Policy & Strategic Advisor
Halifax Regional Municipality
Halifax Regional Municipality is inviting applications for the temporary full-time (up to 3 years with the possibility of extension) position of Policy & Strategic Advisor in the Mayor’s Office.
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.
The Policy & Strategic Advisor provides high-level policy research, briefing materials, and strategic advice to support the Mayor’s priorities: mobility, affordability, and housing. This role is responsible for horizon-scanning, stakeholder coordination, and providing clarity on complex issues. The Advisor works closely with the Chief of Staff and senior staff across HRM to ensure evidence-informed decision-making, thoughtful positioning, and effective intergovernmental engagement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Conduct in-depth policy research, jurisdictional scans, and data analysis to inform the Mayor’s positions and initiatives.Draft briefing notes, memos, presentations, Council-related materials, and strategy documents for internal and external use.Monitor Council agendas, provincial/federal legislation, and policy developments to identify risks and opportunities relevant to the Mayor’s priorities.Liaise with HRM departments and external stakeholders to ensure effective flow of information and to align efforts across the organization.Support the development and tracking of strategic priorities and deliverables for the Mayor’s Office.Contribute to the development of reports, correspondence, and policy responses, including those with time-sensitive or political implications.Assist with planning and coordinating community engagement initiatives, consultations, and stakeholder roundtables.Represent the Mayor’s Office in cross-departmental working groups and on intergovernmental policy matters as needed.Maintain working knowledge of key municipal files such as housing, transportation, equity, planning, and infrastructure.QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field.Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in policy development, strategy, or advisory roles, preferably in a government, municipal, or public sector setting.Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:Demonstrated experience in writing high-quality briefing notes, memos, and policy papers for senior decision-makers.Understanding of municipal governance structures, Council processes, and intergovernmental relations.Knowledge of key policy areas relevant to urban governance and community development.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.
Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge.
COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Organizational Awareness, Risk Management, Communications, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: Temporary full-time (up to 3 years)
HOURS OF WORK: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.
SALARY: $84,000 - $105,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with education and years of applicable experience. The successful candidate will have the option to participate in HRM's benefit and pension plans.
WORK LOCATION: City Hall (1841 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on July 31, 2025.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should please reach out to info@hawthornerecruitment.com to discuss their needs at any stage of the recruitment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) is committed to reflecting the community it serves and recognizing Diversity and Inclusion as one of the Municipality’s core values. We have an Employment Equity Policy, and we welcome applications from African Nova Scotians and Other Racially Visible Persons, Women in occupations or positions where they are underrepresented in the workforce, Indigenous/Aboriginal People, Persons with Disabilities and 2SLGBTQ+ Persons. Applicants are encouraged to self-identify on their electronic application.
The Policy & Strategic Advisor provides high-level policy research, briefing materials, and strategic advice to support the Mayor’s priorities: mobility, affordability, and housing. This role is responsible for horizon-scanning, stakeholder coordination, and providing clarity on complex issues. The Advisor works closely with the Chief of Staff and senior staff across HRM to ensure evidence-informed decision-making, thoughtful positioning, and effective intergovernmental engagement.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Conduct in-depth policy research, jurisdictional scans, and data analysis to inform the Mayor’s positions and initiatives.Draft briefing notes, memos, presentations, Council-related materials, and strategy documents for internal and external use.Monitor Council agendas, provincial/federal legislation, and policy developments to identify risks and opportunities relevant to the Mayor’s priorities.Liaise with HRM departments and external stakeholders to ensure effective flow of information and to align efforts across the organization.Support the development and tracking of strategic priorities and deliverables for the Mayor’s Office.Contribute to the development of reports, correspondence, and policy responses, including those with time-sensitive or political implications.Assist with planning and coordinating community engagement initiatives, consultations, and stakeholder roundtables.Represent the Mayor’s Office in cross-departmental working groups and on intergovernmental policy matters as needed.Maintain working knowledge of key municipal files such as housing, transportation, equity, planning, and infrastructure.QUALIFICATIONS:
Education and Experience:Degree in Public Administration, Political Science, Urban Planning, Public Policy, or a related field.Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in policy development, strategy, or advisory roles, preferably in a government, municipal, or public sector setting.Technical / Job Specific Knowledge and Abilities:Demonstrated experience in writing high-quality briefing notes, memos, and policy papers for senior decision-makers.Understanding of municipal governance structures, Council processes, and intergovernmental relations.Knowledge of key policy areas relevant to urban governance and community development.An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must clearly demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.
Security Clearance Requirements: Applicants may be required to complete an employment security screening check.
Please note – Testing may be conducted as a component of the selection process to assess technical and job specific knowledge.
COMPETENCIES: Analytical Thinking, Organizational Awareness, Risk Management, Communications, Valuing Diversity
WORK STATUS: Temporary full-time (up to 3 years)
HOURS OF WORK: Monday – Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm, 35 hours per week. Flex options to work outside of these hours and hybrid may be available.
SALARY: $84,000 - $105,000 annually. Salary will be commensurate with education and years of applicable experience. The successful candidate will have the option to participate in HRM's benefit and pension plans.
WORK LOCATION: City Hall (1841 Argyle Street, Halifax, NS)
CLOSING DATE: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 pm on July 31, 2025.
Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. Only those applicants selected for an interview / testing will be contacted.
To ensure a fair and equitable hiring process, candidates are expected to complete all parts of the recruitment process, including assessments, assignments, and interviews independently and without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools or other forms of external assistance. The use of AI to complete any component of the hiring process is not permitted and may result in disqualification from consideration.
During the recruitment process, applicants have the right to request an accommodation. Applicants invited to participate in an assessment process (such as interview or testing) and who require an accommodation, should please reach out to info@hawthornerecruitment.com to discuss their needs at any stage of the recruitment process. For more information on our accommodation process please click on the link; Accommodations | Hiring | Employment | Halifax
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