Special Advisor to the Auditor General, Strategic Initiatives

About the Office

The Office of the Auditor General (OAG) is an independent Office of Council that strengthens public trust through objective oversight, transparency, and accountability. Reporting directly to Council, the Auditor General provides assurance on the stewardship of public resources, identifies opportunities for improvement, and supports strong governance across municipal programs and services.

At Peel Region, our work is guided by integrity, inclusion, collaboration, and care. We value diverse perspectives, thoughtful counsel, and purpose‑driven leadership that makes a meaningful impact for our communities.

Position Summary

The Special Advisor to the Auditor General, Strategic Initiatives is a senior strategic partner and trusted counselor to the Auditor General and leadership team. This role provides high‑impact strategic advice, leads complex initiatives, and supports stakeholder relations.

In addition to driving strategic planning and special projects, the Special Advisor provides critical research support to audit teams and contributes to executive communications and reporting, including briefings and materials for Council. The role plays a key part in ensuring the Office’s work remains forward‑looking, independent, and aligned with emerging risks and strategic priorities.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Alignment

• Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of the Office of the Auditor General’s Multi‑Year Strategic Plan.
• Lead high‑priority, time‑sensitive initiatives, such as the implementation of new audit tools, performance measurement frameworks, or organizational health metrics.
• Work closely with the Portfolio Director, Operations & Strategic Initiatives to ensure strategic priorities are translated into day‑to‑day audit planning, operational activities, and oversight of the confidential fraud and waste hotline.
• Act as a trusted advisor to the Auditor General, providing candid, well‑researched advice on legal, auditee, stakeholder, and reputational matters.
• Support the Auditor General with briefings, issue analysis, and coordination of high‑priority meetings and scheduling.

Executive Communications & Public Affairs

• Draft and coordinate executive‑level materials, including Council presentations, briefing notes, public reports, and media materials.
• Collaborate with the Portfolio Director to manage media relations, respond to inquiries, coordinate interviews, and prepare communication products.
• Monitor media coverage and emerging issues, providing analysis and strategic recommendations to support proactive communication and risk mitigation.
• Uphold the Office’s independence, credibility, and professionalism in all public communications and engagements.
• Provide a strategic “second‑eye” review of audit reports to ensure tone, messaging, and recommendations are constructive, objective, and focused on organizational improvement.

Audit Lifecycle & Research Support

• Lead the audit selection process, working with management to identify, assess, and recommend potential audit topics to the Deputy Auditor General and Auditor General.
• Oversee the development and use of audit selection templates, tools, and documentation.
• Provide research support to audit teams, including jurisdictional scans, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and identification of emerging audit issues.
• Manage the intake and triaging of tips, complaints, and allegations received through the Confidential Fraud and Waste Hotline, ensuring professionalism, confidentiality, and appropriate escalation.
• Oversee post‑audit surveys and feedback mechanisms to measure the perceived value, impact, and professionalism of the Office’s work.

Qualifications & Core Competencies

Education

• Master’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Law, Organizational Development, Communications, or a related field.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in a combination of strategic planning, research, public‑sector policy, or executive advisory roles.
• Experience within a legislative audit office, Officer of Council environment, or public‑sector governance role is strongly preferred.
• A satisfactory Level 2 Criminal Record Check obtained directly from a police station (third-party background checks will not be accepted).

Additional Credentials (Assets)

• Certified Change Agent or Project Management Professional (PMP) designation.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic Research & Analysis: Ability to conduct rigorous research and synthesize complex information to support audit planning and executive decision‑making.
• Executive Presence: Trusted, credible advisor able to provide candid yet constructive counsel to senior leaders.
• Strategic Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to build credibility and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Political Acumen: Strong understanding of government structures and decision‑making processes; skilled at navigating political sensitivities with tact, discretion, and non‑partisan judgment.
• Integrity & Independence: Demonstrated commitment to ethical conduct, objectivity, and the independence of the audit function.
• Fraud & Waste Intake Experience: Experience managing or supporting the intake, triage, or review of tips, complaints, or wrongdoing allegations is an asset.
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to inclusive practices, continuous learning, and proactive management of bias in decision‑making and advisory work.

At Peel Region, you’ll find purposeful work that makes a real difference. Joining the Office of the Auditor General means contributing to accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement—work that strengthens public trust and delivers value to our communities.

We support our people with a respectful, inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and professional growth is encouraged.

Compensation, Benefits & Total Rewards

• Comprehensive Benefits from Day One
  Health, Dental, Vision, and psychological health supports effective upon hire.

• OMERS Defined‑Benefit Pension Plan
  Automatic enrolment in one of Canada’s leading public‑sector pension plans.

• Vacation & Time Away
  A minimum of three (3) weeks of vacation, plus paid personal and floating days.

• Work‑Life Balance & Well‑Being
  Flexible work arrangements that support wellness and sustainability.

• Learning & Career Development
  Tuition reimbursement and access to ongoing professional and leadership development opportunities.