POLICY DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Job ID: 66099 Job Category: Policy, Planning & Research Division & Section: Municipal Licensing & Standards, MLS Policy & Strategic Support Work Location: City Hall, 100 Queen St W, Toronto Job Type & Duration: Full Time, Temporary (12 month) vacancies Salary Range: $105,241.00 - $160,649.00, Wage Grade PTM 3 Shift Information: Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week Affiliation: Non-Union Number of Positions Open: 2 Posting Period: 17-Aug-2026 to 31-Aug-2026 The Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) Division is at the heart of keeping Toronto safe, vibrant and thriving. By developing and delivering by-law administration and enforcement services, business licensing, and animal care services, MLS plays an important role in shaping the character of Toronto's communities. As part of this work, the Division has conducted several major by-law reviews and implemented leading regulatory frameworks for major sectors including Private Transportation Companies (Uber/Lyft), Short-term Rentals (Airbnb/booking.com), RentSafeTO: Apartment Building Standards, and many more. This is your chance to step into an exciting and dynamic role as a Policy Development Officer at MLS and lead policy files that will move the Division forward on key initiatives such as noise, property standards, indoor air temperature requirements, multi-tenant housing (rooming houses), and animal care services, among other important initiatives. You'll be part of a team that drives policy innovation and provides essential support to Committees, Council, and the Division in crafting effective regulatory frameworks, operating procedures, and business practices. This Policy Development Officer will join an exceptional team of diverse and enthusiastic policy and research professionals committed to maintaining the safety and vibrancy of Toronto's communities. If you're a collaborative, innovative thinker with a passion for public policy, are curious and enthusiastic, and have a drive to advance high-impact policies and programs, this is the opportunity for you! Major Responsibilities: Leads and supports strategic policy development, policy analysis, research and program development processes by identifying, formulating and recommending new policies and policy amendments, preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans to support management functions and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of operations and service delivery. Recommends policies/procedures regarding program specific requirements and implements detailed plans. Conducts research into assigned area ensuring that such research considers developments within the field, corporate policies and practices, and relevant legislation and initiatives by other levels of government. Reviews and analyzes Standing Committee/Community Council/City Council agendas and reports, identifying items for the Manager/Director and initiate and coordinates necessary action for follow up. Provides strategic financial and political advice. Deals with confidential and sensitive information affecting MLS operations, staffing and budget related implications, assets and resources. Develops, coordinates, and implements public consultation processes to support changes to policies and by-laws. Develops divisional communication materials and content for internal and external stakeholders. Provides leadership to project teams comprised of multiple stakeholder interests such as divisional staff, consultants, staff of other divisions and/or City agencies and/or external stakeholders to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals and service contracts related to projects. Prepares various correspondences, presentations, reports, briefing notes and other materials for the divisional senior management team. Fosters, and works collaboratively to maintain close and effective, working relationships with managers and supervisors in the division and City divisions and other levels of government, technical consultants, and members of the public or other groups as appropriate to ensure awareness of existing and evolving issues and concerns. Represents City interests in inter-jurisdictional, inter-governmental, international and community meetings/settings. Participates in inter-Divisional policy/program development initiatives. Key Qualifications: Post-secondary education in a related discipline (e.g., public policy/public administration, planning, intergovernmental relations) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Considerable experience in policy and strategy development, including the ability to advance knowledge translation between research, policy and operations. Considerable experience building and cultivating relationships across an organization and with external stakeholder groups, including community groups or residents, in the development of public policy. Considerable project management experience, stewarding complex initiatives from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political, community and other stakeholder interests, and resolving conflicts. Exceptional leadership, negotiation and collaboration skills and the ability to coach and influence without direct authority. Excellent presentation and written communication skills with the ability to structure and present information to both internal and external partners through a variety of communications platforms, while ensuring corporate branding and messaging. High degree of judgment, political acumen and discretion; ability to analyze, problem solve and mediate complex situations, including ability to deal with divergent stakeholder interests. Strong networking and relationship building skills; and ability to handle matters of a confidential/sensitive nature as it relates to Council, senior staff, management and unionized employees. Ability to thrive in rapidly changing environment with frequent and competing priorities and deadlines and multiple tasks. Knowledge of municipal operations, Committee and Council proceedings, collective agreements, City guidelines, policies, municipal bylaws, and relevant legislation including Employment Standards Act, Human Rights Code and Occupational Health & Safety Act, AODA, and a general understanding of issues facing divisions and the City. Equity, Diversity and Inclusion The City is an equal opportunity employer, dedicated to creating a workplace culture of inclusiveness that reflects the diverse residents that we serve. Learn more about the City’s commitment to employment equity. Accommodation The City of Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs. Disability-related accommodation during the application process is available upon request. Learn more about the City’s Hiring Policies and Accommodation Process.

The Policy Development Officer leads and supports strategic policy development, research, and program implementation for the Municipal Licensing and Standards division. They coordinate public consultations, provide strategic advice to Council, and manage complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.

Candidates must have post-secondary education in a related field such as public policy or planning, along with considerable experience in policy development and project management. Strong leadership, communication, and political acumen are required to navigate complex municipal environments and stakeholder interests.

• Problem solvingPreferred
• LeadershipPreferred
• CommunicationPreferred
• Project managementPreferred

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Policy development
• Policy analysis
• Research
• Project management
• Strategic planning
• Stakeholder engagement
• Negotiation
• Leadership
• Communication
• Political acumen
• Problem solving
• Mediation
• Report writing
• Public consultation
• Financial advice
• Regulatory frameworks
• Employment Equity
• Animal Care
• Public Consultation
• Influencing Without Authority
• Policy Development
• Curiosity
• Regulatory Frameworks
• Strategy Development
• Corporate Branding
• Planning
• Program Development
• Budgeting
• Building Codes
• Management
• Occupational Safety And Health
• Public Administration
• Innovation
• Legislation
• Project Management
• Operations
• Policy Analysis
• Presentations
• Public Policies
• Relationship Building
• Request For Proposal
• Staff Management
• Collaboration
• Balancing (Ledger/Billing)
• Enthusiasm
• Multi-Tenant Cloud Environments

• Government & Public Sector
• Management & Leadership
• Science & Research
• Administrative
• Consulting
• Policy Officer
• Fundraising / Development Specialist
• Public Relations Professionals
• Fundraisers

Minimum education

Bachelor’s degree

Minimum experience

5+ years

Apply by

Sep 1, 2026

Posting language

English

Working hours

35 hours per week