Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs

Lung Health Foundation; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit health organization based in Toronto is searching for a Director of Advocacy & Public Affairs. The role involves leading advocacy efforts to influence public policy regarding lung health issues. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in public affairs, excellent communication skills, and a strong commitment to health equity. This position offers a competitive salary and a hybrid working model, requiring office presence at least two days a week. Join us to make a significant impact on lung health across Canada.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Flexible hybrid work arrangements

Opportunities for personal growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in public affairs or advocacy.
• Experience in health, nonprofit, or public policy sectors is preferred.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is considered a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design of advocacy strategies aligned with LHF’s mission.
• Build relationships with government officials and stakeholders.
• Manage a high-performing public affairs team.

Skills

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Health equity knowledge

Strong communication skills

Project management

Education

Master’s degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Position: Director Advocacy & Public Affairs

Department: Programs & Public Affairs

Reports to: Vice President Programs & Public Affairs

Location: The Lung Health Foundation is based in Toronto and operates in a hybrid model in which staff are required to work at the office a minimum of two days each week with occasional travel within Ontario and across Canada as required.

Salary range: $90000 - $110000

Vacancy: This role will fill an existing vacancy.

About the Lung Health Foundation

Imagine a future where people living with lung cancer have a fighting chance. Where no one loses a loved one to asthma. Where people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) live life to the fullest. Where older adults maintain their independence. And where future generations are spared the debilitating effects of lung disease.

At the Lung Health Foundation (LHF) we’re committed to making that future a reality starting now.

Our Mission

• Groundbreaking research
• Policy and practice change
• Urgently needed programs and support
• Public education on critical lung health issues

At the core of our mission: Helping those impacted by lung disease.

Position Overview

The Director Public Affairs & Advocacy is a strategic mission-driven leader who will shape and guide the Lung Health Foundation's advocacy efforts at both the provincial and national levels. Reporting to the Vice President Programs & Public Affairs, the Director will lead a small but high-impact team dedicated to advancing public policy and systems change that reflect the lived experiences of people affected by lung disease and are grounded in strong evidence and equity.

This role is responsible for the development and execution of a comprehensive advocacy strategy that spans government relations, stakeholder engagement and the creation of actionable evidence-informed policy solutions. The Director will champion the Lung Health Foundation’s policy and advocacy priorities in key areas including COPD, asthma, lung cancer, youth vaping, health equity and health system transformation. The Director also holds a leadership role as secretariat of the National Lung Health Alliance (NLHA).

A central focus of the role will be to lead the development of evidence-based policy recommendations and legislative proposals working closely with researchers, clinicians, individuals with lived experience and decision-makers to ensure that LHF’s policy positions are both credible and deeply relevant to the communities we serve.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a seasoned values-driven leader who thrives at the intersection of policy research and lived experience. The ideal candidate brings a proven track record of influencing change, translating complex ideas into practical solutions and building trusted relationships across sectors. They are passionate about health equity, systems thinking and mobilizing others toward a shared vision for improved lung health for all.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Direction

• Lead the design and execution of a national public affairs and advocacy strategy aligned with LHF’s strategic plan.
• Ensure advocacy priorities are grounded in lived experience, health equity and evidence.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align advocacy with programming, research and communications efforts.

Stakeholder Engagement & Government Relations

• Build and manage relationships with government officials, health system leaders, clinicians, partner organizations and lung health advocates.
• Identify opportunities and lead meetings, briefings and consultations with decision‑makers to advance LHF’s policy priorities.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments relevant to lung health and provide strategic guidance.
• Support secretariat leadership of the National Lung Health Alliance.
• Develop strategic communications in collaboration with communications team to achieve advocacy and policy outcomes.

Team Leadership & Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Lead and support a public affairs and advocacy team fostering a collaborative high‑performing and inclusive culture.
• Provide coaching, goal‑setting and project oversight to ensure team deliverables are met.
• Work cross‑functionally with colleagues in communications, programs and research to ensure consistency in messaging and direction.

Evidence Mobilization & Policy Development

• Translate complex data and lived experience into compelling policy positions, briefing materials and advocacy tools.
• Lead the development of position statements, pre‑budget submissions, policy briefs and legislative recommendations.
• Represent LHF in coalitions, working groups and committees to advance shared goals.

Project Management & Operational Excellence

• Oversee planning, timelines and implementation of advocacy campaigns and policy initiatives.
• Track metrics and evaluate the impact of advocacy efforts to inform continuous improvement.
• Support the development of grant applications and reporting where relevant.

Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Skills

• Apply a health equity lens to all aspects of advocacy and public affairs.
• Ensure culturally safe, inclusive and accessible advocacy support for equity‑deserving populations.
• Incorporate anti‑oppression frameworks and the social determinants of health into team planning.
• Contribute to additional programs or initiatives based on emerging priorities.
• Help grow and maintain LHF’s network of advocacy partners.
• Support cross‑functional duties aligned with organizational goals.
• Assist in external communications and advocacy efforts including media engagement in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications team.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in public policy, public health, political science, health administration or a related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in public affairs, government relations or advocacy ideally within health, nonprofit or public policy sectors.
• Demonstrated success influencing policy or funding decisions at the provincial or federal level.
• Experience moving evidence into action through effective knowledge translation and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience managing and coaching a small team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to simplify complex issues for a range of audiences.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines and stakeholder relationships.
• Deep understanding of health equity, lived experience integration and person‑centered advocacy approaches.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work to attend advocacy related events.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is considered a strong asset.

Traits and Skills

The ideal candidate will be: Kind, supportive and collaborative; Diligent, organized and solutions‑focused; Coachable and committed to continuous learning; A clear and effective communicator; Comfortable navigating change and ambiguity; Driven by principles of equity, inclusion and respect.

Our Values

We are looking for individuals who: Lead with courage and passion; Embrace collaboration and teamwork; Are adaptable and forward‑thinking; Act with integrity and accountability; Are committed to the communities we serve.

Why the Lung Health Foundation

We offer more than just a job—we offer a mission‑driven environment where your work truly matters. At LHF you’ll find: A collaborative, creative and supportive team; A robust benefits package including RRSP matching; Flexible hybrid work arrangements; Opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The Lung Health Foundation is committed to providing a barrier‑free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, we will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

The Lung Health Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital civil union or domestic partnership status, family or parental status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the province where we operate. At the Lung Health Foundation we value the insights and innovation that diverse and inclusive teams bring to work.