About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to join our Corporate Affairs & Policy team. This role will lead complex policy research and analysis, manage relationships with public-sector partners, and provide evidence-based policy advice to senior leadership, business units, and the Government of Ontario. The position involves collaborating across the organization to support relationships with the Ontario Ministry of Finance, develop high-quality materials, and shape policies and programs that advance Ontario’s cannabis legalization objectives.
Responsibilities
- Provide policy development, market analysis, and strategic advice to the Ontario Government to inform decision-making and recommend strategic, regulatory, and legislative actions.
- Develop factual, data-driven policy analysis, including reports, briefing materials, issue notes, presentations, and jurisdictional scans.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal stakeholders to support the delivery of strategic projects and initiatives.
- Lead internal and external consultations in coordination with department leadership, senior management, and government partners.
- Guide other advisors and analysts in delivering high-quality policy products and departmental outputs.
- Collaborate with the Manager, Policy to provide policy and strategic advice to operational teams and senior leadership.
- Monitor the policy and regulatory environment to identify opportunities, evaluate risks, and assess impacts on OCS operations.
- Coordinate business readiness for federal or provincial regulatory changes that affect OCS operations.
- Support day-to-day engagement with public-sector partners, including the Ministry of Finance, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and Health Canada.
- Partner with Corporate Affairs to respond to government information requests and ensure accurate, timely submissions.
- Support the Manager in maintaining and strengthening relationships with municipal, provincial, and federal government partners.
- Assist business units in engaging with external stakeholders to advance OCS initiatives, policies, and priorities.
- Support department leadership in managing acute issues and stakeholder challenges.
Requirements
- Completion of a post-secondary degree in public policy, public administration, business administration or a related field.
- 3-5 years+ experience in an area involving policy analysis and development, stakeholder relations, ideally within a public sector organization or within a regulated sector.
- Experience interfacing with senior management, with proven ability to develop and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Significant understanding of government processes, policy, and operations.
- Advanced knowledge of policy analysis and development techniques.
- Exceptional time management skills, highly organized and keen attention to detail, with proven track record of simultaneously managing several deliverables delivered on time.
- Strong political acuity, interpersonal, diplomatic and negotiating skills, and ability to exercise discretion and judgment.
- Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
- Developed critical thinking, research, and analytical skills.
- Intermediate skill in Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, Excel and Outlook.
Skills
- Stakeholder consultation experience is preferred.
- Strong analytical and evaluative skills.
- Comfort navigating financial and business concepts is an asset.
- Project management skills to effectively lead complex initiatives is preferred.
- Working knowledge of cannabis industry and issues is preferred.
- Ability to provide guidance and technical leadership to other advisors/analysts is an asset.
Location
- Toronto, ON
Work Type
- Full-Time
- Permanent
- Rare travel within the GTA
Experience Level
- Senior
Education Level
- Post-secondary degree in public policy, public administration, business administration or a related field.
- Master’s degree or advanced degree in a similar field is preferred.
Salary/Compensations
- Target hiring range: $85,000-$95,000
- Pay grade 6 salary range: $71,777.30 - $107,379.81
About the Company
- The Ontario Cannabis Store provides safe, responsible access to recreational cannabis for adults 19 and older.
- Operates the sole legal online store for recreational cannabis in Ontario and is the provincial wholesaler of cannabis for private retail stores.
- An agile start-up in a ground-breaking new industry.
- A diverse team passionate about delivering a great customer experience, working together with mutual respect and building value out of differences.
- An inclusive organization that understands that delivering great results comes out of ensuring every voice is heard.
Equal Opportunity
- We are committed to providing an accessible, equitable and inclusive candidate and employee experience.
- We provide reasonable accommodation throughout the recruitment process and in employment.
- If you require an accommodation please let us know, we will work with you to meet your needs.
