Job Description

SAC-OSLA Branch - Ontario Government and Community Relations Manager
Speech-Language & Audiology Canada (SAC) is a national non-profit association that represents over 7,000 speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants. We have a fantastic opportunity for the right individual to join our organization. This is full time permanent position. SCOPE OF POSITION The SAC-OSLA Branch Ontario Government and Community Relations Manager is responsible for the overall management of SAC- OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s specific government relations and advocacy issues as defined by the SAC OSLA Executive Director. The incumbent collaborates with the SAC-OSLA Branch ED towards the development, implementation and evaluation of the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s government relations\xe2\x80\x99 strategy that sets out clear public policy priorities, targets and strategies to optimize the interface with government officials at the Ontario provincial level. The manager works in collaboration with the SAC-OSLA Branch ED, the SAC-OSLA Committee and volunteers to develop and implement strategies and advocacy tools that profile the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s position on public policy issues with members and associates, health and education stakeholders, government officials, elected and other relevant decision makers. The Manager also collaborates with the SAC Directors of Speech- Language Pathology, Audiology and the Director of Communications and Marketing in the development of reports, communications and presentations to various stakeholders and supports the development, updating and implementation of SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s government relations resources such as briefs and technical briefings. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Public Affairs and Government Relations

• Supports the SAC-OSLA Branch Executive Director (ED) in ensuring that speech-language pathologists, audiologists and communication health assistants are well represented in the public policy arena.
• Supports the establishes, implementation and evaluation of specific advocacy portfolios within the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s government relations strategy.
• Assesses and makes recommendations to address and advance the SAC-OSLA Branch government relations profile.
• Advises the SAC-OSLA ED, and the SAC-OSLA Committee on parliamentary, legislative and public policy priorities of relevance to the SAC-OSLA Branch.
• Coordinates annual advocacy activities for the SAC-OSLA Committee (as required).
• Participates in Ontario legislature and government relations events.
• Keeps abreast of Ontario legislature trends and research.
• Conducts daily, monthly and quarterly environmental scanning of political and government events and opportunities of relevance to the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s advocacy goals by analyzing and synthesizing qualitative and quantitative information from diverse sources and prepares regular reports on provincial and legislative initiatives accordingly.
• Supports the preparation of presentations, briefings and background material to support the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s government relations profile.

Public Policy

• Collaborates with the SAC-OSLA Branch ED and the SAC-OSLA Branch Committee towards the development and implementation of relevant government relations and advocacy efforts related to public policy.
• Monitor and analyze public policies, programs, trends, legislation and regulations with particular attention to issues that impact the professions in Ontario.
• Support the SAC-OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s response to provincial legislative and/or regulatory initiatives affecting the professions in Ontario.
• Prepare briefing material and environmental scans for the SAC-OSLA Committee and senior staff, including recommendations and positions on relevant health and education issues in Ontario.
• Provide advocacy and government relations support to the SAC-OSLA Committee and interest groups.
• Stakeholder Relations
• Represent the Association, internally and externally, at the provincial level on public policy issues.
• Build collaborative partnerships and relationships with relevant stakeholders including, but not limited to, other health and education professions, funders, and the insurance industry.
• Keep abreast of trends and changes in relevant industries such as hearing aid and communication devices, and the insurance industry, and develop and implement strategies to enhance support for speech-language pathology and audiology services.

Management

• Participate in the development and evaluation of the SAC- OSLA Branch\xe2\x80\x99s strategic and operational plans including supporting the SAC-OSLA ED in the development and implementation of the annual advocacy and government relations plans.
• Lead the coordination of SAC-OSLA Interest Group efforts for Ontario advocacy portfolios.
• Manage the relationship with SAC-OSLA volunteers dedicated to specific advocacy portfolios.

Other

• Other duties as assigned

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Post-secondary degree in political science, public affairs and policy management, communications or a related field.
• Five years of practical experience in three or more key areas of policy, government relations or advocacy, preferably in health or education.
• Sound knowledge of the Canadian political system and policy development process at a federal, provincial and territorial level.
• Experience working with non-governmental organizations, particularly with professional not-for-profit associations.
• Experience providing executive level advice to a Board of Directors OR senior management.

COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS

• Communication Skills\xe2\x80\x93 Superior written and verbal English communication skills along with the ability to effectively present and clarify requirements, expectations, ideas and concepts to various audiences/stakeholders.
• Forward-Thinking\xe2\x80\x93 Brings an innovative and forward-thinking approach to all initiatives and tasks.
• Leadership Skills \xe2\x80\x93 Creates and achieves results by coaching and mentoring team members to reach individual and organizational goals.
• Project Management Skills\xe2\x80\x93 Demonstrated ability to effectively run multiple concurrent projects and set priorities within tight timelines.
• Organizational Skills\xe2\x80\x93 Organizes and uses resources effectively and efficiently to accomplish goals.
• Problem Solving\xe2\x80\x93 Ability to develop and communicate solutions/responses to diverse user problems/requests.
• Decision Making\xe2\x80\x93 Ability to know when decisions can be made independently and when they require consultation with senior management.
• Initiative\xe2\x80\x93 Displays a high level of initiative with the ability to recognize and anticipate what needs to be done.
• Ability to respect strict confidentiality.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines on multiple projects.
• Ability to work with professionals of many different levels.
• Computer literate
• Bilingual is a strong asset

SPECIAL CONDITIONS The work within the scope of this position requires an individual with a flexible work schedule, who can work some evenings/weekends, when required. This role may include some travel, but extensive travel is not required. This position is based ideally in the Ottawa office but a remote position may be considered. A hybrid work model is available (mixture of some home and some office work). HOW TO APPLY If you think your personality, skills, education and experience make you the person for this position, we\xe2\x80\x99d love to hear from you. Please send your resume along with a brief cover letter explaining why you would be a great addition to our team to volunteer@sac-oac.ca by June 23. Please include your salary expectations in the cover letter. SAC is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our membership and employees. We welcome applications from those who would contribute to diversification of our association including, but not limited to, people with disabilities, Indigenous people, racialized people, people from gender and sexually diverse communities and people with intersectional identities. Please note: We thank all applicants for their interest in this position. However, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please. Job Type: Full-time Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON K1N 7B7 Application deadline: 2023-06-23