The Department of Workforce and Advanced Learning is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility. Our goal is to build a public sector workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve and to promote welcoming, diverse, inclusive, respectful workplaces that are accessible to all. We welcome all interested individuals including Indigenous People, persons with disabilities, Black, racialized, ethnic and culturally diverse groups, as well as people regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identities, and gender expressions. Those looking for more information are invited to visit our Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy.
The Executive Director, Workforce Development is responsible for directing and leading the overall operation of SkillsPEI, WorkPEI, Apprenticeship PEI and the Employment Development Agency, including the delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement of programs, services, tools and initiatives that support workforce development, employment and labour market participation in Prince Edward Island. The position provides strategic leadership and senior policy advice on labour market issues, challenges and opportunities affecting the Province's workforce and economic development objectives; oversees the administration of federal and provincial labour market agreements and investments, including the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA), Workforce Development Agreement (WDA) and other workforce development initiatives; and ensures accountability for legislative responsibilities under the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualification Act and the Employment Development Agency Act. The position provides senior-level advice and recommendations to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Executive Council on workforce development, employment and labour market policy. As required, the Executive Director represents the Department and Deputy Minister on provincial, regional and national boards, committees and strategic initiatives related to workforce development and economic growth.
Duties will include but are not limited to:
- Directs and leads the Workforce Development division’s operational and program financial resources, and program planning;
- Leads staff resources in development of Annual Plans for LMDA and WDA including consultations with all major sectors in the Province;
- Leads Federal/Provincial processes that result in approval of plans by the Minister, Deputy Minister, Provincial Treasury Board, Executive Council and the Government of Canada;
- Leads evaluation and accountability process on program implementation and measurement through third party service providers. This includes the electronic collection of data, analysis and upload to the Federal government IT System, One Client Service Module (OCSM);
- Work collaboratively and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to identify needs, emerging trends and opportunities for partnerships with government. This includes engagement with populations that experience employment barriers and challenges as well as those under-represented in the work force;
- Identify opportunities to leverage funding from other government departments or levels of government to support strategic labour market objectives;
- Ensure evaluations of programs are conducted on a regular basis and that partners and service providers are accountable for effective and appropriate use of funds;
- Prepares a variety of documents for consideration by Deputy Minister, including briefing notes, budgets, executive council memos, treasury board memos and other project-based analysis on existing and new labour market programs;
- Provides advice to the Minister, Deputy Minister and Senior Management on a variety of issues related to labour market development;
- Serves as Executive Director of the Employment Development Agency, as appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council;
- Leads negotiations for funding top ups or special funding issued by the Government of Canada such as support for seasonal workers, funding associated with trade disputes, funding under the Federal Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, and projects to support apprenticeship;
- Deliver the services of the National Job Bank in the province as a requirement of the LMDA;
- Other duties as required.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor level degree in Business or Public Administration, Human Services, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated equivalencies will be considered.
- Extensive experience in directly related labour market and economic development initiatives.
- Skills and knowledge in the position would include:
- Experience in delivering programs to private sector businesses, job seekers and community organizations.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and service providers.
- Demonstrated ability to think and plan strategically.
- Excellent understanding of the local labour market and emerging trends, particularly in relation to economic development.
- Good understanding of provincial administration and government operational systems.
- Good understanding of Federal/Provincial relations and co-operative funding systems.
- Exceptional organizational, analytical, and time-management skills, with a proven ability to problem solve, think critically and make decisions.
- Exceptional leadership, interpersonal relations, conflict resolution, team building and collaborative skills.
- Proficiency in computer use with experience in word processing, presentations, basic accounting practices, spreadsheets and email.
- Proficiency in oral and written communication.
Other Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Business or Public Administration would be considered an asset;
- Bilingualism (French & English) would be considered an asset.
This competition may be used to fill future job vacancies.
Please Note: Please ensure the application clearly demonstrates how you meet the noted qualifications as applicants will be screened based on the information provided. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
Where possible, submitting an electronic resume or job application is preferred. Otherwise, please return forms to PEI Public Service Commission, P.O. Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, C1A 7N8. Applications may be sent by fax to (902) 368-4383. IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE APPLICANT TO CONFIRM RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION, BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON PRIOR TO THE CLOSING DATE. Please ensure that the appropriate Posting ID number is stated on all application forms. You can apply online or obtain an application form by visiting our web site at www.jobspei.ca. Forms may also be obtained by contacting any PEI Government office, ACCESS PEI Centre, Regional Services Centre, or by telephone (902) 368-4080.
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