CMHA BC Division
905-1130 W. Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6E 4A4
Tel: (604) 688-3234 or 1-800-555-8222
Fax: (604) 688-3236
www.cmha.bc.ca

CAREER OPPORTUNITY 

SENIOR DIRECTOR –

POLICY, PLANNING & GOVERNMENT RELATIONS

Are you someone who understands the complex issues of mental health and addiction?  Do you have a desire to be a leader and advocate for positive change in the promotion of mental health and wellbeing?  Do you want to influence policy, legislation and practice to improve the lives of people living with mental health and addiction problems?  Do you want to play a major role in our B4Stage4 Campaign?  If your answer is yes, then we have the perfect career for you.  This is your opportunity to join a team of professionals and advocates who are driven and passionate about their work and who are always ready and willing to raise their voice to “Get Loud” about prevention, early intervention and timely care.

The Senior Director, Policy, Planning and Government Relations leads and directs the development and implementation of strategic policy priorities, in collaboration with stakeholders and  a federation of local CMHA Branches.

As a member of CMHA, BC Division’s leadership team, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, you will provide leadership in systems advocacy and change focused on mental health and addictions in British Columbia. In this strategic role, you will be leading and directing the development and implementation of strategic policy priorities, in collaboration with the provincial Branch network, and monitoring impact. The position is both proactive and reactive in its focus.

Most of your time will be taken up by:

• Ensuring the Association’s policy work is informed by the diverse culture context of BC.
• Leading innovative public policy campaigns that rely on the engagement of British Columbians.
• Directing the preparation of Association briefing notes, reports, government submissions, publications, positions papers, strategies, fact sheets, correspondence, website content, and presentation materials, as well as presenting on the policy work of CMHA at identified events and forums.
• Initiating and building effective partnerships with a broad network of internal and external stakeholders, including provincial government officials, research bodies, and stakeholder groups to advance shared strategic policy priorities
• Representing the interests of the Association, increasing understanding of the Association’s Policy and Planning Portfolio, and promoting collaboration and information exchange through participation at national and provincial events
• Functioning effectively within a federated organizational structure, through direct policy support to 14 CMHA Branches across BC and responses to policy work led by CMHA National

What you bring to the role:

A Graduate degree in a related field and a minimum of 7 to 10 years of progressive, recent and related experience which must include:

• An excellent track record in building strong relationships and the ability to communicate public policy positions to key audiences – people with lived experience, family members, policy makers, professionals, and others
• Experience in the development of public policy papers and positions that result in changes to legislation, regulations and or practices
• A proven track-record in a provincial government and/or non-profit organization with experience presenting complex issues and opportunities to high-level officials and other stakeholders
  • Progressive experience on a senior management team demonstrating collaboration and sensitivity to stakeholder perspectives
  • A keen understanding of Canada’s political system(s), including the legislative, executive and judicial branches
• Knowledge of budgeting, cost estimating, fiscal management principles and procedures
• Knowledge of organizational health and brand management, donor and sponsor relationships and experience in responding to media on policy issues

Located in downtown Vancouver, we offer a flexible work environment along with a competitive salary and benefits package. Occasional travel required within BC

How to Apply:

Please submit a PDF copy of your resume along with a cover clearly documenting how you satisfy the requirements outlined in this job posting to human.resources@cmha.bc.ca. by May 26, 2017. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted to schedule an interview.

For information about CMHA, visit our website at www.cmha.bc.ca

About CMHA

At the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), we are all about promoting the mental health of all and supporting the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness and addiction. Founded in 1918, the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity and nation-wide leader and champion for mental health.  CMHA BC Division’s Policy, Planning and Government Relations Department provides leadership in systems advocacy and change focused on mental health and addictions in British Columbia.

CMHA, BC Division is committed to our workforce reflecting the diversity of the communities within which we work. As such, we encourage applications from persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people, people of all sexual orientations and genders, and others who may contribute to the diversity of our staff. Personal experience with mental illness and or addiction, either through self or a loved one, is an asset.

Located on the unceded territories of the Coast Salish Peoples.