The Ontario Medical Association (OMA) advocates for and supports doctors, seeking to strengthen their leadership role in caring for patients. We continually seek to be the trusted voice in transforming Ontario’s health-care system by courageously pursuing best practices, new ideas, solutions, and opportunities to improve.
Job summary The Advisor, Government Relations and Advocacy is responsible for planning and executing strategies to advance the government relations and advocacy goals of the Ontario Medical Association. It requires a government relations professional with strategic thinking, communications, relationship-building, writing and advocacy skills, ideally in health care. A strong understanding of the political landscape, the public policy development process and how to work effectively with the provincial government and other elected officials are essential.
How you will make a difference
Support, develop and implement government relations and advocacy strategies and communications rollout plans to influence public policy and achieve objectives on behalf of Ontario’s doctors
Help develop an annual government relations and advocacy strategy in line with corporate objectives.
Foster strong relationships with government, political parties, stakeholders and physician networks
Arrange meetings with elected officials, political staff, senior ministry officials and political party officials. Prepare briefing materials for use by the CEO, president and other OMA executives
Prepare reports to senior management as required
Lead outreach initiatives to local MPPs that includes participation from local physicians.
Assist with the content management for advocacy website and OMA.org webpages.
Develop key messages and produce or contribute to high-quality written materials including presentations and submissions to government, effective letters, website content and other advocacy-related content
Work cross-functionally with other areas of the organization to develop and execute advocacy plans to mobilize members on key issues. Tactics could include the use of advocacy technology platforms (Nation Builder) and providing training/support on local outreach to elected officials
Serve as the team liaison to other areas of the organization, such as policy, executive office, governance.
Plan events including roundtable and panel discussions, public/stakeholder consultations, and advocacy days at Queen’s Park.
Triage emerging and current issues for effective management and tracking action to smooth resolution
Monitor legislation, policy activity and political trends to identify opportunities for OMA advocacy and thought leadership
Track and manage correspondence from the public and membership
Assist with team project planning and tracking.
Requirements that are important to us
Undergraduate Degree in Political Science, Health Administration, Communications, or equivalent
Five to six years’ experience working in government relations, public affairs/strategic communications, advocacy, political offices and/or government, ideally in health care
Valid driver’s license and car required
Experience mobilizing stakeholder, membership and local community support
Experience with digital advocacy tools such as Nation Builder
Strong understanding of the political environment in Ontario
Strong project management, event planning and communications skills (writing, editing and verbal)
Ability to foster meaningful relationships with elected officials through effective government relations
Knowledge of public policy with preference to the health-care policy environment
Experience leveraging digital technologies for online advocacy including public engagement tools such as Nation Builder
Highly proficient in Word, Power Point and Excel
Contact Management System experience
The OMA has moved to a permanent hybrid work environment. As such, the individual in this position will be required to work a minimum number of days in our Toronto office. What do we have to offer you?
A work environment whose values are to be respectful, bold, responsive, and transparent in our work and our behaviours
A fantastic opportunity to grow with the team and help shape the strategic direction of the OMA, its members and the health-care system
An organization that is committed to the equity, diversity and inclusion principles of humility, accountability, collaboration, courage and integrity
A commitment to growth and development through paid professional development and continuous in-house learning
A friendly and flexible hybrid work environment
Competitive total rewards package including a hiring salary range of $77,965-$82,835 plus pension plan and a bonus program
Exceptional group benefits package, including a spending account and a robust wellness program
We're excited to share this opportunity, which is for an existing vacancy on our team. Kindly be advised that our recruitment process does not involve the use of Artificial Intelligence.
The Ontario Medical Association is strongly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.
