Director of Policy and Government Relations

About this position

Reports to: Executive Director, CHRA

Hours: 35 hours per week

Compensation: starting wage $81,298 to $90,398 depending on qualifications and experience. Maximum wage $111,768.

Benefits: Starting at 15 days/year paid vacation, plus 2 annual discretionary flex days
Reduced work week in July & August with Fridays off
12 paid sick days/year
Extended health benefits
Matched RRSP payments at additional 5% of salary

Location: CHRA offers a hybrid work environment. The Director of Policy and Government Relations must be available for in-person meetings in downtown Ottawa.

Application: Send cover letter and resume to Ray Sullivan, Executive Director (Ray@chra-achru.ca) before 3:00 pm ET, Friday, March 15, 2024.

CHRA’s mission is to lead and provoke system-wide action toward the right to housing for all by serving as the national voice of the community housing sector and creating the conditions for community housing providers to achieve their goals.

Our strength comes from our members. As a national membership-based organization, we represent organizations and individuals from every Canadian province and territory. Our members include affordable and social housing providers, Indigenous housing providers, municipalities, provincial and territorial housing departments, housing associations and networks, non-profit organizations, business partners, and individuals.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Policy and Government Relations oversees advocacy, policy-related program content, and works with members, external stakeholders and the Board of Directors to represent CHRA and put forth a strong national advocacy voice to ensure a holistic human rights framework and guide housing funding and investment in Canada.

The Director of Policy and Government Relations works with the Executive Director and CHRA membership to make CHRA the go-to partner to gain expertise and collaborate on housing outcomes and foster connections and a community of practice toward housing solutions in Canada.

Responsibilities:

Advocacy and Government Relations

• Responsibility to lead CHRA efforts to plan and develop research, program, policy, and advocacy strategies, such as for national campaigns, Federal elections, budgets, and other related activities, as directed by the Executive Director and the Board Advocacy Committee.
• Represent CHRA at meetings with Ministers, Members of Parliament, senior officials, and key decision-makers to share the experience and expertise of CHRA members and to influence public policy.
• Communicate to CHRA members and stakeholders on affordable housing public policy, programs, government announcements and advocacy results.
• Write position papers, articles, and policy analysis to advance CHRA’s objectives.
• Support the Advocacy Committee, setting agendas, recording minutes, and translating their direction into action.

Program Development and Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the strategic planning and content development of the annual Housing on the Hill Day, coordinating with the Director of Programs, Partnerships and Events on logistics.
• Contribute to CHRA education activities as needed, including webinars, Congress, and other program content, collaborating with the Senior Manager of Education.
• Work with other CHRA staff to ensure CHRA events and programs advance advocacy priorities.
• Identify emerging issues and trends relevant to the social and nonprofit housing policy and public programs and develop strategies to disseminate knowledge of these trends through CHRA programs.
• Assist in identifying sponsorship opportunities, networks and funding sources as required.
• Participate in CHRA member roundtables and planning sessions such as Board meetings, provincial association meetings, and other sector activities.
• Represent CHRA, and participates in external national partnership and research committees, acting as a key resource for meetings, policy position development and knowledge exchange opportunities.
• Act as a liaison with CMHC and other federal government departments and agencies to implement knowledge sharing, research, and other related activities of benefit to CHRA members.

Leadership

• Support and contribute to an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture.
• Collaborate with CHRA staff, the Board of Directors, and members to achieve CHRA’s mission and execute its strategic plan.

Qualifications:

• University degree in social sciences or public affairs, preferably with a focus on housing or homelessness. Master’s degree is an asset.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in stakeholder relations, policy development or advocacy, ideally in a national association setting.
• Knowledge of housing policy, operations, or program development.
• Strong knowledge of government policy processes and experience dealing with government officials.
• Excellent English communication skills, including writing and verbal skills.
• Bilingualism in English and French.
• Highly organized and offers exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a high level of professionalism.
• Ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.
• Candidates must be eligible to be a registered lobbyist with the Office of the Commissioner of Lobbying of Canada.

CHRA fosters an inclusive work environment. We welcome and prioritize applications from Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, folks with disabilities, people with lived experience of poverty and homelessness, and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA2+. We can accommodate during all phases of the selection process. We invite applicants to self-identify if they are part of a priority group.