Director, GSR and Public Affairs

Job Posting #

2025-04

Title:

Director, Government Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs

Classification:

Professional

Employment Duration:

Permanent, Full-time

Salary Range:

$167,432 to $180,201

Location:

Toronto, ON

The Ontario Association of Children's Aid Societies (OACAS) has represented Children's Aid Societies in Ontario since 1912, providing service in the areas of government relations, communications, information management, education, and training to advocate for the protection and well-being of children.

Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Director of Government Stakeholder Relations and Public Affairs will lead the development and execution of the strategic, tactical and operational aspects of communications, government, and stakeholder engagement plans, programs, projects and initiatives to advance the OACAS' mission and enhance the OACAS and Child Welfare reputation. With the extensive knowledge of stakeholder needs and understanding the political sphere within the government, the Director will enhance communication effectiveness and relationship management with all key stakeholders to ensure that all interactions build confidence and trust among stakeholders, influencers, and the public. This role will be working closely with government officials both political and bureaucratic to advance OACAS' and our members priorities to ensure that the provincial governments' policies, regulations and legislation reflect the needs of OACAS and our members. The Director will also manage all public relations, communications and issues management, including maintaining relationships with local and national media and handling crisis communications for the Association and its members when necessary.

Main Responsibilities:

Government Relations

• Create and execute various government relations strategies as well as the related tactics and initiatives that support the association's strategic priorities in consultation with the CEO, and in collaboration with both internal and external stakeholders, where appropriate.
• Work with government officials both political and bureaucratic to advance OACAS' and our members priorities and ensure that the provincial governments' policies, regulations and legislation advance the best interest, safety, protection and wellbeing of children, youth and families.
• Monitor, analyze and interpret proposed legislation, regulation and other public policy initiatives at provincial levels, advise OACAS CEO and senior leadership team on the implications of those proposed initiatives, and provide recommendations on appropriate responses and/or courses of action.
• Build influential relationship with government decision makers, including Ministers, Members of Parliament, political staff, policy makers and department officials to ensure that OACAS is a leader on all public policy discussion related to the sector.
• Develop and execute lobbyist and advocacy initiatives within the political sphere of the provincial government to advance the priorities of the Association and of the child welfare sector.
• Support members in local advocacy efforts through strategic advice, recommendations and consultations.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead the development and execution of stakeholder engagement strategies to foster collaboration and relationships between OACAS and key partners including government stakeholders, community partners and media outlets.
• Establish and nurture networks and relationships with sector leaders, community organizations, and advocacy groups to support OACAS' priorities, values and mission.
• Advise the CEO and senior leadership team on stakeholder engagement opportunities, strategies, emerging trends and issues to support strategic decision-making, and critical issues responses.
• Develop and maintain strong internal and external relationships to exchange information with community, key stakeholders and other partnerships.
• Serve as the primary liaison between OACAS and its stakeholders.
• Coordinate internal and external stakeholder engagement efforts, including being the public spokesperson on behalf of the CEO, as required.
• Establishes protocols on stakeholder engagement to streamline interactions to ensure a consistent approach within the Association.

Communications and Public Relations

• Lead the creating of a comprehensive communication strategy aligned with the organization's goals, including messaging, key audiences, and communication channels.
• Develop strategic messages and high-level communications materials for dissemination to target audiences including government and members.
• Develop, execute and monitor innovative communications strategies to increase public and stakeholder engagement and reposition the sector to better advocate for children and youth.
• Provides leadership for public education campaigns while implementing the sector's public engagement strategy.
• Manages internal communications and staff engagement initiatives.
• Serve as a communications advisor to both the Association and key stakeholders within the sector (e.g. CASs).
• Serve as media relations officer for the Association and support member agencies in media relations and communication.
• Oversee public relations strategy to ensure consistent messaging that aligns with OACAS' objectives.
• Develop and implement plans to respond to potential crisis or negative publicity on behalf of the OACAS and the sector.
• Monitor public perception and take appropriate steps to maintain a positive image of OACAS and the sector.

Other Responsibilities

• Provides oversight of events organized by the Association and in partnership with stakeholder groups.
• Contributes to the development of the OACAS Strategic Plan, Annual Operational Plan, Operating Policies, Standards and Guidelines.
• Fosters an environment of high performance, with an emphasis on service excellence, continuous improvement and teamwork to achieve high standards for the department.
• Creates and leads a high performing team that reflects diversity, support innovation and encourages different perspectives.
• Ensures that Association's Accountability Statements including but not limited to Confidentiality, Code of Conduct, Diversity, Discrimination and Harassment policies, etc. are embodied personally, as well as and within the team.
• Represents OACAS on external groups, including special purpose groups, ad hoc committees, external task groups as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education and Experience

• Post secondary education in a relevant discipline from a recognized academic institution;
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in government relations, public affairs, strategic communications, stakeholder engagement and management, or related role; OR
• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Expertise in child welfare policies, practices, programs, and strategic initiatives.
• Extensive experience in government policy-making and strong networks with policymakers.
• Deep understanding of political and bureaucratic decision-making processes.
• Strong knowledge of legislative and regulatory frameworks.
• Proven ability to provide strategic advice to advance organizational objectives.
• Experience in issues management, public relations, and reputation management.
• Sound judgment in handling politically and reputationally sensitive issues.
• Strong collaboration and relationship-management skills across sectors and government.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and addressing systemic barriers in child welfare.
• Excellent analytical skills to assess information, identify risks, and make recommendations.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and communication skills for stakeholder engagement.
• Project and contract management skills to lead and evaluate initiatives.
• Excellent written communication skills for briefings and public materials.
• Deep knowledge of communications, public relations, branding, and marketing strategies.
• Ability to develop compelling advertising and storytelling strategies.
• Calm, confident demeanor in high-pressure situations.
• Strong ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Consulting and problem-solving expertise for supporting member agencies.
• Leadership and negotiation skills to foster collaboration and influence decisions.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

Assets:

• Formal training in mediation and negotiation
• Experience in the child welfare sector or related field
• Bilingual French and English

Working Conditions

Involves minimal physical and/or psychological risk which may result from unavoidable exposure to dangerous situations or hazardous, disagreeable or uncomfortable working conditions.

APPLY ONLINE at

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=5504a194-52e8-4f07-ae3b-2acc61f702f0&ccId=19000101_000001&lang=en_CA

by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18, 2025. Please attach a cover letter and resume in one file.

We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted. OACAS is committed to building a diverse workforce representative of the communities we serve. We encourage and are pleased to consider applications from all qualified candidates, without regard to race, colour, citizenship, religion, sex, marital / family status, sexual orientation, gender identity, indigenous status, age or disability.

Accommodation at OACAS

We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive and barrier free. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code.

Applicants are required to make any accommodation requests for the application, interview or selection process known in advance by contacting the Human Resources Department at 416 987-3677 or hr@oacas.org.

Human Resources will work together with the hiring committee to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation for the interview or selection process which will enable you to be assessed in a fair and equitable manner.