects aligned with Council priorities, and spearheading strategic initiatives to enhance communication, customer service, sustainability, and economic development. Accountable for all activities within the Strategic Initiatives Department, the Director will develop and implement short and long-term strategies to meet community and corporate needs, ensuring effective and economical business plan management.Key Duties and Responsibilities:

- As the Department Head, use innovative, well-developed technical, management and leadership skills to lead and/or participate on project teams, as assigned.
- Champion the corporate mission and values within the Strategic Initiatives Department and across the Corporation as a whole.
- Lead, manage and oversee the supervision of departmental staff including routine performance reviews, training, and development. Recommend major discipline, termination, promotion, and transfer of departmental staff. Oversee and monitor that employees are working in compliance with health and safety policies and practices.
- Assess staffing needs, departmental and divisional design, provide recommendations to the CAO and implement organizational structure changes; participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or review hiring recommendations, and hiring within the department.
- Encourage and instill a culture and philosophy of building The Blue Mountains Team within the organization through innovative training, coaching, mentoring, professional development and career growth with and keen desire to ensure opportunities for appropriate and well-communicated succession planning.

**Strategy**:

- Think and act strategically in a political and community/client service environment; anticipate and plan for change and align communications strategies and initiatives with Council’s strategic priorities and corporate goals and objectives.
- Monitor the implementation of the corporate strategic plan, related departmental objectives and actions, and alignment with key strategic priorities.
- Ensure the development and implementation of a corporate performance management program including key performance indicators and business process improvements.
- Encourage change management, create, and champion innovative ideas, support and generate organization and community initiatives.

**Engagement, Communication & Customer Service**:

- Ensure the development and implementation of a corporate communications strategy, identify issues and act as the expert resource for Council and Staff regarding the implementation of all communications requirements.
- Planning, developing, and delivering all internal and external communications, including public relations, media relations, branding, crisis communications, issues management, reputation management and social and digital media.
- Focus on all communications and marketing initiatives and client service delivery, ensuring standardization and consistency of messaging and improvement of communications policies and practices.
- Engaging and fostering ongoing relationships with key community stakeholders (businesses, students, seniors, organizations) and creating a positive two-way communication atmosphere.
- Lead the strategic planning and execution of initiatives aimed at enhancing the corporate customer service portfolio, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and customer-centric values.
- Ensure the development and implementation of strategies to optimize customer service operations, streamline processes, and drive continuous improvement in service delivery, while fostering a culture of excellence and accountability within the customer service team.

**Economic Development**:

- Provide leadership to a team in