Policy & Planning Advisor
Office of Councillor Brad Bradford
Ward 19 | Beaches-East York
Brad Bradford is the second-term City Councillor for Ward 19, Beaches-East York. Brad brings an energetic, results-focused approach to delivering for Torontonians. With experience as an urban planner, he has a passion for tackling our housing crisis, strengthening local neighbourhoods, and building a safer, more affordable city that’s easier to get around.
This is an exciting opportunity to use your policy chops, political instincts, and sharp writing skills to make a difference and advance positive solutions to make Toronto better. You will be the primary support for the Councillor in his Council, committee and board work – including his current roles on the Planning & Housing Committee, Toronto Arts Council, and Toronto & East York Community Council. You will also manage all planning and development files in the ward, ranging from Committee of Adjustment applications to major housing developments.
This is a fast-paced, highly rewarding role in a collaborative, energetic and supportive team.
What can you expect to do?
- Supporting the Councillor in all his Committee, Board and Council work. This includes:
- Monitoring agendas and meetings for all Council committees.
- Preparing written and oral briefings ahead of Committee and Council meetings.
- Drafting questions and speaking notes.
- Liaising with city staff and stakeholders to understand and analyse policy proposals.
- Drafting and submitting amendments and motions on Committee and Council business.
- Monitoring media and social media to identify key policy issues and current topics on a short-term basis (daily, weekly) in-line with emerging City Council and committee issues, and on a long-term basis (quarterly, semi-annually) based on broader objectives of the Councillor.
- Serving as the office lead for planning and development files, you will help resolve constituent inquiries, give the Councillor strategic advice on key local issues related to these files, and coordinate events and projects to help community groups achieve their priorities.
- Responding to resident inquiries quickly and with attention to detail, though phone calls, emails, and in-person interaction.
- Advocating for residents with city staff and external stakeholders, as required, in order to resolve case files.
- Drafting policy and Council content submissions for bi-weekly email newsletters.
- Drafting remarks and speaking-notes for media inquiries and community events as needed.
- Staffing and supporting the Councillor at various community events
What would make you successful in this role?
- 2+ years’ experience in policy analysis and communications, ideally in a political or government setting.
- Having a keen policy and political instinct to identify emerging issues and opportunities to develop and advance policy solutions
- An aptitude and interest in housing policy and the development review and approval process. Experience in planning and development is considered an asset
- Sharing an interest in the issues that matter most to the residents of Ward 19: Beaches-East York and the big policy debates at City Hall.
- Being a strong writer with an ability to adapt your style to the Councillor’s voice and key messages, and to tailor content style for different media and audiences.
- Being a self-starter, with the ability to thrive in a self-driven, fast-paced environment with multiple stakeholders, changing priorities and limited daily direction.
- Bringing a strong customer service orientation, with a desire to keep stakeholders and community members engaged and informed.
What are the challenges?
- The work requires occasional evening and weekend availability related to Council and Committee business, as well as community events.
- The work environment is fast-paced and high-pressure, with the frequently reactive or shifting priorities typical of politics.
- We are horizontal and have high expectations for attention to the small things as well as the big – in a public facing role, each interaction matters.
- No job is too big or small and our whole team gets its hands dirty, whether that’s helping with event set-up or simply jumping in to answer the phones.
What’s in it for you?
- An opportunity to work on urgent city priorities like housing supply and affordability, congestion, and public safety.
- Learning the ins and outs of municipal government and City Hall politics.
- Exposure to a wide range of issues affecting the City of Toronto, Canada’s largest city and seventh largest government, and connection to a diverse network of senior leaders and decision makers.
- A supportive team culture that encourages training and learning opportunities, with a growth-oriented feedback culture.
The position is full-time, starts immediately and is based primarily at Toronto City Hall.
Employees are eligible for health benefits and are required to participate in the OMERS pension plan. Attendance at evening, weekend and holiday events is often expected.
Salary range: $60,000 – $75,000, commensurate with experience
To apply, please email your resume and cover note to Craig Ruttan, Chief of Staff, at craig.ruttan@toronto.ca with the Subject Line “Application for Policy and Planning Advisor”.
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, beginning immediately, and will close on August 20, 2025. While we thank all interested applicants, only candidates being considered for an interview will be contacted.
About Brad Bradford - - -
