Specialist, Ontario Government Relations

Parkinson’s is a complex brain disease, and everyone’s Parkinson’s journey is different. More than 100,000 Canadians live with Parkinson’s and 30 more are diagnosed every day. There is currently no cure but, life with Parkinson’s is still possible.At Parkinson Canada, people with Parkinson’s are at the centre of everything we do. Parkinson Canada is at an exciting time of transformation, where we are aiming to be the “go to” connector and guide for people living with Parkinson’s. We strive to inspire and empower people living with Parkinson’s to thrive through tailored programs, innovative research and raising the voice of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s through our advocacy efforts.If you want to make a positive impact on the lives of Canadians impacted by Parkinson’s, work with passionate, dedicated people where diversity and inclusion is celebrated and partner with great organizations that have the same goal then we look forward to meeting you!Perks and BenefitsWe offer generous benefits including:Paid vacation time & float daysHybrid & In-person work opportunitiesSummer Hours: Half days every Friday between Canada Day and Labour DayHoliday ClosuresHalf days the Friday before a statutory holiday MondayComprehensive medical, primary care, dental, vision and mental health benefitsRRSP BenefitsYou will also have access to:Financial and legal advisorsCareer councillorsMental health professionals and resourcesJob OverviewThe Specialist, Ontario Government Relations is responsible for positioning Parkinson Canada as an organization for positive change for people living with Parkinson’s through public affairs, government relations and strategic partnerships in Ontario. The Specialist will contribute to a comprehensive advocacy framework that positions Parkinson Canada as a philanthropic and community leader on significant public policy matters and raise its profile among key audiences and within the community. This position collaborates with other staff in charting the Government Relations and partnership directions of Parkinson Canada, assuring its accountability to all constituencies, and ensuring its effective operation.What You’ll Be DoingPublic Relations, Government Relations, and Policy Development Contribute to the development of a national advocacy framework and public affairs program that addresses federal and provincial levels of government.Lead the development of a plan for public affairs in Ontario in collaboration with the Director, Government Relations.Lead the implementation of the plan for public affairs in Ontario.Build and establish effective relationships with officials in federal and provincial governments and intergovernmental organizations and agencies.Monitor the political and government landscape in Ontario for opportunities to address the needs for people affected by Parkinson’s.Collaborate with other organizations on policy issues that are relevant for people affected by Parkinson’s and acts as a representative on internal/external task forces, coalitions, committees as required.Contribute to the collective goals of the Government Relations team, Community Engagement Team, and broader Parkinson Canada team.Engages and supports volunteers in the public affairs and advocacy work in Ontario.Regional Partnerships – Ontario Ensure people affected by Parkinson’s in Ontario are connected to the Community Engagement teams for appropriate support based on the needs.Build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships in Ontario that serve the goals of Parkinson Canada’s Strategic Plan and Strategic Public Affairs Plan.Contribute to the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for regional volunteers that includes a focus on opportunities for engagement, recruitment, retention, and training.Act as a spokesperson for Parkinson Canada in Ontario.Team Effectiveness Be a positive ambassador for Parkinson Canada.Work collaboratively with senior management colleagues to ensure success in meeting and/or exceeding Organization Goals and Objectives (Includes: Strategic, Budgetary and Operating Objectives).Participate in team and staff meetings and provide ideas for improvement.Share in handling workload for positive results.Contribute to other projects and initiatives as needed.Work to build collaborative relationships with all Parkinson Canada colleagues.QualificationsPlease include a cover letter along with your resume in one document. Post-Secondary education (i.e. diploma or degree)3-5 years of experience working in advocacy/public affairs or a related field/setting such as in government.Bilingual (French / English) an asset.Experience working with volunteers.Experience working in a not-for-profit an asset.Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for Parkinson Canada’s vision, mission and values.Ability to work collaboratively and independently as well as prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines.Experience in successfully managing positive internal/external relationships.Experience developing communications for government relations (PR for GR) content an asset.Experience using New Mode asset.Proficiency in Excel, Office, and Adobe Connect, and familiarity with social media platforms such as, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.Parkinson Canada has implemented a mandatory vaccination requirement for all its employees. Proof of full vaccination will be required prior to commencement of employment.Parkinson Canada will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment and selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted. Please indicate accommodations as required if contacted.Please note that the successful candidate will be required to pass a standard Criminal Record Check.