Bring your vision, leadership, and strategic planning skills to this important role

The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction is proud to be an equal opportunity employer; we strive to ensure all employees contribute in meaningful ways, bring their full self to work and celebrate their differences. The Ministry focuses on reducing poverty, creating opportunities, and increasing inclusion. The ministry provides strategic leadership and quality services that empower British Columbians to share in the province’s prosperity, with a vision to participate fully in their community and to reach their full potential.

The Research, Innovation and Policy Division provides research, policy and legislation support to the ministry, enabling the successful delivery of services to improve the lives of British Columbians. The division leads the government on the Poverty Reduction Strategy, and aids in poverty reduction and disability initiatives across government.

The Strategic Policy Initiatives Branch leads the continued development and implementation of B.C.’s first poverty reduction strategy and supports the ministry’s strategic policy agenda. The branch also plays a leadership role on cross-government activities related to the government mandate of poverty reduction. The branch leads the ministry’s intergovernmental relations activities, which includes Federal, Provincial Territorial (FPT) relations and the coordination of Indigenous engagement and cross-ministry reconciliation initiatives. The branch provides support to the Minister’s Poverty Reduction Advisory Committee and the Parliamentary Secretary for Community Development and Non-Profits.

The Director leads complex strategic policy engagement initiatives, including planning and implementation engagement supporting BC’s update of Together BC, BC’s Poverty Reduction Strategy. The position leads project teams, chairs related inter-ministry and cross-sector working groups, provides strategic advice to senior government officials, and works collaboratively with a wide range of internal and external partners and stakeholders to identify and resolve emerging issues, and lead strategic partnership initiatives.

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Political Science or a related field, and a minimum three (3) years of progressive related experience in a leadership role. Preference may be given to candidates who bring a Master’s degree in a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of related experience in a leadership role.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Progressive related experience in a leadership role must include:

• Experience delivering on program and project objectives, priorities and budgets.
• Experience with stakeholder engagement and establishing collaborative relationships.
• Experience managing and leading diverse and complex projects.
• Experience leading and coaching multi-disciplinary teams.

Preference may be given to applicants with:

• Experience providing direction and leadership in the development of major government policy initiatives.
• Experience working with diverse cross sector partners to advance government social policy and poverty reduction objectives

For questions regarding this position, please contact Whitney.Borowko@gov.bc.ca

About this Position:

This position is excluded from union membership.

This is a temporary opportunity until July 31, 2024. A permanent appointment may result from this temporary appointment.

This position can be based in any Social Development and Poverty Reduction office. The locations listed above are to assist applicants in searching for this opportunity and are not a complete list of locations.

Flexible work options are available; this position may be able to work from home a few days a week as per the Telework Agreement.

An eligibility list may be established to fill future temporary and permanent vacancies.

Working for the BC Public Service:

The BC Public Service is committed to creating a diverse workplace to represent the population we serve and to better meet the needs of our citizens. Consider joining our team and being part of an innovative, inclusive and rewarding workplace.

The Indigenous Applicant Advisory Service is available to applicants that self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, status or non-status, Métis, or Inuit) seeking work or already employed in the BC Public Service. For guidance on applying and interviewing, please contact IndigenousApplicants@gov.bc.ca or 778-405-3452.

The BC Public Service is an award-winning employer and offers employees competitive benefits, amazing learning opportunities and a chance to engage in rewarding work with exciting career development opportunities. For more information, please see What We Offer.

How to Apply:

Your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet the job requirements listed above.

Cover Letter: NO - Please do not submit a cover letter as it will not be reviewed.

Resume: YES - Ensure your resume includes your educational accomplishments, employment history including start and end dates (month and year) of your employment, and any relevant information that relates to the job to which you are applying.

Online Questionnaire: YES - As part of the application process, you will be prompted to complete an online questionnaire to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.

Helpful tips, videos and more regarding the application process can be found on the Your Job Application page of MyHR. If you are experiencing technical difficulty applying, e-mail BCPSA.Hiring.Centre@gov.bc.ca, before the stated closing time, and we will respond as soon as possible.

Additional Information:

A Criminal Record Check (CRC) will be required.

The BC Public Service COVID-19 Vaccination Policy defines the conditions and expectations for BC Public Service employees regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Among other possible measures, proof of vaccination will be required. It is a term of acceptance of employment that you agree to comply with all vaccination requirements that apply to the public service. More information can be found here.

Applicants selected to move forward in the hiring process may be assessed on the Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Competencies as outlined in the attached Job Profile located at the bottom of the posting.

Applications will be accepted until 11:00 pm Pacific Standard Time on the closing date of the competition.