Director, Strategic Planning & Governance
Regina, SK | 14-month contract, Full time
Our Company
Innovation Saskatchewan is the central innovation agency for the Government of Saskatchewan. The agency fuels economic growth by empowering innovators and supporting Saskatchewan’s vibrant tech sector and research community. Innovation Saskatchewan’s robust portfolio of grant programs, tax incentives, research funding and research and technology (R+T) parks helps accelerate technologies and advance research. The agency works closely with industry, academia and other stakeholders to provide strong foundations that allow the province’s ecosystem to thrive and make Saskatchewan a world leader in innovation.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Vice President, Corporate Strategy & Services, the Director, Strategic Planning & Governance oversees delivery of strategic support services, including public policy and research, board support and strategy development. This position plays a lead role in developing foundational documents such as the strategic plan, annual report and budget submission. It is also Corporate Secretary to the Innovation Saskatchewan Board and is part of the agency’s Senior Leadership Team.
The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of strategic and government priorities in Saskatchewan and can apply this knowledge to advance the competitiveness of the provincial research and technology sector including at the R+T parks. They must demonstrate constructive leadership during times of change to support the department and executive team and uphold a reputation for integrity while focusing on service excellence and innovation in their work.
Primary Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to the following:
- Supporting and advising executive leadership on the development, execution, monitoring and evaluation of Innovation Saskatchewan strategy.
- Ensuring suitable metrics are in place to measure performance and coordinating regular assessment and reporting of performance and progress to achieve goals and priorities.
- Collaborating with internal and external stakeholders on strategy development and implementation to ensure alignment, mitigate risks and leverage impacts.
- Participating in the identification, evaluation, and mitigation of risks related to the agency and department.
- Undertaking the lead role in preparing and coordinating information for the annual budget submission, annual report, quarterly reports, Cabinet items and Innovation Saskatchewan Board meetings.
- Leading the implementation of strategic initiatives and government priorities not specific to the tech sector (e.g., development of Innovation Saskatchewan’s accessibility plan).
- Coordinating implementation of agency-specific continuous improvement initiatives.
- Providing team leadership to ensure the department meets its strategic and operational goals.
What We Want from You
- Post-secondary degree with a focus on Business Administration or Commerce and/or Master of Public Policy, Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy preferred.
- 7-10 years of experience in public policy preferred.
- An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
- Strong understanding of strategic and government priorities in Saskatchewan.
- Experience with government decision-making tools and legislative, regulatory and policy development tools and processes.
- Strong leadership capabilities with the ability to empower employees and foster collaborative environment.
- Excellent collaboration skills to lead and contribute to working groups, discuss issues and gain support from stakeholders.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills and experience in conveying information and ideas in a variety of formats to a range of audiences.
- Ability to connect with and develop effective working relationships at all levels, internal and external to the organization.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively manage and get work done in an environment of constant change.
- Possesses strong judgement, initiative, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
What We Offer
We offer more than a position. We provide a pathway to growth and well-being.
- Comprehensive suite of benefits, including extended health, dental and vision care as well as comprehensive life and protection insurance.
- Public Employees Pension Plan with generous employer contribution.
- Work-life balance with paid Scheduled Days Off each year, alongside a starting vacation entitlement of three weeks (with acknowledgment of prior service within the Saskatchewan Government or universities).
- Added office amenities and perks like free parking and gym access at the Innovation Place research and technology parks.
How to Apply
Please send your resume and cover letter to careers@innovationsask.ca by March 14, 2025.
