After two months on the team, some personal reflections on the ODS
tl;dr: We’re hiring. Scroll below to learn more about the positions and how to apply.
I’m Kirstin, and I started as the talent lead at the Ontario Digital Service just two months ago. Coming from human resources, I was super excited to learn about how the ODS works, what makes it different, and where we can make it even better.
The ODS is a reflection of the people in the organization. As I look at how we recruit, retain, and cultivate people, I’ve been paying attention to what the ODS feels like to someone who is new to the team — someone like me.
Here are a few things I’ve learned about the team so far:
Everyone has a unique voice — and we’re encouraged to use it
In my first senior management team meeting in the ODS, we spent a good amount of time discussing resource planning for the organization. We all were encouraged to share our thoughts, and at the end, when it came to making a decision, we all received one vote — including the Deputy Minister (or as we call her, Hillary). Where possible, we try and make decisions by consensus, so that everyone has a chance to weigh in with their thoughts and ideas.
Before launching the new organizational design, the proposed changes were shared for comment by anyone on the team before they were implemented. Similarly, the entire team voted on parts of the new workspace being renovated for the ODS, so that we built the right kind of physical work environment for everyone.
Every week, the entire ODS gets together in a video chat to talk about all sorts of things: to share projects (especially those in progress), raise issues, ask questions, and learn more about our work and related things happening around us. It’s an open forum for everyone on the team, and it’s often the highlight of my week.
Time and space is given to the important questions
While the ODS moves quickly, it also moves thoughtfully and respectfully. Time is deliberately set aside to discuss our actions and their repercussions, and to understand how the things we do will affect others.
Since joining, here are a few conversations we’ve had in our weekly video chats, or in our team chat channels:
- What do we want from our leadership?
- How can we better communicate with each other?
- What does a respectful workplace look like?
- How do we champion diversity and inclusion in not only the ODS, but across the public service?
After sharing and reading Hadiya Roderique’s powerful piece on being Black on Bay Street, various members of our team shared stories of their experiences being in the minority in their various jobs. It was a powerful, reflective conversation — the kind we continue to have across the ODS.
People are passionate about what they do
This organisation is full of people who are passionate about their work. They want to make meaningful change, and the ODS is an opportunity to do that within the public service.
The work we do directly improves the lives of Ontarians; it is real, impactful, and important work. Because of that, the people I work with in the ODS want to come to work every day: they want to help in every way, they want to be engaged, and they want to make things better.
When you ask for help, the response is overwhelming — in a good way. I’ve learned that I’m never alone here. When I need support, not only are there so many people here to lend a helping hand, but people also care about my work in addition to their own, and they care for me, too.
That says a lot about the organization, how we work, and where we are going.
Come be a part of the team
Next up: We want you to be a part of that journey with us.
Today, we’re posting 16 openings in the ODS, and we’re looking for engaged, committed, and aspirational people to join the mission.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s posted:
- Chapter Leads: You are a highly skilled professional who, as a manager, is responsible for supporting their team and nurturing the growth and development of their discipline. We’re hiring chapter leads for all five disciplines — Technology, Content, Product, Experience Design and Policy.
- Junior and Senior Developers: You bring systems development, programming and consulting expertise to clients related to the use of open source web technology solutions deliver a better online experience for the people of Ontario.
- Senior Content Advisors: You will design and produce digital content to help people find the information they need — when and where they need it. You will inspire partners across the government to to deliver awesome content to improve the online experience for the people of Ontario.
- Product Manager: You will lead product initiatives from concept to release, while ensuring smooth operations and continuous product improvement, and strong relationships with partners across government.
- Senior User Experience: You will apply evidence-based, agile approaches such as user analytics, interviews, research and testing to continuously improve design choices and deliver elegant, accessible and user-focused web interfaces, templates, and graphical elements.
- Senior Policy Advisor: You will research, analyze and develop recommendations to champion digital policy across government.
Visit our website to learn more and apply. If you know someone who is perfect for these roles, please let them know. Don’t wait. We need more good people, working together to make government simpler, faster and better for everyone out there.
And of course, if you have any questions, reach out. We’re all excited to persuade you to come improve the government’s most important services along with us.
