The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) is the national voice of municipal governments, representing the interests of cities and communities with the federal government.

With over 2,000 members including Canada's largest cities, small urban and rural communities, and 20 provincial and territorial municipal associations, FCM represents over 90% of Canada’s population. As the national voice of Canadian municipalities, FCM is an organization that strives to make the communities Canadians live in more prosperous, sustainable, and equitable.

FCM aspires to be an organization that is deeply respectful, collaborative, empowering and transparent in our work. As the national voice for Canada’s local governments, FCM is committed to strengthening Canada by achieving results for Canadian communities and cities, and by sharing knowledge and experience on the world’s stage, so that others may improve the quality of life in their communities. All leaders in the organization are expected to lead in a manner that embraces these values, the corporate culture and the passion for FCM’s mission.

The Manager, Strategy Implementation and Alignment plays a pivotal role in ensuring that the organization’s strategic objectives are well-managed and embedded into everyday operations, enhancing overall organizational effectiveness. This role manages the corporate planning process, aligning work plans and strategies across departments with the broader organizational goals outlined in the strategic plan. The position also oversees key organizational cohesion activities, such as managing collaboration weeks, all-staff meetings, and ensuring organizational communication and engagement efforts are aligned with the strategic plan.

Reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the incumbent will work closely with senior leadership and key stakeholders across the organization to drive strategy execution and organizational change.

The incumbent deeply believes in and champions FCM’s commitment to Reconciliation and to the work of anti racism, equity and inclusion.

The incumbent is expected to be a forward-thinking, self-starting leader with a knack for using technology in innovative ways to implement strategy, making the strategic plan come alive in daily operations. They will also administer the COO office budget and provide direct support on high-level strategic projects and initiatives across the organization.

The role is ideal for someone who thrives on engaging with all parts of an organization and driving meaningful change.

Strategic Management and Organizational Alignment:

• Oversee execution of the organizational strategy, ensuring alignment across all business units and functional teams.
• Advise and lead in creation of systems, policies, and processes to embed strategy into daily operations, ensuring the organization remains agile and responsive to its strategic goals.
• Develop and manage a corporate dashboard to track key performance indicators and provide updates on the organization’s progress toward its strategic objectives.
• Facilitate the alignment of unit work plans with the overarching organizational strategy to ensure a cohesive approach across all teams.
• In strategic plan development years, the incumbent will project manage the strategic planning process in the organization.  And in ensuing years they will ensure the process is continuous and evergreen, making it an ongoing effort rather than a periodic exercise.

Operational Effectiveness and Process Development:

• Lead the development and continuous improvement of organizational initiatives, policies and procedures to support operational effectiveness and strategic execution.
• Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to manage special projects that improve organizational alignment and effectiveness.
• Ensure that all work planning, strategic initiatives and organizational change efforts are in line with the strategic plan for the organization.

Organizational Cohesion and Engagement:

• Manage key organizational initiatives such as the annual in-person and virtual collaboration weeks, ensuring these events foster alignment, engagement, and cohesion across the organization.
• Lead the planning and execution of multi faceted, all-staff meetings and other key information sharing events to keep employees informed about strategic priorities and progress.
• Oversee change management efforts to ensure the smooth implementation of organization-wide initiatives.

Relationship Building and Influence:

• Build high-trust relationships with senior leaders and key stakeholders across the organization to ensure alignment and successful execution of strategic objectives.
• Influence all parts of the organization, facilitating conversations and gaining buy-in to ensure that strategic priorities are well understood and implemented across the organization.
• Act as a key advisor to the Chief Operations Officer, providing insights and recommendations on strategic and operational matters.

Project Management and Administrative Oversight:

• Provide project management leadership for strategic initiatives and special projects assigned by the COO, ensuring timely and effective delivery.
• Administer the COO office budget, ensuring financial accountability and alignment with organizational priorities.
• Prepare reports and presentations on strategic initiatives for senior leadership and key governance forums.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, project management, organizational development, or a related field or graduate certification or equivalent experience.
• Significant experience managing large-scale organizational projects with a focus on strategy, operational effectiveness, and change management.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence decision-making at all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management skills, including setting measurable objectives, work planning, budgeting, and progress tracking.
• Experience with developing and implementing policies, processes, and systems to support strategic objectives.
• Advanced knowledge of using technology to drive innovation and efficiency in organizational processes.
• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and drive consensus.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and French is preferred.

Written and oral communication skills in both official languages (English and French) is required