Job Posting

Senior Director Health

Reports to: CEO or her delegate

Salary Range: $90,000-$100,000

Closing Date: Open until filled

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

Under the authority and supervision of the Chief Executive Officer, the Senior Director of Health Policy will implement NWAC projects and programs and will oversee, manage, support and coach the project and program staff. The Senior Director of Health Policy will be responsible for all of the Unit’s operations including advocacy and proposal and project and program development.

SCOPE

The Senior Director of Health Policy will work collaboratively with the CEO, Vice President of Policy, Advocacy and Engagement (VP), and NWAC controllers for overall operations and strategic planning for the Units. The Senior Director of Health Policy will also work closely and collaboratively with all NWAC units to develop policy responses to the historic and contemporary issues impacting Indigenous women and girls and the 2SLGBTQQIA communities.

The Senior Director of Health Policy will ensure that all project and program work is completed using culturally appropriate and gender-based lenses that respect First Nations, Métis, Inuit Women and Girls and Indigenous members of the 2SLGBTQQIA communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy & Government Relations

Main Activities

• Implement and manage NWAC project, policy and program work in accordance with contribution agreements.
• Assist the CEO and her designate(s) in the management of the Resiliency Lodge;
• Lead engagement and advocacy activities related to increased health supports for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse peoples.
• Prepare complex briefing notes, policy analysis, reports, position papers, letters and responses to program and project correspondence within tight deadlines;
• Develop policies, procedures, forms, templates and work instructions, as needed;
• Maintain the Airtable system for programs and projects;
• Work closely with controllers to ensure budgets are followed;
• Monitor, review, and help develop strategies to change legislation which negatively affect Indigenous women and girls;
• Lead measurement and evaluation of government relations initiatives;
• Identify risks and opportunities to the system based on expectations and design proactive mitigation and response strategies;
• Provide leadership and management of quantitative/qualitative data collection and analysis;
• Conduct community-based research activities in accordance with appropriate Aboriginal Research Ethical guidelines;
• Perform qualitative and quantitative research on racialized, sexualized violence against Indigenous women and on the status of Canadian and International law as it relates to the human rights of Indigenous women and girls;
• Provide guidance on research policy issues and strategic advice on relevant programs and projects and domestic policy issues impacting Indigenous women and girls;
• Ensure proper consideration and application of culture and gender-based lenses with a focus on Métis, Inuit and First Nations and the 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities;
• Ensure that Unit team members develop accurate environmental scans, backgrounders, fact sheets, briefing notes, letters, press releases, position papers, reports and more;
• Manage work and activity with consultants to complete projects and events as may be required;
• Draft correspondence in support of, and aligned with, NWAC mandates and rights holders, as well as have a strong understanding of appropriate correspondence to governments, jurisdictions, partners, and proponents.
• Meet and coordinate government outreach with NWAC Sr. Director of Government Relations when required;
• Prepare monthly summary reports of projects and programs to be presented to the Board of Directors; and
• Oversee activities to increase health policy communications.

1. Supervision of Unit Personnel

Main Activities

• Responsible for overall supervision of the Health Policy Unit;
• Provide updates to VP in regular bilateral meetings;
• Ensure the project and project policy analysts, officers and/or advisors have a work plan;
• Ensure that all reporting and deliverables have appropriate deadlines;
• Manage the workload of the Unit;
• Review quality of work to ensure high standards are met by the Unit team;
• Review external requests for engagement and recommend response or attendance by appropriate personnel;
• Assign tasks and duties to the policy advisors;
• Ensure a professional development plan is in place for the Unit personnel;
• Respond to leave requests, timesheet approval;
• Undertake probationary reviews and annual performance evaluation;
• Engage in conflict resolution if required;
• Act as a mentor and coach and promote staff professional development;
• Schedule and ensure regular Unit meetings and bilateral meetings with staff; and,
• Meet with other NWAC Senior Directors as required.

1. Engagement and Outreach

Main Activities

• Identify where engagement is required on NWAC-mandated policy areas and initiate outreach to the appropriate rights holders, communities and networks;
• Develop and maintain partnerships and community engagement plans/strategies;

Maintain good relationships with Indigenous experts, National Indigenous Organizations (NIOs), government offices, partners, stakeholders, and members of the public;

Engage and network with Indigenous experts, NIOs, corporate/private, public and government stakeholders; and,

• Contribute to the development of the fundraising strategy and outreach to corporate partners.

1. Research and Data

Main Activities

• Lead and conduct the review and analysis of formal research findings;
• Ensure environmental scanning, issues identification and analysis and synthesized is relevant and accurate;
• Identify NWAC’s information requirements and develop analytical models for databases, testing, monitoring and tracking mechanisms to support research and evaluation initiatives, and emerging priorities; and
• Maintain, update and build awareness for ethical research and data collection policies/practices.

Perform other related duties as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• University degree in the area of policy, law, health, social sciences or other related studies or equivalent lived experience working on Indigenous issues will be considered;

Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience working with Indigenous governments or their organizations, NGOs, non-profit organizations, , government, agencies and/or health centres, facilities or entities;

Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a managerial role;

Experience in managing a diverse workforce;

Relevant experience working or volunteering with Indigenous peoples, groups, or organizations is an asset; and,

Relevant experience working or volunteering with Not-for-Profit organizations or corporations is an asset.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge

The employee must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:

Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Peoples in Canada and internationally, their cultures, histories and traditions;

Understanding and knowledge of Indigenous issues, and norms and standards relevant to promotion and protection of Indigenous women’s rights;

Strong knowledge of health issues and social determinants of health impacting Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit, transgender and gender-diverse people.

Knowledge of key issues impacting Indigenous women and girls in Canada and internationally;

Knowledge of government systems and bureaucracy with regards to funding, politics, public policy and legislation;

Knowledge of strategic and operational planning and program review;

Knowledge of leadership and management principles and practices;

Some understanding of social policy (including violence prevention and impacts, housing, etc).

Skills

The employee must demonstrate the following skills:

Strong writing and verbal communication skills in English;

Strong research and analytical skills;

Ability to positively motivate and supervise a large team and develop a strong teamwork environment;

Ability to carry out culturally-appropriate gender-based analysis;

Excellent interpersonal skills;

Ability to apply sound judgment and make decisions within the area, often on short notice;

Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize work effectively and under pressure;

Ability to conduct research in cooperation and consultation with the NWAC Provincial/Territorial Member Associations and with diverse networks;

Ability to develop and lead engagement plans and events;

Ability to facilitate meetings; and,

Ability to carry out research, analyze data, and advance effective advocacy and communication strategies, in partnership with other policy units, under the supervision of the CEO.

Personal Attributes

The employee must maintain strict confidentiality in performing the duties of Senior Director of Health Policy. The employee must also demonstrate the following personal attributes:

• Time management and punctuality;
• Respect for and understanding of Indigenous women’s issues in Canada;
• Dependable and understanding of the importance of meeting deadlines;
• Honest, sincere, considerate and truthful;
• Understanding of the importance of quality work;
• Approachable, articulate and determined;
• Resilient, proactive and positive; and,
• Coachable and adaptable.

WORKING CONDITIONS

NWAC strives to be an employer that properly resources and supports all employees. To that end NWAC, endeavors to provide a clean, safe and secure workplace with various support mechanisms and operational flexibility. The following list describes assumptions about working conditions:

Possible travel throughout Canada;

• Lifting, carrying and managing of equipment and supplies may be required;
• Management may be expected to work odd or long hours on occasion; and,
• Employees are expected to multi-task with possible interruptions from colleagues and management.

Preference will be given to First Nations, Metis, Inuit and women and gender diverse persons of Indigenous ancestry, please self-identify.

Interviews will be held by teleconference or in person.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.

Apply at apply@nwac.ca

Posting Details