Job Description

About the Organization

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario (AMHO) represents nearly 200 addiction and mental health service providers across Ontario. Through public communications, advocacy, public policy initiatives, quality improvement work, and a variety of member supports, AMHO works closely with its members toward their shared vision of making Ontario the home of the best addiction and mental health system, anywhere. AMHO is a leading advocate for addiction and mental health services during Ontarios ongoing transformation of the health care system and is dedicated to advancing health equity.

AMHO members are involved in the on-the-ground addiction and mental health care that thousands of Ontarians access every day. Our members provide a wide range of community-based treatments including individual and group counselling, case management, peer support, residential treatment, withdrawal management, supportive housing, harm reduction services, and programs based out of hospitals.

We are a small, energetic and nimble team who are dedicated to advancing AMHOs mission.

About the Opportunity

Reporting to the Director, Public Affairs, the Public Affairs Manager plays a leadership role in the development and implementation of AMHOs communications, government relations and advocacy strategies, covering all aspects of AMHOs operations. In addition, the successful candidate will support the CEO in leading AMHOs advocacy initiatives, including liaising with government officials, both in Ministers offices and civil servants.

Key Responsibilities

• Plays an active leadership role in the development and implementation of AMHOs communications & government relations strategy, covering all traditional and social media channels
• Works closely with the CEO and Director, Public Affairs to develop and implement AMHOs advocacy strategy to ensure government officials are kept aware of the key challenges facing AMHOs members in the communities in which they operate
• Supports the development of the communications materials and publications required for the member services plan to ensure members voices are reflected in all of AMHOs external-facing communications, and that members are kept informed of relevant changes to government policy (e.g., member bulletins, biannual reports)
• Ensures all public affairs activities (communications, government relations, advocacy, and public policy) support the priorities of all other AMHO work streams, specifically the Quality & Health Care Transformation, Health Human Resources and Member Services & Operations teams as reflected in the AMHO strategic plan 2023 - 2027
• Plays a management role in the development and implementation of knowledge exchanges
• Supports collaboration with AMHOs key external partners in the mental health and addiction sector to advance AMHOs priorities, e.g., the Canadian Mental Health Associations, Childrens Mental Health Ontario, academic institutions, community leaders
• Ensures AMHO members participate actively in the development, review, and adoption of the organizations communications and advocacy strategies
• Develops and produces longer-form communications products to strengthen AMHOs thought leadership efforts
• Supports the entire AMHO team with communications and design to ensure all products are visually appealing and effective
• Maintains AMHOs new visual identity, branding and maintains oversight of the visual brand
• Supports special projects as required

Qualifications and Experience

• Graduate or undergraduate degree in health or social policy, political science, public administration, journalism or a related field
• Minimum three (3) years of related experience in communications, media, government relations, and/or public policy roles in Canada
• Knowledge of Ontarios health care system and current mental health and addiction issues and trends, relevant legislation, regulations, and policies is an asset
• Experience drafting press and news releases which summarise complex issues
• Experience developing and implementing long-term public awareness campaigns
• Experience working closely with elected officials and their staffs; strong political acuity
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills to write reports, briefing notes, member bulletins
• Proficient with all major social media channels with an awareness of current trends
• Excellent consultation skills to exchange information, discuss issues, gain support, and liaise with other stakeholders and partners
• Proven ability to motivate and align diverse groups and a passion for developing strong relationships
• Excellent project and content management skills
• Excellent editing skills with an eye for detail and visual design
• Experience with developing and managing online and in-person knowledge exchange events and platforms
• Highly collaborative individual that thrives in a team environment
• Experience working with people with lived or living experience (PWLLE) with addictions and/or mental health issues in a community agency or other service setting is an asset

Addictions and Mental Health Ontario is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to building an inclusive, diverse, accessible, respectful and anti-racist workplace and creating more and better opportunities for those who face more barriers to employment and advancement. AMHO always encourages people with lived experience with addiction, substance use and mental health to apply.

Please inform us if you require any accommodations during the hiring process. We thank all applicants in advance however, only those under consideration will be contacted.

Please note we are only accepting applications from those authorized to work in Canada and we are not currently sponsoring any work visas.

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