Strategy Research Analyst

Job Details
Non-Union (Non-UnionT)

Posting Status
Open to all current Town of Oakville employees and external applicants

Duration
24-month contract

Closing Date
Applications for this position must be received at by no later than 11:59 pm on January 23, 2026.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy and therefore will be filled accordingly.

We Offer

• A hybrid work schedule
• A defined benefit pension plan (OMERS)
• Contract e mployee benefits package
• A progressive work environment that promotes a work/life balance and strives to be a great place for great people to do great things

What can I expect to do in this role?
Reporting to the Manager, Intergovernmental Affairs, Strategic Policy & Research, in the Corporate Strategy & Government Relations department, the Strategy Research Analyst provides the Chief Administrative Officer and Commissioners with high-quality research, scanning, and insight synthesis to further Council and administrative priorities. Working collaboratively with commissions, departments, and internal groups, the Strategy Research Analyst gathers, analyzes, and translates qualitative and quantitative information to provide insights on a variety of topics, in support of environmental and jurisdictional scanning (e-scans / j-scans), emerging issues, corporate strategic projects, performance measurement, consultation opportunities, and evidence-informed decision-making.

Responsibilities
Activities and sources of information include data analysis, internet research, stakeholder interviews, surveys, academic and think-tank research, federal/provincial/regional reports, legislation and policy reviews and changes, media and open-source monitoring, and networks across the municipal and broader public sector landscape. The role's focus is on connecting diverse inputs to emerging trends, risks, and opportunities facing the Town. The position also supports the continuous improvement of the Town's research function, including the use of standardized intake processes, project tracking tools, and establishing a research repository to ensure requests are aligned, scoped, prioritized, and delivered efficiently. In addition to performing other duties as assigned, responsibilities include the following key activities:

Research supporting corporate policy management

• Support the development, management, and continuous improvement of corporate policies, procedures, and tools, primarily through identification and analysis of issues, environmental and jurisdictional scans, best-practice research, evidence synthesis, and the development of clear implications and options.
• Lead environmental and jurisdictional scans (e-scans / j-scans) on priority topics, synthesizing findings into concise, decision-ready insights for senior leadership.
• Conduct time-sensitive research to support Council and ELT requests, balancing speed with accuracy and judgment.

Research supporting corporate strategy development

• Support activities related to advancing Council's long-term strategy and action plan and administrative priorities, including comparative scans, backgrounders, issue framing, evidence reviews, data interpretation, analysis, and synthesis of diverse qualitative and quantitative inputs.
• Support the development of in-depth and comprehensive reports and analyses; prepare position papers and briefing materials to present strategic options, recommendations, and implementation plans to senior management to inform decision-making.
• Translate complex or emerging subject matter into accessible, actionable insights for senior audiences.

Research supporting corporate strategic projects

• Support the scoping, development, and implementation of corporate strategic projects by providing analysis, evidence, insights, and structured research processes. Examples could include: climate action; inclusion, equity, diversity and accessibility; digital/AI governance, intergovernmental files, social/emerging issues, and other CAO and senior leadership priorities.
• Activities include: intake and early issue identification; creating frameworks; undertaking discussions with stakeholders; evidence-based analysis; conducting comparative scans, synthesizing research inputs; preparing recommendation reports and plans; supporting team and project leadership with project coordination where required (timelines, tracking, synthesis), while maintaining the role's primary focus on analysis and insight generation.

Emerging issues, partnership development, and government relations

• Perform research activities to review, analyze, and investigate key emerging issues from other jurisdictions, external organizations, interest groups, and others, to surface risks, opportunity areas, and strategic implications for senior leadership.
• Activities include: reviewing legislation; performing environmental and jurisdictional scans to research best practices; identifying key issues; briefing senior leaders on implications and options; contributing research to intergovernmental advocacy; and exchanging intelligence with peer municipalities, associations, and sector partners.
• Monitor external signals, including government announcements, policy shifts, and sector trends, to support proactive identification of issues, and engage in monitoring consultation opportunities across all orders of government (e.g. ERO/RRO postings, regulatory proposals, budget consultations), including analyzing potential implications, maintaining internal tracking tools, and coordinating with departments to respond when needed.

Performance measurement and management

• Consult with departments to identify and refine priority key performance indicators (KPIs) for corporate reporting to Council. Research supporting the oversight, analysis, and reporting of corporate KPIs.
• This may include supporting: corporate KPI working teams; corporate and community surveys; developing reports or communications providing analysis and / or results of strategic corporate KPIs.

How do I qualify?

• Minimum of three years of experience in research, analysis, and evaluation supporting policy or strategy in the public or broader public sector, including work that informs senior decision-making.
• Successful completion of a four-year university degree in public administration, political science, business, planning, economics, or a related equivalent.
• Ability to understand, interpret and apply municipal and provincial policies, plans (including the Municipal Act, the Planning Act, Oakville's Official Plan, Secondary Plans, master plans, etc.), by-laws, and regulations.
• Sound knowledge of research design and data interpretation; ability to assess quality, relevance, and limitations of information sources.
• Research methodologies/principles, analysis, and issues management skills with proven ability to conduct environmental and jurisdictional scans (e-scans / j-scans), comparative policy research, trend analysis, and interpretation of qualitative and quantitative data.
• Organizational and process skills to manage multiple research requests, track progress, coordinate intake, and contribute to the improvement of research workflows.
• Experience preparing executive-ready materials such as briefings, issue analyses, and optioning memos.
• Legislative and program analysis skills to evaluate the impact of new or amended legislation, policies and programs, and to provide evidence-based recommendations.
• Relationship management, consultation and collaboration skills to work effectively across departments, committees, and external partners.
• Verbal and written communication skills to translate complex findings into clear, concise insights for senior audiences, including presenting recommendations, strategic options and implementation plans; preparing position papers, reports, briefings and progress reports; and representing the corporation on working groups/committees.
• Presentation and persuasion skills to: brief and provide advice and expertise to senior management, corporation staff and other stakeholders; explain/advocate for corporate positions/recommendations/options; and facilitate information/working group sessions.
• Comfort working with both qualitative and quantitative data to support evidence-informed decision-making.
• Familiarity with Lean or continuous improvement principles considered an asset.
• Ability to work both independently with a high level of initiative and as part of a cohesive team.
• Political acuity and strategic thinking to frame issues appropriately and anticipate sensitivities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint; strong proficiency with online research tools and artificial intelligence for research; and ability to use data visualization tools effectively.
• Ability to deliver services to meet the Town's guiding principles: excellence, quality of life, inclusivity, fiscal responsibility, leadership, and sustainability.

DATED:
December 22, 2025

The town's recruitment software includes elements of artificial intelligence to assist in the screening and short-listing of qualified candidates.

This job profile reflects the general requirements necessary to perform the principal functions of the job. This does not include all of the work requirements of the job. Applicants are required to demonstrate through their application and in the interview process that their qualifications match those specified. Applicants may also be required to undergo testing.
We thank all applicants and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.