Strategic Partnership & Engagement Specialist

Job Information

Overall Purpose

Reporting to the Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Engagement, the Specialist is responsible for providing strategic support to Community Engagement and Partnerships Programs that seek to advance systemic change priorities and, build and enhance relationships between the police service, community and community stakeholders including:

• Developing engagement strategies that align with the organization’s core values, priority initiatives, Strategic Business Plan and the OACP Mobilization & Engagement Model of Community Policing. 
• Conducting, assessing and evaluating OPS’ ability to effectively build meaningful relationships.
• Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic Engagement and Partnership initiatives.
   

Major Responsibilities

Responsible for the development engagement strategies that align with the organization’s core values, priority initiatives, Strategic Business Plan and the OACP Mobilization & Engagement Model of Community Policing. 

• Development, review and maintain Strategic Engagement and Partnership initiatives utilizing the Community Engagement and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) toolkits and diverse community development techniques.
• Provide advice on public consultation policy requirements & contribute to stakeholder management sustainability.
• Contribute to the development and initiation of partnership proposals, strategies, engagement and liaise with internal / external stakeholder ensuring alignment of core plans and models.
• Develop toolkits, protocols and templates to assist for strategic community engagement initiatives. 
• Provide research materials and advice on relevant training. 
• Design and implementation of public consultation tools, methods, and training to the organization.
• Research, identify and evaluate best practices and relevant training in the area of community engagement and partnerships. 

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Conduct assessments and evaluation OPS’ ability to effectively build meaningful relationships through the review of reports, incidents, trending issues or other influencing sources. 

• Keep track of current events, research, legislation, and best practices and procedures regarding community relations.
• Monitor, identify, analyze and assess partnership opportunities, issues, problems and that may jeopardize the achievement of directorate goals.  
• Provide evidence-based data led advice and recommendations in order to enhance strategic partnerships and engagement.
• Respond to unplanned events with respect to community stakeholder’s issues of concerns and changing priorities; may involve the coordination of OPS support and other support from external agencies.
• Review, analyze and prepare consultation results and recommendations. 
• Maintain current knowledge of industry trends and best practices respecting Policing and Community Engagement.
   

Major Responsibilities (continued)

Engage with internal and external stakeholders to support strategic Engagement and Partnership initiatives.

• Network extensively with city wide coalitions, community groups, and social agencies on issues of community
• engagement and strategic partnerships.
• Support the work of complex and multi-faceted public involvement, educational initiatives, projects, and events.
• Represents the police service on various citywide partnership committees and projects to provide subject matter
• expertise and advice.
• Engage with cross sectional stakeholders to invite collaboration of project planning and design including; training sessions, work planning facilitation (i.e. Annual Human Rights Learning Forum).
• Work with program team members / leads / business owners and identified partners to ensure the development and implementation of various project deliverables.
• Promote, and support change management strategy, curriculum development aimed at enhancing learning and critical thinking, partnership building and engagement techniques. 
   

Statement of Required Qualifications

Successful completion of a four (4) year university degree in a relevant field, preferably Human Rights, Social Justice, Social Sciences, Public Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, etc.

Experience and formal training combined may substitute for stipulated education requirements. 

Minimum five (5) years of experience in developing and initiating strategic partnerships and engagement including:

• Project management in a cross functional or committee environment that are directly related to community policing and public engagement strategies.
• Experience in identifying and conducting analysis to understand the nature of stakeholders’ interests, and the ability to work across citywide networks and coalitions. 
• Researching and completing professional reports, presentations, and briefing notes at a Senior Management level.
• Proven strong sustained relations with diverse internal / external stakeholder including Senior level Executives. 

Certifications and Licences

N / A

In service Training

The following mandatory training and education is provided to all employees of the OPS:

• Occupational Health & Safety.
• Respectful Workplace. 
• Violence in the Workplace.
• Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).
• Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement (ABLE).

All employees of the OPS are expected to complete all additional and new mandatory training as prescribed by the Office of the Chief.
 

Job Knowledge

Working knowledge of: 

• Community policing models, philosophies, and strategies. 
• OPS organizational structure. 
• Issues affecting marginalized groups and working with diverse communities in an anti-oppressive / anti-racism, culturally relevant and responsive manner.
• Human Rights and theoretical frameworks and tools for anti-discrimination work including Equity and Inclusion Lens, Gender Based Analysis Plus (GBA+), etc.
• Current trends and emerging issues in policing related to Human Rights issues.   
• The Organization’s Mission, Vision, Values, Ethical Values and Principles, and Business Plan.

Solid knowledge of:

• Social Services and Community Resources’ mandates, core functions, and organizational members.
• Advanced understanding and good working knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion principles.
• Community safety and wellbeing, systemic racism, gender-based discrimination, and the importance of intersectionality.
• Relevant legislation including: Ontario Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Act, Accessibility for Ontario with Disabilities Act, Ontario Police Services Act, etc.  

OPS Competencies

Hours of Work

Effort and Working Conditions

• Work is normally performed in a standard office environment with minimal adverse working conditions.
• The incumbent must be able to work shifts as designated in the “Hours of Work” section of the job description.
• The nature of the job may occasionally lead to situations involving strong conflicting opinions and intense emotions.
• Will be required to travel between OPS locations and to off site public venue locations for meetings and events.  

Desired Qualifications

• Oral, reading and writing fluency in French or other languages.
• Experience participating and managing committees at all levels.
• Knowledge of applicable OPS policies and collective agreements.
• Extensive community engagement experience.