Advisor, Government Relations

Ontario Medical Association•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Responsibilities

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.