Manager, Professional Practice and Advocacy

British Columbia Nurses' Union; Burnaby; On-site; CAD 132,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in British Columbia is seeking a Manager for Professional Practice and Advocacy. This role involves overseeing operations, advocating for nursing practices, and collaborating with health authorities. The ideal candidate will have a strong nursing background and leadership skills.

Benefits

Career development opportunities

Competitive compensation and benefits package

Qualifications

• Minimum 5-7 years of nursing practice.
• Proven leadership experience in complex environments.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for day-to-day operations of the PPA portfolio.
• Works closely with provincial partners to advance nursing practice.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem-Solving

Education

Bachelor of Nursing

Master of Nursing

Job description

The BC Nurses' Union (BCNU) is a strong, dynamic voice for nurses and nursing in British Columbia, representing more than 50,000 members. BCNU provides collective agreement negotiation and support to its members, as well as professional and advocacy services in the field of research, clinical practice, leadership and education. As the voice of the nursing profession in the province, we advocate for nurses and patients to ensure safe, quality, public health care for all.

JOB TITLE : Manager, Professional Practice and Advocacy

Excluded Full-Time

Reporting to : Director, Professional Practice and Advocacy

Salary Range : $132,000 to $160,000

Posting Period : May 9 to 13, 2025

SUMMARY

As part of the management team, the Manager of Professional Practice and Advocacy (PPA) is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the PPA portfolio and is an advocate and ambassador for professional practice, which includes education, research, and human rights and equity.

In collaboration with the Director of PPA, the Manager guides the strategic planning, implement and evaluation of the PPA operations plan. The Manager creates environments and opportunities conducive for individuals and teams to provide an innovative, timely and evidence informed PPA service for BCNU members. The Manager works closely with provincial partners (e.g., Health Authorities, Ministries) to ensure BCNU is represented and collaborating to advance nursing practice across BC.

SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES

This role is multifaceted, combining significant leadership and professional responsibilities :

Leadership : Responsible for therecruitment and retention of an engaged and high quality PPA team, and the provision of professional guidance, coaching, prioritization of work tasks and on-going performance feedback to this team. Ensures proper training, development, and deployment of staff. Works with staff to develop and implement continuous improvements through performance reviews and disciplinary methods as required. Responsible for performance management, including discipline up to termination, hiring, and promotions in consultation with the Director. Represents management in grievances involving PPA department staff. This currently includes the following portfolios :

• Professional Responsibility (PR)
• Research and Policy
• Internal Ratio Staff Team

Execution : Works with the Director to create, implement and evaluate the PPA operations plan.

Project Management : Works independently or with the Director to manage complex projects with both internal and external participants.

Subject matter expertise : Represents BCNU on professional practice matters in a variety of forums, including staff bargaining; to be seen externally as an advocate with exceptional knowledge and passion for PPA.

Strategy : Works with the Director and other senior leaders to develop external PPA strategies which further the goals of the BCNU, and establishes key initiatives, priorities and strategies for the areas of responsibility.

Budget and financial : Provides input into the annual PPA budget; implements and monitors PPA projects and portfolios.

Coverage for senior positions : This position will also provide relief coverage for the duties of the Director, PPA on a temporary, as required basis, as directed by either the Director, PPA or the Executive Director, Member Services

Relationships : Builds internal and external networks / partners (e.g. Health Authorities, Ministries, Academic Institutions, Regulatory College).

Oversight : Responsible for the following PPA functions (may have direct reports performing these functions but assumes overall responsibility for their effective execution) :

• Implement the Collective Agreement (CA) articles relevant to PPA (e.g., Professional Responsibility Process, Patient Care Assessment Process)
• Provide research support for BCNU departments (e.g., Communications, prepare for bargaining)
• Coach BCNU staff and members with knowledge translation (e.g., developing academic publications, conference abstracts, posters and presentations)
• Working with provincial partners to share data, create collaborative evaluation metrics (e.g., Health Authorities, HEABC)
• Develop position statements (as required by Council)
• Consult on professional practice issues
• Consult on the creation of learning opportunities for members (workshops, conference etc)
• Ensure BCNU is represented on external committees (e.g., Nursing Education Planning Council, LPN scope of practice)
• Build relationships with Academic partners including students and Internationally Educated Nurses
• Liaise with Health Authority Professional Practice departments

Explore upstream / preventative measures to support members in practice

CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS

An equivalent combination of education and related experience may be considered.

Education and Professional Certifications

• Bachelor of Nursing (or an equivalent combination of education and related experience)
• Master of Nursing (or a relevant Master's degree will be considered in combination with nursing experience)

Experience and Knowledge

• Minimum 5-7 years of nursing practice.
• Proven leadership experience in complex, cross-program / sector environments.
• Comprehensive knowledge about nursing professional practice including research and education as well as current trends and issues impacting Professional Practice.
• Solid knowledge of and experience with educational methodologies that align with the values and goals underlying BCNU education programs (e.g., popular education).
• Experience facilitating groups across health care sectors and / or agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, including oral presentations and written submissions or briefs.
• Superior interpersonal skills, with a focus on relational practice and coaching skills.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly respond to changing priorities and needs. Exposure and / or education in progressive change management strategies an asset.
• Proven organizational and project management skills.
• A thorough understanding of trade unions.
• A proven ability to provide leadership to teams of professional practice experts.
• A skilled communicator able to build networks and influence across the union, Employers, and other related parties.
• Superior written and oral communication (e.g., reports).
• Ability to participate in mediation and negotiation at an advanced level.
• Ability to prioritize multiple, often simultaneous projects.
• Sufficient flexibility, tact, and assertiveness to successfully negotiate complex internal and external relationships.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
• Sound judgement is required to translate broad directives and strategies into specific plans and actionable items.
• An advocate for healthcare and / or social justice (ideally with experience in British Columbia).
• Willingness and ability to take responsibility for their team in the context of organizational risk.
• Ability to travel throughout the province, nationally and internationally as required.

Why BCNU?

BCNU values, respects and protects diversity. We take pride in representing a diverse membership and staff. We offer an inclusive and supportive workplace with opportunities for career development and professional advancement as well as a competitive compensation and benefits package.

If you are seeking an opportunity to join a passionate and committed team, we'd like to hear from you!

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