What We Do:
Arthritis Society Canada is on a mission to fight the fire of arthritis with the fire of research, innovation, advocacy and information and support. That’s because arthritis robs six million Canadians of their mobility, mental and physical well-being, and in some cases, their livelihood. It is Canada’s most common chronic condition, and there is no cure.
Why Join Us:
A career with us is more than just a job. It’s an opportunity to use your talents to push back against the devastation of arthritis. Fighting the fire of arthritis gives meaning to our work, incites collective action, and drives us to excellence in all we do. Our bold and ambitious strategic plan, Accelerating Impact, is propelling our work to create transformational change. We are a united, transformative, and impactful culture. Our people are essential to our efforts and we will empower you to be successful in your role. We are honoured to be a 2022-2023 Canada’s Most Admired™ Corporate Cultures winner, and proud to be accredited under Imagine Canada’s Standards Program.
Our Mission Team:
Our mission team is comprised of professionals nationwide in the areas of research, advocacy, innovation, and information and support. We are Canada’s largest charitable funder of arthritis research, helping spark new ideas and igniting careers to improve care for people today, and to find a cure for people tomorrow. Together with our fierce volunteers, we are fighting the fire of arthritis by advocating to all levels of government about pressing policy issues affecting the six million Canadians living with arthritis coast to coast to coast. We are investing in breakthrough, high-risk, high-reward research, collaborating on social impact projects to create transformational health change, and accelerating the success of innovators by getting their solutions to those that need them most. To help people with arthritis flourish and empower their care networks to support them, we are creating patient-centered, evidence-based information resources and developing critical programs.
Purpose of Role:
As a Specialist in Public Policy & Government Affairs, you will play a crucial role in representing Arthritis Society Canada’s interests in Quebec while also providing support for the Atlantic Region. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to influence public policy decisions, engage with government officials, and advocate for policies that align with our mission and values, and you'll manage relationships, support French advocacy volunteers, and provide necessary resources within stakeholder groups.
Key Accountabilities:
- Drive the implementation of advocacy campaigns, both provincially and nationwide, ensuring alignment with evolving priorities, with a focus on Quebec while also providing support for the Atlantic region.
- Support government relations efforts by cultivating relationships with political representatives and their staff, including attending meetings, producing correspondence, background papers, submissions, and other policy documents.
- Serve as a representative of the Arthritis Society Canada in coalitions and other stakeholder groups.
- Collaborate closely with the Vice President, Eastern Canada to effectively engage with Arthritis Society Canada leadership across the country, identifying and addressing regional advocacy and public policy matters.
- Act as the primary liaison and provide assistance to the French-speaking advocacy volunteer team, including organizing meetings, creating and distributing resources, offering advocacy guidance, and providing regular updates.
- Monitor and report on developments in priority policy areas, seizing opportunities to advance advocacy objectives through social and digital channels.
- Offer insights and analysis on emerging policy issues, contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
- Prepare background materials, key messaging, letters, and supporting documents for advocacy and public policy initiatives.
- Assist in the development and delivery of presentations on advocacy issues for internal and external audiences.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills:
- Post secondary education, preferably in public administration, health promotion, political science or equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of 3 years’ experience in the advocacy or public policy field is an asset.
- Bilingual French and English language skills essential for this position, given the requirement to interact with French- and English-speaking external and internal stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of health advocacy landscape, Quebec’s political landscape and Francophone culture essential.
- Ability to analyze, identify and respond to emerging issues/opportunities.
- Demonstrated experience and expertise in policy analysis, government relations/partnerships, and volunteer/community mobilization.
- Strong knowledge and skill in research, public policy development and advocacy techniques.
- Experience working with online advocacy tools and using digital/social media channels to promote campaigns and engage online community.
- Superior communication skills particularly with writing, editing and proof-reading.
- Technologically savvy, proficient in MS Office (Word/Excel) and PowerPoint.
Working Conditions:
- This position is based in Quebec but virtual, which means you will work remotely/from home within the province. You will be required to participate in meetings with Quebec legislators, in Quebec City, whether in person or virtually.
- There will be times throughout the year when you are required to travel to Toronto and other parts of Canada for in-person meetings, events, retreats and other opportunities to connect and collaborate.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as need be.
Some Highlights of What we Offer:
- Performance Rewards: Pay for performance incentive program.
- Health & Wellness: Extended healthcare benefits (including dental, vision, prescription drugs & disability coverage), choice of healthcare spending account and/or healthy living account, virtual 24/7 healthcare access & discounted fitness membership.
- Time-Away Programs: Vacation (at least 3 weeks), personal days, holiday closure & summer hours.
- Ways of Working: Working with us doesn't have to mean working in an office to have an impact. Our dedication to enabling you to flourish means that you can have choice and flexibility in where you work and live, subject to the needs of your role, the people you serve and our requirements. We have a hybrid working model, with home and office-based options available.
- Retirement Planning: DCPP whereby you contribute 4% of earnings & we match this with 5%, and a convenient reduced-fees Group RRSP scheme.
Apply Now:
If you are interested in, and qualified for, this exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume, in French language, to hr@arthritis.ca. We thank all applicants for their expression of interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Interested in a different role or know someone that would be a great fit for our team? We are creating an organization that is an exceptional place to work and volunteer. You are encouraged to visit our official careers site at www.arthritis.ca/careers where you can view all our current job opportunities across Canada and learn more about why you should join our team to help extinguish arthritis for good!