Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC)

Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.; Toronto; On-site; CAD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

A global health organization is seeking an experienced Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC) to shape health priorities worldwide. The successful candidate will develop and execute advocacy strategies, engage with key stakeholders, and lead a team in creating impactful communications. With over 15 years of experience in policy and advocacy, this role demands outstanding leadership and communication skills, as well as a deep understanding of the global health landscape. This is a full-time executive position based in Toronto, Ontario.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in policy development, advocacy, and communications.
• At least 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Strong understanding of the global health landscape.

Responsibilities

• Establish and oversee the new Policy & Advocacy function.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive PAC strategy.
• Manage the Global Communications team and establish key relationships.

Skills

Policy development

Advocacy

Communications

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Relationship building

Education

Master’s degree in public policy, international relations, or related field

Job description

Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC)

Join to apply for the Head of Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC) role at Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc.

The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization committed to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. We work at the invitation of governments to support them and the private sector to create and sustain high-quality health systems. CHAI was founded in 2002 in response to the HIV / AIDS epidemic, with a broad focus on infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases, and works to accelerate the rollout of vaccines, reduce maternal and child mortality, combat chronic malnutrition, and increase access to essential health services. CHAI operates in 40 countries and is committed to maximizing sustainable impact at scale, with governments leading solutions and programs designed to scale nationally.

CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to fairness and mutual respect, where all applicants have access to equal employment opportunities. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that leadership and contributions from people with diverse backgrounds strengthen our mission.

Team and PAC vision

To shape and advocate for global health priorities, CHAI is establishing a Policy, Advocacy, and Communications (PAC) function. The Head of PAC will design, lead, and grow this function from inception, serving as a trusted voice and catalyst for change. The Head of PAC will drive CHAI’s global vision to remove systems barriers and enhance CHAI’s visibility as a catalytic thought leader and trusted partner to donors, media, and partners globally.

The PAC team will focus on three areas: Policy, Advocacy, and Communications. CHAI’s Global Communications team will join this newly created function to support external and internal communications, brand management, and messaging across CHAI’s platforms.

Responsibilities

Policy, Advocacy, and Communications Leadership (40%)

Work with the CEO and senior CHAI leadership to establish a new Policy & Advocacy function and oversee CHAI’s central Global Communications team.

Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive PAC strategy to shape health priorities globally, regionally, and nationally.

Establish CHAI as a leading voice on critical health policy issues through strategic relationship building and thought leadership.

Identify emerging trends in global health and translate them into actionable insights for decision-makers.

Partner with program teams to translate programmatic insights into policy recommendations and communications plans.

Develop and execute targeted policy, advocacy, and communications strategies to amplify CHAI’s impact.

Oversee CHAI’s central communications portfolio, ensuring consistent messaging and brand across the organization. Approximately 75% focus on policy / advocacy and 25% on organizational communications.

Manage the Global Communications team, including recruitment, development, and performance management.

Establish and grow the Policy and Advocacy team (size to be determined) and manage departmental budgets.

Lead risk management and crisis communications initiatives.

External Engagement and Advocacy (30%)

Lead engagements with government officials, UN agencies, multilateral institutions, bilateral donors, and other key stakeholders.

Represent CHAI as a senior spokesperson across policy forums, external audiences, and meetings with donors and policymakers.

Cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets to advance CHAI’s goals.

Develop and execute advocacy strategies for priority policy issues, including power mapping and stakeholder analysis.

Identify and engage champions and influencers to amplify CHAI’s priorities and drive policy change.

Build strategic partnerships and coalitions to advance shared objectives.

Plan and coordinate expert-led events, including webinars and press conferences.

Research & Content Development (30%)

Analyze shifts in CHAI’s core domains and design PAC strategies to maximize influence and impact.

Create frameworks to assess policy impact across country contexts.

Lead development, writing, and editing of materials such as annual reports, talking points, press releases, white papers, and technical recommendations.

Oversee CHAI’s digital channels to reflect priorities and amplify PAC goals.

Provide strategic communications support to CHAI leadership, including briefing memos, speeches, and op-eds.

Qualifications

Advanced degree required (Master’s, JD, or equivalent), preferably in public policy, international relations, public health, or related field.

15+ years of progressive experience in policy development, advocacy, and communications, with at least 5 years in senior leadership roles.

Experience managing and building high-performing teams.

Deep experience and network with governments, multilateral institutions, and nonprofit partners on health or development policy.

Demonstrated track record of policy‑shaping that achieved measurable impact.

Strong understanding of the global health landscape and key technical areas.

Excellent analytical and strategic thinking skills with ability to translate complex issues into actionable recommendations.

Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and media engagement.

Ability to generate high-quality media coverage and navigate a fast‑paced environment with multiple priorities.

Ability to work across cultures and in resource‑constrained settings.

Political acumen and relationship‑building skills at senior levels of government and international organizations.

Advantages

Experience working with low- and middle-income country governments.

Experience in US Government and / or non‑profit environments.

Established relationships with donors, UN agencies, and media outlets covering global health or development.

Fluency in additional languages (e.g., French or Spanish).

Seniorities and employment

Seniority level: Executive

Employment type: Full-time

Job function: Other

Industries : Non-profit Organizations

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