Policy and Government Affairs Director

**Objective**:
To advance public policy supportive of the objectives and interests of the member Friendship Centres and as relevant broader urban Indigenous communities in Ontario.

**Key Deliverables**:
The development, implementation and distribution of external and internal policy objectives that are aligned with OFIFC’s long-range strategic plan.

**Key Responsibilities**:
Policy Management (45%):

- Directs and leads the monitoring and research of legislative proposals before the Ontario legislature and secondarily, the Canadian House of Commons and ensures the provision of policy briefings (written or oral) on said legislative proposals, as required;
- Develops, implements, reviews, revises, and evaluates policy guidelines, systems, frameworks, models, agendas, priorities and strategies of government, other Indigenous organizations or other partners stakeholders through appropriate approval processes to ensure effective management;
- Ensures contracts, contribution agreements, etc obligations are met in a timely manner;
- Manages financial and reporting requirements of workgroup projects and initiatives.

Communication, Liaison, Government, Partnerships and Support (35%):

- Builds and maintains positive supportive stakeholder partnerships;
- Represents and protects OFIFC’s benefits and interests at public meetings and gains the support of government bodies
- Acts as government liaison, chairperson, trainer, facilitator, spokesperson in meetings as required
- Increases and maintains the OFIFC’s reputation and credibility in the area of policy and ensuring these are respected and supported by Friendship Centres and policy makers at all levels of government;
- Manages the development of alternative policy approaches to influence public policy in a positive manner for Friendship Centres and urban Indigenous people;
- Bridges mainstream and Indigenous communities, concepts and practices in the context of policy development;
- Provides strong and persuasive advocacy for Friendship Centres and their communities and the Friendship Centre movement as a whole;
Team Management (20%):

- Supervises and maintains HR responsibilities for direct reports by providing direction, leadership, coaching, feedback, training
- Implements the performance management process includes regularly conducting direct reports’ performance reviews and provides development opportunities
- Participates in recruitment and selection and termination processes of staff except for Director level;
- Ensures delegation to direct reports is appropriate and supported

**Behavioural Competencies**:

- Strategic & Analytical Thinking
- Creativity/Innovative
- Problem Solving/ Decision Making
- Persuasive Advocacy Skills
- Integrity and Credibility
- Strong Leadership

**Technical Competencies**:

- Ability to present, communicate and negotiate with various levels of government
- Knowledge of Ontario not-for-profit Governance, Board and Bylaws and relevant legislation
- Understanding of Public Policy as it relates to urban Indigenous issues
- Ability to provide training and facilitation for groups of up to 50.

**Education/Work Experience**:

- Completed Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Public Management, and/or relevant professional experience
- Minimum 10 years of experience at the Senior Management level
- Demonstrated project management skills to deliver and evaluate social programs preferably within an Indigenous institution

**What we offer**:

- Culture-based organization
- Pay Range: $118,000 - $144,000
- Comprehensive Health benefits after probationary period
- Virtual first - Hybrid working model

The OFIFC is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce; we promote employment equity and encourage applicants to indicate if you belong to one of the four designated employment equity groups Women, Indigenous peoples, Persons with disabilities, or Members of visible minorities when you apply. Preference will be given to qualified Turtle Island Indigenous people or members of First Nations, Inuit and Métis including treaty, status or registered Indigenous people, as well as those non-status and non-registered who self-declare as such.

Accommodation:
The OFIFC is committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Should you require Code-protected accommodation through any stage of the recruitment process, please make them known when contacted and we will work with you to meet your needs.

**Salary**: $118,000.00-$144,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON M5A 1E8