Overview:
Reporting to the AVP, Faculty, Planning and Policy, the Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support works with University administration, including decision-makers, faculties, and support units, to provide guidance on the interpretation of policies, procedures, and guidelines. The Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support acts as a resource to University administration, advising on best practices, risk mitigation, and providing direction and support on cases, including complex cases. The Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support conceptualizes, researches, develops, and recommends policy options, including assisting with the development of new policies, procedures, and guidelines to address emerging areas of concern. The Director, Policy Planning and Decision Support uses their awareness of University and societal concerns, their expertise in policy interpretation, and their ability to develop relationships within the University to ensure that University decision-makers are supported and that University practices under policies, procedures and guidelines are sound.
Responsibilities:
Advising Decision-Makers
-
With a sound knowledge of University policies and procedures, as well as administrative law and the principles of natural justice, provide advice and/or step-by-step guidance to University decision-makers as requested, including the President, Provost, Deans, Associate Deans, Department Chairs and Directors and other delegated University decision-makers on policy based quasi-judicial decisions
-
Consider arising issues on cases, including complex cases, jurisdictional issues, simultaneous processes, external influences, confidentiality, and the sharing of information (as examples), and advise on procedural options with a mind to developing coordinated and consistent approaches for future cases
-
Aid decision-makers in considering the impacts of decisions across campus departments, assessing risks, organizing responses, keeping stakeholders informed of outcomes and liaising with University units to provide coordinated supports
-
Demonstrate an ability to interpret and advise on the following:
-
Policy 18 – Staff Employment
-
Policy 33 – Ethical Behaviour
-
Policy 34 – Health, Safety and Environment (particularly allegations of workplace harassment)
-
Policy 36 – Dispute Resolution for Support Staff
-
Policy 42 – Prevention of and Response to Sexual Violence and Protocol and Procedures
-
Policy 70 – Student Petitions and Grievances
-
Policy 71 – Student Discipline
-
Policy 72 – Student Appeals
-
Memorandum of Agreement FAUW/UW
-
Memorandum of Agreement UWSA/UW
-
Assist with the drafting of correspondence and official documents related to complex cases.
-
Ensure that decision-makers have access to and utilize specialized resources on campus related to campus community concerns (i.e., sexual violence, racism, trauma-informed processes). Facilitate and encourage communication amongst departments.
-
Receive feedback from University administrators on gaps in policy, and concerns related to existing policies, procedures, guidelines, and practices, making informed recommendations on paths towards improvement.
-
Respond to requests from senior administration to inquire into cases and provide status updates where appropriate.
-
Report on specific concerns indicative of high risk through the chain of authority.
-
Work closely with Legal & Immigration Services on issues and matters through the decision-making process
-
Recommend and assist with the development of training for decision-makers on due diligence and best practices.
-
Manage student discipline decisions under Policy 71, Appendix C on behalf of the Vice-President, Academic and Provost (or delegate)
Policy Planning and Renewal
On behalf of administration:
-
Review draft policies and policy revisions prepared by Policy Drafting Committees (PDCs), drawing attention to inconsistencies, areas of risk, areas that require further discussion, areas that will require operationalization, and connection to other existing policies
-
Combine environmental knowledge with contextual awareness of policy dynamics to support policy development
-
Develop and evaluate policy requirements, determining their potential impact and providing recommendations to senior management
-
Provide support for administration related to policy development processes by identifying, formulating, and recommending approaches to policy drafting and policy amendments, preparing and supporting the delivery of detailed implementation plans (considering University history, strategies, and the management of risk) as requested
-
Investigate areas of concern as raised by senior administration and report on findings
-
Produce timely, high quality, plain-language memoranda, reports, guidance, and tools to assist with policy-based initiatives
-
Update senior administration on the work of PDCs and other policy work as requested and where confidentiality requirements do not prevent the same.
-
Advise administration on appropriate administrative appointments to PDCs and joint appointment committees
-
Attend meetings as required to support senior administration on policy work, receiving input from University community members and preparing senior administration to respond
-
Provide advice to faculties and academic support units on their own policies, procedures, and practices to ensure that they are consistent with best practices across the University
-
Assist with the drafting of correspondence and official documents related to faculty and support unit policies, procedures, and practices
-
Undertake professional development to remain current on issues pertaining to responsibilities
-
Keep abreast of new legislation, regulations with Legal & Immigration Services
Miscellaneous
-
May be called upon to provide support to special projects as assigned by the AVP, FPP
Qualifications:
- Undergraduate Degree required
-
Graduate Degree or other professional designation preferred
-
At least 8 years' experience demonstrating knowledge of policy development, implementation and interpretation, analytical abilities to research complex issues, and the ability to evaluate and recommend policy options
-
Experience in an academic setting is preferred
-
Thorough knowledge of University policies and procedures
-
Thorough understanding of the principles of natural justice and administrative law requirements
-
Demonstrated experience with policy development
-
Demonstrated ability to manage highly confidential and sensitive personal information with the utmost discretion
-
Proven ability to manage large volumes of work, conflicting priorities and competing deadlines
-
Must be an exceptional communicator, both orally and in writing
-
Must have a clear focus on relationship management and must be particularly sensitive to relationship management when dealing with senior administration and complex casework
-
Proven ability to take initiative and be both creative and flexible
-
Strong organizational and time management skills, and sound judgment
-
Demonstrated research, analytical and problem-solving skills
-
Ability to consider the needs of diverse communities, building consensus on contentious/complex issues
-
Ability to effectively lead and collaborate across departments, establishing priorities
-
Experience in the use and application of conflict resolution mechanisms and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms
-
Demonstrated awareness and understanding of equity, diversity, inclusiveness, intersectionality, racism, colonialism, ablism, marginalization and imbalance of power
-
Demonstrated ability to exercise mature judgment, diplomacy and discretion
-
Advanced Microsoft Office skills
Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within our Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at
[email protected] or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.
