Director, Government Relations and Policy

Job Title: Director, Government Relations and Policy

Line of Business: Advocacy

Supports: CEO, Leadership Team, Board of Directors

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Overview

We believe in the power of food to enhance lives and improve health and our curiosity to understand both the science and social issues impacting Canadians is behind what drives us, it is our passion and calling. In that context the Director, Advocacy and Policy, you will help champion the role of Dietitians in the health system and the issues impacting the health of Canadians.

As Director, Government Relations and Policy you will be responsible for the development and implementation of a multi-year government / industry relations plan to guide the associations' advocacy on priority issues to address the needs of Canadian Dietitians. This includes strategic planning, overseeing, coordinating, and implementing a broad range of advocacy / policy activities and relationships aimed at effectively driving the Dietitians of Canada advocacy including federal, provincial governments and the insurance industry.

The position is for an up and comer in the advocacy / policy world, with an eye on using what you've learned to build an advocacy program from the ground up. You are looking to support Dietitians/Dietetics in growing its' standing as a key partner in the health care system. You bring first-hand knowledge, experience and current intelligence to the Dietitians of Canada in government and/or insurance industry advocacy from a health association lense.

Responsibilities

• Develop DC's government and industry relations policies, strategy and tactical roadmap to achieve results for the Dietetic profession.
• Cultivate relationships and execute advocacy strategies with political leaders, senior government officials, industry, media and other health associations and other partners.
• Foster internal relationships primarily with the Dietitians of Canada team, expert volunteers in Networks, and interest groups to provide expert guidance and education in relation to advocacy matters.
• Research, development and analysis of policy
• Draft formal policy statements and communications to government and insurance companies including submitting feedback on government discussion papers, research on positive impacts of dietetic services in insurance plans.
• Prepare our Dietetic leaders to represent DC at government / insurance company briefings, hearings, and related events.
• Monitor political and insurance industry trends to ensure our advocacy strategy has maximum impact.
• Lead outreach activities like running a DC lobby day, attending industry events and setting up / supporting the CEO and Board at speaking engagements.
• Oversee our policy team (that includes staff and/or volunteers/consultants), to help translate policy positions into relevant / actionable advocacy strategies and tactics.

Essential Skills and Requirements

You must love working with busy people and enjoy the challenge of getting their attention for a profession that deserves to be recognized for the invaluable work it does for Canadians.

What you'll need to have

• At least five (5) years of relevant work experience conducting government relations, and ideally, experience with insurance and/or industry sector outreach.
• Outstanding people skills — you must be able to build relationships quickly, work with people across the political spectrum, and find common ground with those who disagree with you. It is critical that you can make credible arguments to decision-makers and influencers about the unique role Dietitians plays in meeting health and social priorities.
• You are cognitively flexible and curious – you are confident, but humble. You don't need to be the smartest person in the room, but you are impressive in the way you work with and recognize the people who help guide your work. You are an exceptional active listener who does not get married to one vision of things, you are always curious as to the various perspectives on an issue and how they can form better outcomes for our work.
• Ability to work independently and effectively — you will need to be a self-starter who knows how to get things done and how to adapt in a fast-paced and quickly changing environment.
• An understanding of complex political dynamics across government departments, among provinces and industry, and how they might affect otherwise well-designed policy proposals.
• A highly effective communicator who can make compelling presentations to small and large groups, even when the topic is technical in nature.
• Existing connections in government / insurance industry. And other health associations
• A track record of translating policies / positions into successful advocacy campaigns/programs.
• Experience building durable coalitions and overcoming barriers to enacting or effectively implementing policies.
• Willingness to travel, mostly within Canada.
• A strong knowledge base of the Canadian health system (includes private sector) and a desire and ability to learn about the dietetic field.
• Be fluently bilingual (English and French).

You'll really impress us if:

• A background in dietetics would be a major plus.
• You have worked in some sort of health-related association or organization in the health field.
• You have helped policymakers understand and get behind emerging health solutions.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced and evolving culture.

Working Conditions

·  The position is based in Ottawa, Ontario.

·  Travel cross country is required at least 2-3 times a year (minimum).

·  Work from home / hybrid environment.

Why you'll love working at Dietitians Canada

· You will report directly to the CEO who is passionate about your development and helping you win.

· You will have regular one on ones with continuous feedback.

· We are a small but mighty team - this is your chance to play a key role in building a world-class advocacy program and member first culture.

·      You'll get to work remotely and be setup with a work-from-home budget to help get your home office all set up.

Top Perks to Work at Dietitians Canada

· Exclusive offers from BMO Bank at work including mortgage rate discounts, bonus interest for term investments and discounts on lending products.

· Comprehensive Group Benefits Program including Health, Dental and an Employee Family Assistance Program.

·  Extended statutory holiday weekends and end of calendar year holiday vacation.

·  Group RRSP plan with employer matching.

·  Annual Professional Development Allowance.

Last but not least

At Dietitians Canada, we are committed to growing and sustaining an environment where our team members feel included, valued, and heard. Our diversity and equal opportunity practices are guided and championed by our leadership team.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion includes recruiting and retaining team members from diverse backgrounds and experiences, and fostering a culture of belonging where all team members are included, treated with dignity and respect, promoted on their merits, and placed in positions to contribute to business success.

If you require assistance or accommodation throughout any part of the interview and selection process, please let us know. The deadline to apply for this position is by 11:59 pm on March 24th, 2025.