Director, Government Relations

Do you want to work for a health care organization that changes people's lives? One that not only cares deeply about clients, but also values that its employees are its greatest asset?

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada is a unique health services organization that serves people who are blind or partially sighted across the country. Our certified specialists provide training that empowers clients to develop or to restore activities of daily living skills, to promote their independence, to enhance safety and mobility. We collaborate closely with ophthalmologists, optometrists, and other health care professionals, by providing essential care on a referral basis in homes, workplaces and communities across the country.

We offer competitive salaries and benefits, flexible schedules, and opportunities for professional development and growth.

Position Title: Director, Government Relations

Location: Can work out of any VLRC office in Canada

Term: Full-time, Permanent

Reports To: Vice President, Healthcare Innovation

Date: March 20, 2025

I. Scope And Summary Of Primary Responsibilities

The Director, Government Relations is a key leadership role within Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC), responsible for developing and executing strategies to influence public policy, secure government funding, and enhance stakeholder relationships at the federal and provincial level.

Reporting directly to the VP, Healthcare Innovation, the Director will lead advocacy initiatives, foster strategic partnerships, and ensure alignment with VLRC's strategic goals.

II. Essential Functions

This position entails, but is not limited to the following:

Government Relations Strategy and Advocacy

• Develop and implement a comprehensive government relations strategy aligned with VLRC's strategic objectives and VLRC's role in Canada's national strategy to support the prevention and treatment of eye disease, as well as vision rehabilitation, to ensure better health outcomes for Canadians.
• Advocate for policies and funding that support vision rehabilitation and vision health services.
• Monitor legislative and regulatory developments that impact VLRC and its stakeholders.
• Analyze emerging and current socio-economic and political issues, as well as government legislation/policies that are expected to impact VLRC and Canadians with sight loss.
• Collaborate with colleagues at CNIB and Deafblind Community Services to operationalize goals of "Stronger Together" in all aspects of government relations and public policy initiatives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with government officials, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with advocacy groups, healthcare organizations, and vision health partners to advance shared policy goals.
• Represent VLRC in public forums, industry events, and government consultations to advocate for VLRC's mission and strategic priorities.

Communications and Briefings

• Write briefing notes, policy papers, and position statements to communicate VLRC's perspectives to decision-makers.
• Prepare comprehensive reports, presentations, and advocacy materials for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on political and policy developments.
• Work with communications teams to develop digital advocacy campaigns and leverage opportunities to amplify VLRC's priorities.

Meeting Coordination and Representation

• Organize and coordinate meetings with elected officials, senior bureaucrats, and key stakeholders to influence policy discussions.
• Attend legislative hearings, committee meetings, and public consultations to represent VLRC's interests and provide subject matter expertise.
• Facilitate productive discussions and follow-up actions post-meetings to advance VLRC's advocacy objectives.

Leadership and Collaboration

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support advocacy initiatives and campaigns, ensuring cohesive messaging and strategic alignment.
• Provide strategic support and advice to the Executive Leadership Team on government relations and public policy.
• Act as an ambassador for VLRC, representing and promoting the organization at relevant external events.
• Actively networks and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support the execution of VLRC's strategic plan and further its mission.

Relationships

• Internal Collaboration: President's Office, VP Healthcare Operations, Executive Leadership Team and cross-functional departments.
• External Stakeholders: Elected officials, government agencies, advocacy organizations, healthcare partners, vision health stakeholders and community leaders.
• Influence and Diplomacy: Manage multiple relationships through strategic influence, diplomacy, information sharing, value-added expertise, and effective facilitation.

Requirements

III. Qualifications

Knowledge and Skill Requirements:

• In-depth knowledge of the Canadian political landscape and government decision-making processes at federal, provincial and municipal levels.
• Proven ability to develop and implement effective government relations and advocacy strategies in alignment with strategic priorities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Strategic thinking with strong analytical and problem-solving skills to navigate complex policy environments.
• High level of professionalism, diplomacy, and political acumen for effective stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities with a strategic and solutions-oriented mindset.
• Strong leadership and team collaboration skills, with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams and stakeholders.

Experience and Education:

• Minimum 5 years of experience in government relations, public policy, or advocacy, preferably in healthcare or non-profit sectors.
• Established network within government and public policy stakeholders is highly desirable.
• Experience working with national and provincial health policy frameworks is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated success in influencing public policy, securing government funding, and leading advocacy initiatives.
• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or a related field is required.
• Master's degree in Public Policy, Healthcare Administration, or related discipline is preferred.

Work Environment:

• Occasional travel will be required to attend meetings, conferences, and public consultations.
• Hybrid work environment with flexibility to work from any VLRC office across Canada.
• Success in this role will be measured by the effectiveness of advocacy initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and the achievement of policy and funding objectives.

Benefits

Apply Now!

If this sounds like the role for you, apply now to janice.rego@vlrehab.ca

Be sure to include a resume, cover letter, and mention how you heard about this opportunity.

VLRC is committed to creating and fostering an inclusive workplace and we are committed to a fair, transparent, and accessible recruitment process. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss. Direct lived experience would be a definite asset.

VLRC is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process. Please note that a successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

Not sure if you qualify? Think about applying anyway! We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you possess similar experience to what we've listed above, we encourage you to apply. We believe that diverse experience, transferable skills, and passion are key!

We thank all applicants for their interest in VLRC, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Closing Date for Applications: March 31, 2025 #J-18808-Ljbffr