Policy Development Officer - City of Toronto, Toronto

About this opportunity

The City of Toronto is actively seeking a dedicated Policy Development Officer to join its Social Development, Finance & Administration Division. This division is at the forefront of driving transformative change, aiming to achieve stronger, safer, and more resilient communities and neighbourhoods across Toronto. As a key contributor to City of Toronto jobs, this role leads strategies focused on equity, inclusion, poverty reduction, newcomer support, and community safety, making it a vital part of City of Toronto careers.

Reporting to the Manager, Social Policy, the Policy Development Officer will apply strong analytical and conceptual thinking to lead complex inter-divisional and multi-stakeholder projects. This position is crucial for advancing new policy and program initiatives that support various outcomes frameworks and strategic plans, ultimately contributing to making Toronto a more equitable and inclusive place to live and work. Those interested in administration jobs Toronto are encouraged to learn more.

To provide deeper insight into this unique opportunity and the City of Toronto’s Social Development Division, a virtual TEAMS information session is scheduled for Thursday, August 6th, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM Eastern Time. This session offers applicants a chance to understand the role, the division's work, and the application process, including a question-and-answer period. Registration is required and limited, so early sign-up is recommended for this valuable community engagement session.

Who we're looking for

The ideal candidate for this Policy Development Officer role will bring a robust blend of academic background and practical experience in social policy and community development. We are seeking professionals with a proven track record in driving impactful social change initiatives within a complex urban environment like Toronto.

• Post-secondary education in Social Sciences, Public Policy & Administration, Political Science or the suitable equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation, with strong knowledge of its design, appropriate application, and implementation, with considerable experience collecting, managing, and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Extensive experience in project management, including managing complex assignments from inception through to implementation with minimal direction while balancing political, staff, community and other stakeholder interests, and resolving conflicts.
• Considerable experience in human-centered design and/or working with multiple and diverse stakeholders, including community groups and residents, to align interests and successfully collaborate to achieve shared goals.
• Experience in policy and program planning, development and implementation, including report writing.
• Experience working daily with a broad range of community and stakeholder groups maintaining supporting relationships and productive partnerships.
• A strong understanding of colonization, transphobia, anti-Black racism, and other forms of oppression and injustice.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team environment.
• Excellent written, verbal and listening communication skills.
• Knowledge of legislation, programs and stakeholders relevant to the advancement of priorities related to equity, reconciliation and inclusion.
• Lived experience as a First Nations, Inuit or Metis person, or as a member of a Black or other equity-deserving community would be an asset.

What you'll do

As a Policy Development Officer, you will be instrumental in shaping the City of Toronto's social policy landscape. Your work will involve leading and coordinating critical initiatives that advance equity and inclusion, ensuring that policy positions are rooted in the lived experience and expertise of those most impacted.

• Leads and/or co-ordinates monitoring and evaluation initiatives, strategic policy development and implementation, policy analysis, research and program development processes to advance equity and inclusion, in partnership with diverse stakeholders.
• Co-ordinates social policy planning and development and manages the research, writing and production and evaluation of strategic social policy programs.
• Develops and facilitates meaningful engagement processes by applying appropriate conceptual and analytical frameworks in policy analysis and policy and program development processes to ensure policy positions are rooted in the needs, experience and expertise of those most impacted, and that there is involvement of and accountability to those most impacted by the policy.
• Provides strategic expertise, advice and support to staff, management, senior management, City divisions and agencies, and community partners to support the achievement of shared goals.
• Evaluates programs, policies and initiatives of other orders of government and their impact on City priorities, and develops appropriate policy/program responses.
• Represents the City, Deputy City Manager, Division at workshops and committees which have an impact on social development in Toronto.
• Fosters and maintains cooperative and transparent relationships with elected officials, City staff, stakeholders and other orders of government.
• Contributes to a highly collaborative and collegial work environment that fosters effective team work, high quality work and innovation.
• Supervises and/or advises staff, consultants and project teams to research, prepare, and monitor implementation of recommendations and manages budgets, requests for proposals, and service contracts related to projects.

Compensation and perks

This full-time, permanent Policy Development Officer position offers a competitive salary range of $105,241.00 to $160,649.00, reflecting the significant impact and expertise required for this role within the City of Toronto. The work schedule is Monday to Friday, 35 hours per week.

The City of Toronto is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace culture that reflects the diverse residents it serves, operating as an equal opportunity employer. We are dedicated to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices, offering Code-protected accommodation throughout the recruitment process to meet individual needs.