Interim Director, Policy & Stakeholder Relations

Overview

OASW is the voice of the social work profession in Ontario and our mission is to mobilize mental health and wellbeing across Ontario. Our 2022-2027 Strategic Plan outlines how we will advance the social work profession by shaping the future of social work, leading equity integration, growing our membership, enhancing our engagement, and building a sustainable future for the organization.

We are seeking a forward-looking Interim Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations to join our dynamic team to advance our advocacy and policy agenda. In addition to working internally and externally to plan and implement policy solutions that matter to the social work profession, the Interim Director will devise and implement advocacy strategies to amplify the Association’s impact on government policy in accordance with the Strategic Plan.

In this role, you will play a key role in supporting the CEO in strategic planning, government relations and effective outreach on behalf of the membership. This includes overall responsibility for the planning, research and development of policies and government relations strategy.

If you are a strategic leader and critical thinker with strong research, analysis and writing skills as well as proven skills in stakeholder relations, this position is well suited to you.

Applicants of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, gender identities and expressions, and sexual orientations are encouraged to apply.

What We Offer

• Positive, dynamic and inclusive team culture
• Shared focus on growth, innovation, collaboration and service to members
• Comprehensive vacation and benefits package, including support for ongoing career development
• Hybrid working model (2 days in downtown Toronto office, 3 days virtual)

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee meaningful advocacy activities that align with strategic directions.
• Oversee research and development of accurate and persuasive policy briefs, backgrounders and reports to advance policy priorities.
• Produce talking points, key messages, and Q&A backgrounders for Association spokespersons.
• Lead, develop and implement the annual government relations strategy aligned with Strategic Plan.
• Understand and incorporate an equity lens, health equity and an understanding of building Indigenous awareness and advancements in diversity, equity and inclusion.
• Engage the Equity Integration Advisory Group in activities to support and advise on equity integration across OASW; follow up on meeting outcomes.
• Identify and prioritize key stakeholder relationships; build and strengthen relationships and strategic partnerships with relevant stakeholders.
• Spearhead the engagement of relevant stakeholders, business leaders, and community members to promote specific advocacy initiatives and policy changes.
• Prospect and engage with provincial and national stakeholders for partnerships and coalitions.
• Lead and oversee strategic media relations, including drafting and reviewing media releases and key messages, and assessing media opportunities for relevance to the Association’s goals.
• Implement evaluation measures for data collection relevant to advocacy initiatives.
• Report on progress of advocacy activities.
• Identify key government updates relevant to the Association’s advocacy goals and/or to members.
• Obtain and negotiate third-party contracts to contribute to project completion.
• Assess needs; develop work plans and establish staffing for each phase of projects; and ensure project objectives are met.
• Consider grant opportunities to advance advocacy goals.
• Maintain the operating budget.
• Manage a small team that is high functioning. Nurture team’s performance through coaching and mentorship and ensure the successful completion of workplans.
• In collaboration with the Leadership team members, develop and manage sound strategies and initiatives to drive the growth of OASW.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in a leadership role.
• A Master’s degree. Candidates with a social work degree are preferred and must be registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers and a member of the Ontario Association of Social Workers.
• Experience within nonprofit and/or association sectors preferred.
• A passion for policy and advocacy and an interest in being an agent of change through direct collaboration with decision-makers.
• Excellent interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, including demonstrated strong writing experience.
• Experience working with funding agencies, foundations, and member associations.
• Experience collaborating with governing bodies, boards of directors, and committees.
• Understanding of public policy and legislative processes.
• Experience marshalling a range of communication and knowledge mobilization strategies and tactics to effect policy change.
• An inclusive and professional attitude that can communicate respectfully with people who share different views.
• Ability to conduct work within anti-oppression and anti-racism approaches.
• A strong sense of initiative and demonstrated management experience. Excellent project management skills. Proven presentation and facilitation skills.
• Experience leading a high-performing team, with outstanding human resources skills.
• Adaptability/flexibility and collaborative teamwork; demonstrated success in working well with teams and building strong relationships with volunteers and vendors.
• Bilingual (English/French) an asset.

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer.

Salary: $85,000

Contract:  12-18 months

Start Date: August 2024

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Note: Apply Now! Applications will be considered as they are received.

Tagged as: Policy Analysis/Development

Compensation

Salary: $85,000

Contract:  12-18 months

Start Date: August 2024

Comprehensive vacation and benefits package, including support for ongoing career development

Hybrid working model (2 days in downtown Toronto office, 3 days virtual)

How to Apply

To Apply: Please send a cover letter and resume to [email protected]

Note: Apply Now! Applications will be considered as they are received.