VP, External Affairs & Development

Executive Leadership Team Recruitment Vice President External Affairs & Development Mental Health Commission of Canada To Apply Contact Boyden Executive Search: Leslie Feldman [email protected] Michael Young [email protected] Land Acknowledgement The Head Office of the Mental Health Commission of Canada is located on the unceded, traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, in what is now called Ottawa, Ontario. We acknowledge that for thousands of years, the Algonquin People protected these lands, the Ottawa River Watershed, and its tributaries. As a national organization, we also acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many different nations. Today, a path to truth and reconciliation begins with recognizing both the stewardship and the sacrifices of the original peoples. We are committed to recognizing the errors of the past, acknowledging the challenges of the present, and contributing to a new and equitable relationship with the First Peoples. Organizational Overview At the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we deliver real and meaningful change through initiatives that support people in their communities. Our research and policy work addresses gaps in Canada’s mental health services to provide better outcomes for all. The Commission is seen as a leader nationally and internationally in several areas. Building upon the work done to date, our core mandate, and guided by Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the Commission focuses on the areas of substance use, suicide prevention, population-based initiatives, and engagement. This prioritization enables the Commission to be successful in meeting its mandate, remain focused, and have a measurable impact for those living with mental illness and their families and caregivers. The organization continues to evolve. Recently, the Mental Health Commission of Canada received charitable status and separately created a Not-For-Profit social enterprise, MHCC-Opening Minds, that offers mental health literacy programs designed to reduce stigma and encourage psychological health and safety in workplaces and communities. The MHCC is a champion for psychological health and safety in the workplace and received the Canada Order of Excellence Award for Mental Health at Work from Canada Awards for Excellence (CAE) in 2020 and 2017 as well as the Gold Award for Mental Health at Work in 2014. We continually invest in and co-develop the culture we want for our workplace. You will join an organization that prioritizes the mental health and wellbeing of staff, celebrates the contributions of employees, and promotes good communication and positive relationships. Vice President, External Affairs and Development The VP, External Affairs and Development is a key leadership position reporting directly to the President and CEO and will lead initiatives that build and execute government relations and stakeholder relations programs. The VP, External Affairs and Development will cultivate relationships with policy makers, industry leaders and other influencers, promote MHCC and MHCC-OM priorities at all government levels (Federal, Provincial, Territorial and Municipal), strengthen marketing and communications, foster strategic partnerships, and lead modest philanthropic activities. This is an opportunity for an exceptional leader to make a difference in people’s lives by contributing to the mental health sector within a supportive and collaborative team. The position is critical to the fulfillment of MHCC’s mission as we execute our strategic plan focused on improving timely access to quality, culturally appropriate mental health services. This role is critical to supporting the growth of both the Mental Health Commission and MHCC - Opening Minds (OM), the social enterprise division. The VP, External Affairs and Development will lead the department to establish and achieve aspirational objectives through strong and innovative leadership of the external affairs function. The VP of External Affairs and Development will raise the profile of the MHCC through traditional news media, public events, and social media to demonstrate our impact. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, this individual will work collaboratively to ensure the alignment of strategic and business plans with Commission strategic objectives and priorities. The VP may also provide back-up support and coverage for the President and Chief Executive Officer. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Government, Stakeholder and Rightsholder Relations Develop and implement MHCC’s government affairs strategy covering federal and provincial departments and agencies, policy makers, and regulatory bodies. Build relationships with local, provincial and national leaders, administrators, and regulatory agencies in support of MHCC’s mission and goals. Track and provide updates on external trends, developing points of view, and evolving legislation and policy. Develop and implement MHCC and MHCC-OM’s government affairs and communications strategy and programs. Responsible for defined partnership relationship management and processes. Create and manage a solid network of strategic partnerships and alliances in support of MHCC and MHCC-OM’s key priorities to mobilize support for research, ideas, products and programs. Responsible for fostering MHCC’s relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities, including National Indigenous Organizations. Responsible for operational leadership of MHCC’s charitable and philanthropic strategy, vision and activities. Marketing and Communication Create, implement, oversee and measure the success of a comprehensive, culturally competent marketing and communications program and strategy, that will enhance MHCC’s brand and position as the catalyst for mental health advancement. Oversee design, production and effective multi-channel distribution of MHCC’s knowledge products, messaging, communication and promotional campaigns. Design proactive media and public relations strategies to stimulate media interest, build brand awareness and convey messages for both MHCC and MHCC – Opening Minds. Ensure regular contact with targeted media and timely responses to requests (in conjunction with contracted consultants/agencies as appropriate). Devise and manage a robust digital and social media strategy and intelligence capability. Measure ongoing engagement with MHCC’s brand, research, products and advocacy efforts. Use data, analytics and insights to determine program and initiative success. Understand and track the effectiveness of key marketing and brand initiatives, research, programs/events. SKILLS & EXPERIENCE: Team leadership, including strategic planning, team development, and driving group success. A team player accustomed to gracefully working within a fast-paced environment. A proven record of delivering successful and impactful government relations programs at the federal and provincial/territorial levels. Experience building and running effective marketing and communication programs and building brands. A measurable track record at affecting change and building strong, sustainable and actionable relationships that deliver results with key external partners, including leaders, professionals and researchers in the field, academic circles, and associations, as well as across federal, provincial, local and government and regulatory bodies. Experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to establish relationships and support their health and wellness priorities. Excellent verbal and written communications skills in both official languages. Experience negotiating multi-year funding and partnership agreements. Adaptability, flexibility, diplomacy and tact. Ability to prioritize and multi-task under tight deadlines. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and influence others to move toward a common vision or goal. Excellent analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills. Experience and knowledge of organizational development principles, methodologies and tools. Organized and forward looking with a natural inclination for planning strategy and tactics. Acute business and financial acumen, along with a deep understanding of organizational issues and challenges. QUALIFICATIONS: At least 10 years of a combination of government relations, marketing, communication, brand management, digital and corporate communication experience, including significant senior management experience. University degree in management/business administration, communications/public relations, health-related field, or another applicable field. Preferred experience working within the health sector. Proficient in both English and French is a requirement for this role. Experience at a charitable organization would be considered an asset. COMPETENCIES: Values and Ethics Respectful of Diversity Continuous Learning Results Management Teamwork and Cooperation Risk Management Strategic Thinking Finance and Budget Team Leadership Psychological and Physical Health, Safety and Wellness Oral/Written Communication PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE DEMANDS: Extended periods of time spent in meetings (5 plus hours). Extended visual requirements (7 plus hours) due to computer related work. High requirement for multi-tasking and effectively dividing attention to numerous duties and responsibilities. High degree of concentration required (meetings, presentation, etc.). High level of stamina due to travel, work time requirements. High exposure to extended varying work hours. Must be comfortable working virtually and in open space environments. This strategically important position is located in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, this successful candidate will be expected to work from our offices a number of days a week. PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: High degree of deadline driven requirements. High level of multitasking. High level exposure to stress resulting from complex interactions, private enterprise relations, stakeholder relations, and output requirements. High level exposure to extended travel requirements (up to 20% and greater at times) and extension of workday beyond 7.5 hours. High level requirement to maintain concentration for extended periods of time in order to maximize engagement with various audiences. Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize own work. High degree of emotional intelligence required in order to develop and maintain effective relationships, communicate clearly, influence and inspire others, and to work well in a variety of team settings. High capacity to utilize effective negotiation skills. Responsive to possible rapid changes in priorities. Adaptable to change (organizational and environmental). Performance goals and objectives are established yearly and regularly reviewed. While working remotely, the Commission will not be responsible to reimburse any internet charges, or other home office expenses, including utilities or other furniture/equipment, in order to be able to work from home. #J-18808-Ljbffr