Associate/Senior Associate, Healthcare

Sussex Strategy Group; Toronto; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Sussex Strategy Group in Toronto is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Health Practice. You will work with senior team members and clients to develop and execute government relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications initiatives across Canada's healthcare landscape.

You will support a diverse portfolio including pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, not-for-profits, patient advocacy groups, healthcare providers, and life sciences

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in health sciences or related field required.
• 3-8 years of relevant healthcare, public affairs or policy experience.
• Direct experience with pharmaceutical or life sciences stakeholders is a strong asset.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian healthcare system and policy processes.
• Exceptional research, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and able to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and analysis on healthcare policy, government priorities, legislative and regulatory developments, and emerging issues impacting the health sector.
• Monitor federal and provincial policy developments and provide timely updates and strategic insights to clients and internal teams.
• Support the development and execution of government relations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategies.
• Draft briefing notes, stakeholder correspondence, policy analyses, consultation submissions, presentations, reports, and other client deliverables.
• Assist in preparing clients for meetings with government officials, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Participate in client meetings, stakeholder consultations, conferences, and industry events.
• Build and maintain relationships with government, healthcare, industry, and advocacy stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Sussex practice areas to develop integrated public affairs and communications strategies.
• Support business development activities, including research, proposal development, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Stay current on healthcare trends, policy developments, and emerging issues affecting clients and the broader health sector.

Skills

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Public affairs

Writing

Research

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in health sciences / related field

Graduate degree considered an asset

Job description

Sussex is seeking an Associate or Senior Associate to join its Health Practice. In this role, you will work closely with senior team members and clients to develop and execute government relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications initiatives that advance client priorities across Canada's healthcare landscape.

The successful candidate will support a diverse portfolio of health sector clients, including pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical companies, not-for profit organizations, patient advocacy organizations, professional member associations, healthcare providers, and life sciences organizations. You will contribute to policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, advocacy campaigns, government relations strategies, and strategic communications efforts that help clients navigate complex policy, regulatory, and political environments.

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated professional with a passion for healthcare policy, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement to grow their career within one of Canada's leading public affairs firms.

• Conduct research and analysis on healthcare policy, government priorities, legislative and regulatory developments, and emerging issues impacting the health sector.
• Monitor federal and provincial policy developments and provide timely updates and strategic insights to clients and internal teams.
• Support the development and execution of government relations, advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and public affairs strategies.
• Draft briefing notes, stakeholder correspondence, policy analyses, consultation submissions, presentations, reports, and other client deliverables.
• Assist in preparing clients for meetings with government officials, policymakers, healthcare leaders, and key stakeholders.
• Participate in client meetings, stakeholder consultations, conferences, and industry events.
• Build and maintain relationships with government, healthcare, industry, and advocacy stakeholders.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Sussex practice areas to develop integrated public affairs and communications strategies.
• Support business development activities, including research, proposal development, and strategic planning initiatives.
• Stay current on healthcare trends, policy developments, and emerging issues affecting clients and the broader health sector.

Who You Are

• Undergraduate degree in health sciences, public policy, political science, public administration, communications, business, or a related field. Graduate degree considered a strong asset.
• 3-8 years of relevant experience in healthcare, public affairs, government relations, public policy, advocacy, consulting, government/public sector, or a related field.
• Direct experience working with pharmaceutical companies, not-for profits, patient advocacy organizations, healthcare associations, or other health sector stakeholders is considered a significant asset. Candidates with demonstrated public affairs, government relations, or policy experience from other sectors are encouraged to apply.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian healthcare system and key health sector stakeholders.
• Knowledge of health policy development, government decision-making processes, and regulatory frameworks affecting the health sector.
• Exceptional research, analytical, writing, and communication skills.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
• Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to delivering high-quality work.
• Sound judgment, professionalism, and discretion when handling confidential client matters.
• Self-motivated, collaborative, and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior agency experience is considered a strong asset.

Pay Grade: $70,000 - 115,000 (commensurate with experience)

Our Recruitment Process

AI Screening: This position does not utilize AI tools as part of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and efficient evaluation of applicants.

Vacancy Status: This posting is for a new role within our organization.

Interview Notification: Applicants selected for interviews will be notified of hiring decisions within 45 days following their final interview.

Record Retention: All recruitment-related materials will be retained for a minimum of 3 years.

About Us

Sussex offers exceptional advisory services and empowers businesses, corporations, associations, and non-profit organizations to navigate complex public, government, and regulatory landscapes. Our expertise lies in developing and implementing comprehensive public affairs plans that shape public opinion, influence government policy, and advocate for our clients' interests.

Since our founding in 1998, we have proudly remained Canadian-owned and independently operated. With offices in Toronto and Ottawa and a network of accomplished affiliates nationwide, Sussex possesses unparalleled knowledge of government affairs, strategic communications, and digital advocacy to help achieve your business goals. At Sussex, we don't just understand the challenges our clients face, we embrace them as opportunities for growth and transformation.

Sussex is committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Our hiring process and decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We strive to create a workplace that values diversity and inclusivity, and we encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.

If you require accommodation during the recruitment process, please inform us of your requirements. We will work with you to provide accommodations based on your individual needs to ensure a fair and accessible process.