Manager, Public Policy Development

City of Ottawa

$121K — $153K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 4-year university degree in public policy, public administration, or related field; Master's degree preferred.
  • 7+ years of experience developing by-laws or public policies.
  • 5+ years of experience in managing human and financial resources.
  • Strong relationship-building skills with stakeholders, including government entities.
  • Expert knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and improve public policy development programs and services.
  • Develop and oversee public policies and related by-laws.
  • Provide expertise and guidance on public policy application.
  • Lead inter-departmental project teams on policy development.
  • Make strategic recommendations to Departmental Leads and City Council.
  • Conduct studies to ensure regulations address current and emerging issues.
  • Monitor and update policies based on government activities and legislation.

Benefits

  • Full-time permanent position with a 35-hour work week.
  • Opportunity to lead impactful public policy initiatives.
  • Engage with various stakeholders, including City Council and government agencies.
Full Job Description
Requisition ID: 23413
Department: Emergency & Protective Services Dept.
Service: Public Policy Development Services
Employment Type: 1 Full-time Permanent
Work Hours: 35.00 /hours per week
Affiliation: MPE/New City MPE
Salary Information: $121,708.86 - $153,879.18 annually (2025 rates of pay)
Location: City Hall,110 Laurier Avenue West
Job Category: Management
Application Close: 07/09/2026

JOB SUMMARY

The Public Policy Development Branch is responsible for establishing public policies and drafting corresponding by-laws related to areas such as: public safety, nuisance control and consumer protection.

You are responsible for managing, evaluating and improving Public Policy Development programs, services, projects and operations, and the development, implementation and evaluation of related plans, policies, guidelines, systems, processes and procedures.

Programs, services, projects and activities include:
  • The development, oversight, maintenance and updating of public policies and the corresponding by-laws.
  • Providing a centre of expertise on the development of public policies and regulations, advising on its intent and proper application.
  • Leading and/or participating in inter-departmental and/or inter-municipal project/planning teams to develop and implement pubic policy related by-laws.
  • Providing strategic, policy and regulatory advice and making recommendations to various Departmental Leads and members of Council regarding the development and/or amendment of relevant by-laws and policies.
  • Undertaking studies related to new or existing regulations to ensure regulations are current, and to respond to as well as anticipate emerging issues.
  • Monitoring the activities of other levels of government including legislation, regulations, policies, and committees, and amending or development public policies and corresponding by-laws when necessary.


You are also responsible for managing financial and human resources (including contracted services), and stakeholder and partner relationships.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in public policy, public administration, public affairs and policy management or other related field
Master's degree in public policy is desirable

Minimum of 7 years of related experience in developing by-laws or public policies, building, negotiating and maintaining relationships with stakeholders such as City Council, other levels of government, agencies, or private sector organizations, including a minimum of 5 years in the management of human and financial resources

KNOWLEDGE

  • The City of Ottawa's organizational, governance and administrative structures
  • Expert knowledge of legislation, regulations, policies, standards and guidelines relevant to the work
  • In-depth understanding of current socio, economic and political issues and government legislation/policies that are expected to impact the City of Ottawa
  • Industry trends and developments
  • Business administration concepts, theories, principles and methodologies
  • Corporate policies, guidelines and practices
  • The various Collective Agreements in place at the City
  • Understanding of the programs/services and operations of other City areas, and the inter-relationships between them and own work area
  • MS Office
  • Must be familiar with applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures


COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Core Behaviours
Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work. They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities. Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.

Leadership Competencies
The City has defined key competencies that leaders are expected to embody and demonstrate to successfully move the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives and create an organizational culture that supports and empowers employees to excel, grow and reach their full potential. These leadership competencies and associated behaviours are expected to be demonstrated by leaders at all levels of the organization.

Review the Leadership Competencies.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Language Requirement: Designated Bilingual - specific level of language proficiency: French: oral, reading. English: oral, reading, writing Candidates who do not meet language requirements will be required to participate in training.
  • Experience and formal training combined with demonstrated performance and ability may substitute for stipulated academic requirements.
  • Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.


We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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