Job Information
Heart & Stroke Senior Advisor, Public Affairs (ON) in Toronto, Ontario
At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke.
We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it’s embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website (http://www.heartandstroke.ca/)
The opportunity
(Please note this is a 12-month contract and hybrid working role.)
The Senior Advisor, Public Affairs (ON) plays a key role in the Foundation’s advocacy efforts in Ontario by opening doors for the Foundation to communicate its Mission-related priorities with Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs)s and their staff at Provincial Legislature, with government officials in a variety of government ministries and agencies and with representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations. For certain files, the position will also support municipal advocacy efforts in key jurisdictions and will from time-to-time support federal advocacy efforts in the Ontario context. In conjunction with the other members of the Ontario Mission team, this successful candidate will play a key role in helping shape the Foundation’s advocacy planning process, execute advocacy priorities, plan special projects and oversee the development of advocacy briefs, papers and related documents. Finally, the candidate will also work with government relations leads in other provinces to develop capacity across the country and align efforts where appropriate.
The Senior Advisor leads advocacy strategies aligned with Mission priorities and advocacy objectives and is a voice for people living with heart disease and stroke in Ontario.
How you will make an impact every day
Strategic Development of Advocacy Campaigns and Government Relations Plans
Lead in the development of new advocacy strategies and campaigns in Ontario to secure H&S objectives in health policy, systems change and program funding. Current advocacy priorities include tobacco and vaping, cardiac arrest, and FAST signs of stroke.
Leverage a variety of advocacy tactics which may include government relations, awareness building and public mobilization, and media to advance mission goals.
Execute assigned areas of integrated and multi-faceted advocacy campaigns. Elements could include communications, marketing, social and digital media, as well as e-advocacy Provide leadership in the development and implementation of municipal and provincial government relations strategies, including meetings with elected officials and staff.
Undertake analysis of government policy, legislation, and announcements.
Management of Government Relations Priorities, Activities and Products
Working with other members of the Mission team, play a central role in developing, implementing, and evaluating the Foundation’s government relations priorities, plans and special projects.
Draft advocacy briefs, papers, presentations and related documents and other key communications and policy materials targeted at MPPs, government officials and other stakeholders.
Represent H&S to the Government of ON, including through meetings, committee hearings and advocacy events.
Track and relay pertinent information and relevant policy, legislative and regulatory decisions by government, as well as external stakeholders to senior volunteers and management across the Foundation.
Organize and deliver advocacy events to support strategy policy priorities.
Track H&S government meetings in Ontario.
Stakeholder relations
Work with partner organizations to develop common advocacy positions and strategies that further the Foundations’ strategic objectives.
Participate in external working groups and committees, as applicable.
Work pro-actively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to problem solve and develop common advocacy initiatives.
Develop and maintain effective communication links with associations and regulatory agencies that can assist the Foundation in achieving its goals and works with key stakeholders (e.g., government officials) in advocacy efforts. Contribute to the credibility of the Foundation by representing the Foundation at external functions.
Who we need
Experience
A minimum of 5 years’ work experience within the sector, working in government, or as a government relations specialist.
Demonstrated experience monitoring and analyzing government policy, legislative and regulatory initiatives, and identifying opportunities.
Strong understanding of the latest strategies and best practices related advocacy campaigns and government relations, including:
Market research.
Digital and social media.
Strategic communications.
Grassroots mobilization experience.
Knowledge or experience working with volunteers.
Experience working on health policy issues is an asset.
Understanding of the rules that govern lobbying and advocacy in the province of Ontario
Education
- A university degree in political science, public policy or related discipline with a strong understanding of government relations and health/public policy.
Skills
Proficiency in both official languages is an asset.
Leadership skills and the ability to influence others by articulating sound, rational arguments.
Ability to establish, lead and maintain positive working relationships with key stakeholders.
Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills including comfort working with the media.
Strong knowledge of Windows operating systems. Operation and manipulation of word processing, spread sheet and presentation software packages. Excellent knowledge of the Internet required.
A key activity of this role is the ability to network and communicate effectively and professionally with a variety of parliamentarians, their staff, government officials and other external stakeholders.
Ability to work inter-departmentally and to communicate effectively with senior volunteers and staff across the Foundation.
Superior writing skills are critical.
Demonstrated ability to establish strong external contacts.
Requires superior planning, problem-solving and analytical skills.
What we offer
In addition to a competitive salary, Heart & Stroke believes that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer paid wellness days and personal days. In addition, we provide health, medical, dental and vision benefits. Furthermore, our staff enjoy flexible hybrid working arrangements and support with reimbursement for mobile phones and home office set up.
Apply now
If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke while building an engaged and giving community, apply by June 18, 2024. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and legally entitled to work in Canada.
To learn more about our mission, our values and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website (http://www.heartandstroke.ca/) .
We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please advise and we will work with you. At this time, interviews are currently being conducted via phone or video call, so we look forward to ‘virtually’ meeting you!
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