Director, Policy and Communications (Maternity Leave)

Position Title:    Director, Policy and Communications (Maternity Leave)

Reports To:        Chief Executive Officer

The Association

The Registered Practical Nurses Association of Ontario (WeRPN) is a not-for-profit professional association founded in 1958. WeRPN is the voice of registered practical nursing in Ontario and there are approximately 50,000 RPNs working in Ontario, playing a vital role in the province’s health care system. WeRPN’s role is to provide advocacy and member services in support of a quality health care system and the appropriate utilization of RPNs within that system. Learn more at www.werpn.com

The Position

Reporting to the CEO, the Director of Policy and Communications will be responsible for providing government relations and strategic advice to the WeRPN staff, Chief Executive Officer and Board of Directors, on a wide range of health and nursing policy issues. In addition, you will lead communications throughout the organization. You will work with government officials, external organizations, WeRPN staff, board and membership to identify issues, compile and analyze information, and provide advice on appropriate policy positions and communication strategies.

This contract position will be for a maternity leave with the duration of 12 months.

Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Development

• In conjunction with the CEO and the external GR consultants, lead organization’s advocacy efforts on key policy issues that impact nursing and broader health system
• Coordinate the development of clear and strategic policy messages
• Monitor and advise the CEO on the implications of emerging policy issues, including trends, risks, and developments.
• Establish good working relationships with senior government officials at both political and bureaucratic levels to ensure awareness of WeRPN priorities
• Assist with writing grant applications and the drafting of research proposals and reports
• Manage Transfer Payment Agreement commitments and oversee key government programs administered by organization
• Prepare impact reports on government programs
• In collaboration with all departments, lead and manage the research and analysis required to produce WeRPN white papers, policy memos and reports.
• Support specific research projects relating to key policy issues
• Provide strategic thought leadership on government health care policy issues affecting the WeRPN
• Prepare briefings on relevant health care and nursing issues 
• Represent WeRPN in meetings, coalitions, panels and at conferences
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO as required
• Manage and monitor department’s budgets and accountabilities as defined by the funding sources. Ensure that projects and accounts are managed cost-effectively.

Communications

• Lead all communications and issues management activities for organization
• Support the development of public awareness campaigns that promote understanding of the dilemmas that RPNs and nurses face.
• Draft speaking remarks, media statements, opinion pieces, articles, PowerPoint presentations for both internal and external audiences and other communications materials as required
• Manage the production of WeRPN’s bi-annual Journal print publication and new digital site
• Oversee the content strategy and development of monthly e-newsletters
• Oversee social media content strategy
• Manage website content
• Lead media relations
• Act as spokesperson for the WeRPN when required
• Manage Senior Advisor
• Ensure all material alignment with organizational brand standards and guidelines
• Work to become a thought leader and a sought after key public policy speakers

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Communications, Political Science or related subject
• Master’s degree preferred
• 5 + years’ experience in the area of government relations, public policy, and strategic communications
• Knowledge of health policy at the regional, provincial and federal level
• Broad knowledge of government policy process and demonstrated experience in government relations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for preparing and presenting information
• High level of capability in the areas of analytical, research and problem solving skills
• High degree of professionalism for representing WeRPN at meetings of government officials, health care organizations, stakeholders and the public
• Ability to work collaboratively with wide variety of health care stakeholders
• Strong organizational, project, and program management skills
• Ability to work on a wide range of issues simultaneously
• Willingness to work on teams and good conflict resolution skills
• Understanding of both quantitative and qualitative research processes
• Ability to think in innovative ways
• Strong analytical, research and problem solving skills
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to prioritize deliverables and meet deadlines
• Advanced skills with MS Office suite
• Familiarity with Wordpress, Canva, social media platforms
• Ability to speak French, an asset

To sum up, we are looking for a positive minded, innovative professional who would thrive in this unique culture. You will have a direct impact to effect change while having a work experience that would be difficult to find with a larger organization You will play a key role in developing policy strategies and messaging for government officials and stakeholders in the health care field. You must have a desire to address social issues, an awareness of the social determinants of health and a compassion for all people.

Job Term: 12-month contract 

Location: Mississauga, ON

Start Date: October 4th, 2021

Application Deadline: Friday, August 20th, 2021

To apply: Please send your resume and cover letter (saved as one PDF document) to jobs@werpn.com. Please include your salary expectations for this role in your email.

We thank you for your interest in working for WeRPN.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.