Advocacy Specialist

Canadian Cancer Society•Regina, SK

3d•CA$52,000 - CA$58,000•Remote

About The Position

The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) is seeking an Advocacy Specialist to join their team. This role will focus on reducing the burden of cancer in the Prairie Region by advocating to governments and other stakeholders to ensure public policy supports cancer prevention, improves the lives of those affected by cancer, and lowers the public's risk of developing cancer. CCS is a leading health lobbyist organization with a history of shaping policy on cancer-related issues, including smoking bans, asbestos exposure restrictions, cigarette advertising regulations, and improvements in cancer screening and treatment access. The Advocacy Specialist will contribute to these ongoing efforts to save lives and improve the health of Canadians.

Requirements

Post-secondary education such as acquiring a university degree in a relevant discipline, such as public administration, health promotion, and political science or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least 1-3 years of experience in advocacy or a similar field.
Specific knowledge of the political landscape in Manitoba and/or Saskatchewan.
Demonstrated experience in government relations, and stakeholder, youth, and adult volunteer/community engagement and mobilization.
Demonstrated experience, knowledge and skill in public policy research and analysis, public policy development, and advocacy techniques.
Solid knowledge of a range of health-related issues including the components of health and health equity.
Demonstrated ability to build partnerships and succeed in a team environment with diverse stakeholders.
English is required.

Nice To Haves

French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.

Responsibilities

Advance organizational advocacy priorities by influencing public policy and government action across Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta in alignment with national and regional advocacy goals.
Build, maintain, and manage strategic relationships with key provincial and municipal stakeholders, including MLAs, Ministers, political staff, senior public servants, as well as health system partners and agencies, and relevant stakeholder organizations across the Prairies Region.
Represent the organization in meetings, consultations, and forums related to cancer prevention, control, and support for people living with and beyond cancer.
Lead or support the development of regional advocacy materials, including pre-budget submissions, election platforms, correspondence to elected officials, briefings, and legislative submissions, in collaboration with advocacy leadership.
Monitor, evaluate, and report on political, legislative, and policy developments across the Prairie Region, identifying risks, opportunities, and emerging issues relevant to advocacy.
Support and manage the planning, execution, and evaluation of advocacy initiatives and campaigns that advance strategic priorities at the provincial and regional level.
Support the development and delivery of regional advocacy strategies and initiatives aligned with the national advocacy plan and overall organizational strategy.
Lead or contribute to project management for advocacy initiatives, including planning, setting timelines, coordinating resources, tracking progress, and reporting on outcomes and key performance indicators.
Work cross functionally with communications, marketing, and public engagement teams to develop advocacy content, including key messages, briefing notes and backgrounders, media materials, web content, and social media assets.
Support and manage the delivery of advocacy-related events and activities, such as lobby days, report launches, stakeholder briefings, and public engagement campaigns across the Prairie region.
Mobilize advocates, volunteers, and external partners to strengthen advocacy impact and advance public policy goals across the Prairie Provinces.
Support the planning and management of grassroots advocacy and public engagement initiatives by working with volunteers, community members, and partner organizations to advance advocacy priorities.
Build and sustain relationships with relevant health organizations, non-profit partners, and community stakeholders to work together on advocacy priorities and initiatives.
Develop and provide advocacy guidance, tools, and messaging to advocates and stakeholders to support effective engagement with the stakeholders.
Contribute to internal planning, coordination, and reporting by providing input, analysis, and strategic advice regarding Prairies Region to advocacy leadership and cross-functional teams as required.
Other duties as assigned.
Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.