Manager, Policy

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ promotes, cares and advocates for a vibrant and inclusive downtown where business thrives and people are drawn to work, live, shop and explore. We host events, promote downtown, keep the neighbourhood clean and attractive and are a voice for the downtown community. Our downtown is on Treaty No. 1 territory and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis.

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The Manager, Policy and Economic Development is responsible for executing the strategic direction for the policy and economic development programs at the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ. This is a leadership position responsible for overseeing research, collecting and analyzing a range of economic and business development data, identifying opportunities for development in the downtown and supporting business retention and attraction activities. The manager brings a strong understanding of all levels of government and achieving policy and advocacy priorities.

As the Manager, Policy & Economic Development, you will be part of a creative and dynamic team that believes in embracing change, fostering innovation and is dedicated to truly making an impact in the heart of our city. We are guided by our values: Respect, Collaboration, Innovation, Excellence, and Inclusion.

**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES**

**Leadership**
- Lead the strategic direction and implementation of all policy and economic development programs including identifying key performance indicators
- Provide timely and strategic support on issues related to policy and economic development downtown
- Track, evaluate and report on key departmental metrics
- Support cross functional collaboration throughout the organization
- Develop and maintain the budgets for the Policy and Economic Development department

**Economic Development**
- Develop and lead new initiatives in the areas of economic development, business support and market research
- Develop and advance new data collection methods, survey programs and technologies
- Track, synthesize and ensure quality control of data analysis and reports that are shared with stakeholders to help them make informed decisions
- Maintain an understanding of the economic landscape of Winnipeg and how it relates to activities in downtown

**Policy and Advocacy**
- Support the development and execution of all Downtown Winnipeg BIZ policy and advocacy initiatives
- Track and inform senior staff of relevant legislative and policy actions at the federal, provincial and municipal government levels that could affect the operations of the organization or our stakeholders
- Develop and strengthen external relationships with partner organizations, existing and potential BIZ members and all levels of government
- Collect and synthesize stakeholder feedback to inform program design and policy recommendations that support the Downtown Winnipeg BIZ’s strategic direction

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Minimum three years of experience in a leadership role
- Post secondary education in Economics, Public or Business Administration or related discipline.
- Demonstrated understanding of principles and practices of economic development and ability to accurately evaluate and effectively communicate and report on economic development projects and programs.
- Demonstrated understanding of the political and policy climate across all levels of government.
- Enthusiastic self-starter with the ability to quickly learn and understand concepts, problem solve, take ownership, and manage work with mínimal supervision.
- Strong leadership and coaching skills to support a diverse and highly productive team
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively lead program initiatives.
- Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with both public and private sector stakeholders.
- Ability to analyze information and distill, summarize and share key information with others to assist in decision making

**WHAT WE OFFER**
- A 35-hour work week, subsidized transit passes, “Furry Fridays” (bring your pet to work days), and access to downtown events.
- A collaborative team environment that values diverse perspectives and input.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- A vibrant downtown work environment where you can enjoy the amenities and community around you, including participation in our own programs, staff celebrations, and numerous downtown events.

**OUR CULTURE**

The Downtown Winnipeg BIZ embodies a culture of collaboration and customer service. We have a diverse team that is encouraged to provide input and participate on committees to inform workplace values and influence the culture and environment.

**HOW TO APPLY**

Applicants should identify if they require accommodation during the competition process on a confidential basis. This posting is available in alternate formats upon request.

**Benefits**:

- Commuter bene