Manager, GR and Policy

About Children's Healthcare Canada:

Children's Healthcare Canada is a national association serving children's healthcare delivery organizations across the continuum of care. We exist to serve our members and accelerate excellence and innovation in health systems serving children, youth, and their families in Canada. Our team is small but mighty, and we strive to create an inclusive, accessible workplace where all individuals feel valued, respected, and heard.

Children's Healthcare Canada offers:

·       Hybrid work – a balance of in-office and at-home work;

·       Optional HOOPP pension plan participation;

·       A passionate, smart, fun, and creative office culture;

·       Strong leadership with a focus on training and mentoring to help you grow, expand your skills, and become your professional best.

Overall Job Purpose

The main purpose of the Manager of Government Relations and Policy is to support and advance the organization's advocacy efforts, ensuring Children's Healthcare Canada is positioned as a trusted thought leader and subject matter expert informing policies and investments that improve children's experiences and outcomes of care.

Reporting to the Director of Public Affairs, the role involves the coordination of regular meetings with Parliamentarians and senior officials, and supports the development of policy statements that guide our advocacy efforts (in close collaboration with the Director of Policy and Practice).

The ideal candidate is bilingual, has a minimum of 5 years of experience in policy and government relations, some previous experience in the non-for-profit world and/or healthcare experience. You want to create positive change in child and youth healthcare, are proactive and detail-oriented, and will enjoy working with a small, dynamic team in a collaborative environment. This role will also provide support to other teams and assist in representing the organization in meetings and consultations with interest holders.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES:

Government Relations:

·       With support from the Director of Public Affairs, contribute to the implementation of the Association's government relations strategy in accordance with the Association's overall strategic vision.

·       Prepare official correspondence to elected officials, political staff, and public servants.

·       Prepare briefing notes, presentations, and other supporting documents, based on political & policy research.

·       Plan and coordinate interest holder meetings and related events such as Hill Day or other advocacy activities.

·       Maintain data and contacts for government officials and interest holders and ensuring government relations-related documentation is kept up-to-date and filed in centralized sources.

Policy:

·       In collaboration with the Director, Policy and Practice, conduct analysis and interpretation of research evidence to prepare background documents, policy briefs, and relevant materials in support of policy and advocacy priorities.

·       Ensure alignment of policy and advocacy priorities

·       Provide strategic and content support for meetings with external stakeholders, and represent the Association in such meetings.

·       Prepare as directed environmental scanning documents that assist members and staff in understanding current trends and implications regarding Children's Healthcare Canada's work in the policy area.

·       Provide ad hoc GR and policy support to Pediatric Chairs of Canada, a subsidiary of Children's Healthcare Canada, as required.

Other duties:

·       Stay attuned to the activity of the broader association to anticipate and plan for any opportunities for collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS:

QUALIFICATION

Bilingual: proficiency in both of Canada's official languages : Preferred

Bachelor's degree in political studies, public policy, public relations, or a related field : Essential

5 years' experience working in policy or government relations or communications : Essential

Previous work in the healthcare sector or non-for-profit sector : Preferred

Experience with developing and implementing government relations strategy : Essential

Excellent writing skills and ability to adapt language and style of communication to the audience : Essential

Experience researching and developing policy positions in the healthcare sector : Essential

Demonstrate professionalism in communication with all stakeholders : Essential

A willingness to take proactive steps and initiatives in identifying and addressing challenges : Essential

Keen attention to detail in drafting documents and executing strategies : Essential

A willingness to improve, learn and try new things : Essential

Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize competing priorities and manage time : Essential