Policy Advisor

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is seeking a motivated, analytically inclined individual to join the Strategic Policy and Market Insights Branch as a Policy Advisor. The Policy Advisor will play a crucial role in the development, analysis, and implementation of policies, standards, and other regulatory mechanisms to support the effective regulation of Ontario's alcohol, gaming, horseracing and cannabis retail sectors.

We are looking for a highly collaborative and results-oriented professional who thrives in a team environment. This individual will work closely with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to advance shared objectives and realize the organization’s strategic vision. A demonstrated ability to build strong relationships, navigate challenges effectively, and deliver results through collaboration is essential for success in this role.

What You Will Do:

• Support the design and preparation of effective policy using relevant research materials to support policy and program development and implementation.
• Provide analytical support to policy development initiatives related to the AGCO’s regulatory mandate.
• Analyze available data to inform evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Monitor and interpret developments and emerging issues across relevant industries within Ontario, Canada, and globally, to support regulatory policy analysis and development.
• Assist and support policy and program consultations with government, industry, and AGCO stakeholders, aligned with AGCO’s strategic engagement priorities.
• Leverage knowledge and experience in policy and strategy development to undertake high-profile and sensitive policy analysis and engage in research and program evaluation activities.
• Interpret and analyze proposals, jurisprudence, and issues related to agency legislation and programs.
• Develop professional working relationships within the AGCO and with external stakeholders to inform policy and strategic planning work.
• Participate in the development of submissions, policies, projects, and supporting materials.
• Apply strong interpersonal skills to collaborate with subject matter experts, including those with technical expertise, to coordinate and deliver key policy projects.
• Coordinate and lead analysis, options development, and business process design projects.

You Have: 

• A degree or background in one of the following fields: Public Policy, Political Science, Law, Economics, Business Administration, and/or relevant senior experience that develops critical and strategic thinking.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Knowledge of and experience with policy development in a government or broader public sector context.
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of information into clear, understandable terms, tailored to a given target audience. 
• Solid experience in quantitative and qualitative research and evaluation, including research design, data capture, data analysis, and data interpretation.
• Political acuity to analyze and communicate complex information and present options that demonstrate awareness of various stakeholder perspectives.
• Ability to assess policy and program problems and develop feasible and innovative solutions.
• Ability to analyze and interpret relevant legislation, such as the Gaming Control Act,1992, Liquor Licence and Control Act, 2019, Cannabis Licence Act, 2018 and other related statutes and regulations.
• Comprehension of government and crown agency reporting relationships and accountabilities.
• Comprehensive understanding of the provincial, federal, and international public policy environment.
• Knowledge of sources of policy, research, and analytic expertise.
• Eligibility to work in Canada and the ability to successfully complete a criminal background check.

About the AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.

What we offer

The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.
  

Please note that only applications submitted through the Applicant Tracking System will be accepted. 

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation during the application process, or who need job postings in an alternative format, may email their request to [email protected]. The subject line should read “Accommodation in Application – [Position Title].

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess, or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.