Lead, Government Relations & Atlantic Partnerships

About this position

Career Opportunity

Lead, Government Relations & Atlantic Partnerships

Full-time, Permanent

Atlantic Canada, Remote

Parkinson Canada is the definitive voice for the Parkinson’s community in Canada. Our purpose is to transform the lives of people living with Parkinson’s. We do this through research leading to better treatments and the end of Parkinson’s, advocacy bringing the voices of Parkinson’s to the forefront and support that helps people live well with Parkinson’s through education and services.

A national registered charity, Parkinson Canada operates through the generosity of donors and is an accredited organization under the Imagine Canada Standards Program.

As a Parkinson Canada Employee, we believe in being:

• Bold by embracing new ideas and confidently taking action.
• Compassionate by striving always to walk in the shoes of those we serve.
• Collaborative by working cooperatively with all stakeholders so that together we can achieve more.
• Trustworthy by keeping our word and always doing what we promise.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Lead, Government Relations & Atlantic Partnerships is part of the Community Engagement team. This team is responsible for the development and delivery of Parkinson Canada’s Public Affairs and Advocacy efforts, Programs and Services, and revenue generation through community peer to peer events and partnerships

The Lead, Government Relations & Atlantic Partnerships 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 the Atlantic Region. The Lead 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 Public Affairs and Partnership directions of Parkinson Canada, assuring its accountability to all constituencies, and ensuring its effective operation.

Candidates must be located in the Atlantic region of Canada.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Government Relations

• 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 the Atlantic region in collaboration with the Manager, Government Relations, and other regional leads.
• Lead the implementation of the plan for public affairs in the Atlantic Region.
• Build and establish effective relationships with officials in federal and provincial governments and intergovernmental organizations and agencies.
• Monitor the political and government landscapes in the Atlantic 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 and Advocacy team, Community Engagement team, and broader Parkinson Canada team.
• Engages and supports Ambassadors and other volunteers in the public affairs and advocacy work in the Atlantic region.

Regional Partnerships Atlantic Canada

• Ensure people affected by Parkinson’s in Atlantic Canada are connected to the Community Engagement teams for appropriate support based on the needs.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships and partnerships in Atlantic Canada that serve the goals of Parkinson Canada’s strategic plan.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of a comprehensive plan for Ambassadors and other regional volunteers that includes a focus on opportunities for engagement, recruitment, retention, and training.
• Act as a spokesperson for Parkinson Canada in the Atlantic region.

Contribute to 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. 

WHAT IS NEEDED TO SUCCEED IN THIS ROLE

• Post-Secondary education (i.e. diploma or degree)
• Bilingual (French / English) an asset
• 5 years of experience in advocacy/public affairs or a related field such as in government
• Experience working with volunteers
• Experience working in a not-for-profit is an asset
• High degree of professionalism and integrity
• Dynamic, positive and engaged team builder and player
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently
• Detail oriented, excellent organizational skills, able to prioritize multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Excellent writing and presentation skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to maintain confidentiality
• Experience in successfully managing positive internal/external relationships
• Experience with Raiser’s Edge, Luminate, and VolunteerHub is an asset
• Proficiency in MS Office programs, Zoom, and familiarity with social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook.
• Demonstrated passion and enthusiasm for Parkinson Canada’s vision, mission and values

Join a team that celebrates diversity and inclusion and values work-life balance. We offer comprehensive benefits, generous time-off and vacation and opportunities to make a difference. If you are passionate about applying your knowledge, skills, and experience to improve the lives of Canadians living with Parkinson’s, then this role is for you!

HOW TO APPLY

Please send your résumé and cover letter in confidence, along with starting salary expectations by 5:00pm, November 1, 2022.

Human Resources

Parkinson Canada

4211 Yonge Street, Suite 316

Toronto, Ontario M2P 2A9

E-mail: human.resources@parkinson.ca

Please quote Reference #[LGA-1022]

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.