Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Policy

Canadian Cancer Society; Ottawa; Hybrid; CAD 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health advocacy organization is seeking an experienced Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Policy to lead efforts in shaping public health policies regarding cancer. This role entails strategic oversight of advocacy initiatives, engaging with government officials, and managing a diverse team. Candidates should possess a Master's degree and over 10 years of experience in health policy, coupled with excellent interpersonal, communication, and public speaking skills. Bilingualism is highly preferred. This position promises a significant impact on cancer care in Canada.

Benefits

Comprehensive total rewards package

Supportive and inclusive workplace

Qualifications

• 10+ years' experience in a senior political or health policy advancing role.
• Ability to influence government and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated success in leading and mentoring a high performing team.
• Passion for advancing cancer-related initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a dedicated team shaping public health policies and legislation.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy.
• Oversee national advocacy campaigns and mobilize stakeholders.
• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the policy and advocacy teams.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Public speaking skills

Strategic thinking

Emotional intelligence

Bilingualism (French/English)

Education

Master's degree

Job description

Reports to: Chief Mission Officer

Location: Ottawa or Montreal preferred, or another CCS office.

Vacancies: This posting is for 1 new role.

Direct reports: 4

Indirect reports: 30 employees

Departmental budget: 8M +

Salary: Comprehensive total rewards package including base salary of $200,000+

Please indicate your interest and apply directly to Caldwell, https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1275 and not through our Canadian Cancer Society career page.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Policy (EVP) will be leading an exceptional team of advocacy and policy professionals dedicated to transforming the future of cancer, Canada's leading cause of death. As one of the top health lobbyist organizations in the country, CCS has been shaping policy on cancer‑related issues for decades. CCS was at the forefront of historic wins like bans on indoor smoking and exposure to asbestos, restrictions on cigarette advertising, and the extension of Canada's Employment Insurance sickness benefit. The organization has successfully pushed for more recent changes like improving access to mammograms, expanding access to job‑protected medical leave, bringing awareness to the significant out‑of‑pocket costs of cancer borne by patients and caregivers, along with access to treatment and clinical trials. In this role, the EVP will help CCS continue to drive progress to save lives and improve the health of all Canadians.

Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer, the EVP will lead a dedicated team shaping public health policies and legislation related to healthcare and public health across Canada. In this executive leadership role, the EVP will advance relationships with all levels of government in Canada to achieve CCS's mission. The EVP will provide strategic direction on both existing and new advocacy initiatives, promoting legislative and regulatory changes to alleviate the burden of cancer on Canadians. Working at national, provincial and territorial levels, the EVP will drive meaningful systemic improvements leading to a future without cancer.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Nationwide Strategy

• Develop and execute a comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy aligned with CCS's mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the formulation of evidence‑based policy positions on cancer prevention, treatment, funding, health equity, and patient support.
• Oversee national and provincial advocacy campaigns, mobilizing stakeholders and the public to influence legislative and regulatory change.
• Serve as a spokesperson for CCS on policy and advocacy matters, representing the organization in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of policy and advocacy initiatives and report progress to the executive team and the Board of Directors.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and policy developments that have an impact on cancer prevention, care, and equity.
• Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of health policy and advocacy by staying current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices; prepare rapid responses to cancer‑related news and developments, to ensure CCS's voice is heard at critical moments. Monitor and evaluate the impact of policy and advocacy initiatives, using data to inform future strategies and improve effectiveness.
• Integrate diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity into nationwide advocacy strategies and partnerships.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, health agencies, partner organizations, and the cancer community.
• Work cross‑functionally with communications, fundraising, research, and support services teams to ensure integrated and impactful efforts.
• Collaborate with external partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to advance the organization's advocacy efforts and influence health policy.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key contacts at all levels of government, including MPs, provincial members of parliament, political staff, and public servants.
• Represent CCS at public forums and in discussions with government officials at conferences, budget hearings, and other political meetings to advance CCS's advocacy priorities.
• Lead grassroots policy and advocacy efforts to mobilize supporters to take action by building a robust network of policy influencers and volunteer advocates.
• Build strong relationships with people with lived experience and key opinion leaders who can help advance CCS's policy and advocacy work to improve cancer‑related policy in Canada.
• Establish partnerships nationally and globally with other organizations to amplify CCS's impact.

Team and Portfolio Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to the policy and advocacy teams, to ensure cohesive and integrated advocacy efforts.
• Foster a high‑performance culture that leverages the unique talents and strengths of each member while encouraging their growth and development.
• Oversee the design and implementation of impactful policy and advocacy campaigns, leveraging data, technology, and innovative tools and resources to enhance and modernize advocacy strategies.
• Optimize the budget and resources to drive maximum impact and meaningful results. Position CCS as a beacon of hope and leadership in the face of cancer, advocating powerfully and compassionately for better health for all.
• Ensure all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
• Shape public policies through recommendations, submissions, and correspondence with key political figures.
• Monitor cancer‑related legislative developments at the municipal, provincial, and federal levels of government and identify opportunities.

Education and Qualifications

• Master's degree with 10+ years' experience in a senior political or health policy advancing role.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills, with the ability to build trust and influence government and other stakeholders.
• Strong strategic thinking and demonstrated success in leading and mentoring a high performing team.
• Well‑developed emotional intelligence with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• A passion for advancing cancer‑related initiatives and making a meaningful impact on public health policies.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is highly preferred, with French being an asset due to the organization's pan‑Canadian operations and the need for effective communication across various regions and with all levels of government.
• Ability to travel to Ottawa and other Canadian cities frequently, including as needed, on weekends.

APPLICATION INFORMATION

CCS celebrates individuality and the strength of diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity‑deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of the organization. Together, CCS unites Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process.

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or about CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

All responses to Caldwell are confidential. For information on Caldwell's privacy policy, please see: www.caldwell.com/privacy-policy. The appointment will be made as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

AI Disclosure

We are committed to transparency and the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI‑assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.