Manager, Advocacy & Public Affairs

Lung Health Foundation; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A health advocacy organization in Toronto is seeking a Manager, Advocacy & Public Affairs. This role is vital in executing advocacy initiatives and driving policy change related to lung health in Canada. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in advocacy, excellent communication abilities, and experience in research. The position offers a hybrid working model requiring office attendance a minimum of two days a week, supporting a mission of improving lung health through significant policy influence.

Benefits

Robust benefits package including RRSP matching

Flexible, hybrid work arrangements

Opportunities for personal and professional growth

Qualifications

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in advocacy or public affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Bilingualism in French and English is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate advocacy initiatives and campaigns aligned with organizational goals.
• Prepare high-quality advocacy materials tailored to different audiences.
• Monitor relevant policy developments and flag opportunities for action.

Skills

Advocacy coordination

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Research skills

Communication skills

Education

Master's degree in public policy or related field

Job description

Position: Manager, Advocacy & Public Affairs

Department: Programs & Public Affairs

Reports to: Director, Advocacy & 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: $70,000 - $80,000

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

We work to improve the lung health of Canadians through:

• 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 Manager, Advocacy plays a critical role in advancing the LHF’s mission to drive positive change in lung health policy and practice across Canada. Reporting to the Director, Advocacy & Public Affairs, the Manager is responsible for the day-to-day execution of advocacy initiatives that support our strategic priorities at both the provincial and national levels.

This role is hands‑on and highly collaborative. The Manager will help coordinate and implement advocacy campaigns, organize and support government relations activities, and foster relationships with a wide range of stakeholders including policymakers, healthcare professionals, community partners, and individuals with lived experience. A key part of the role involves translating research, data, and personal stories into compelling, accessible materials such as policy briefs, backgrounders, and presentation decks that inform and influence decision-making.

The Manager will also monitor relevant policy developments, assist in drafting submissions and position statements, and support the planning of high‑impact advocacy events such as lobby days, stakeholder roundtables, and consultations. They will work closely with internal teams including Programs, Research, and Communications to ensure alignment and consistency across all public affairs efforts.

This is an ideal opportunity for a passionate and driven policy or advocacy professional who is ready to take the next step in their career. The successful candidate will bring strong coordination and communication skills, a keen eye for detail, and a demonstrated interest in health equity and systems change. They will thrive in a fast‑paced, evolving environment and be motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of people living with or at risk of lung disease.

The Manager, Advocacy will be a key contributor to a small but high‑impact team working to amplify the voices of patients, advance evidence‑based solutions, and influence the future of lung health policy in Canada.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy and Advocacy Support

• Assist in the implementation of LHF’s advocacy strategies by coordinating timelines, activities, and deliverables that align with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Support the preparation of high‑quality advocacy materials, including briefing notes, one‑pagers, talking points, backgrounders, and presentations, tailored to different audiences such as policymakers, partners, and the public.
• Monitor federal, provincial, and territorial policy developments, legislative activities, and emerging issues related to lung health, and flag relevant opportunities or risks for the organization.
• Contribute to the development and execution of advocacy campaigns that raise awareness and drive action on key issues such as lung cancer, COPD, asthma, and vaping.

Government and Stakeholder Engagement

• Help coordinate and support outreach to elected officials, public servants, and relevant stakeholders through meeting logistics, calendar management, preparation of briefing materials, and timely follow‑up.
• Assist in organizing advocacy events, stakeholder roundtables, webinars, and consultations that advance policy priorities and strengthen relationships with key audiences.
• Work closely with colleagues to build and maintain accurate stakeholder databases and engagement tracking systems to support strategic relationship management.
• Support the cultivation of collaborative partnerships with healthcare professionals, researchers, community leaders, and people with lived experience to strengthen advocacy efforts.

Research and Policy Development

• Conduct background research and environmental scans on key lung health policy topics, public health trends, and system challenges to inform LHF’s positions and communications.
• Assist in the drafting of policy submissions, government consultations, formal letters, and briefing materials that are evidence‑based, solutions‑oriented, and aligned with the organization’s mission.
• Translate complex research findings and technical content into clear, accessible formats that resonate with policymakers and public audiences, ensuring consistency in tone and messaging.
• Support internal efforts to review and update existing policy documents and track the impact of LHF’s advocacy work.

Project and Meeting Coordination

• Provide day‑to‑day project coordination for advocacy initiatives and campaigns, ensuring activities are executed on time and within scope.
• Support the logistics and administration of meetings, including scheduling, agenda development, note‑taking, coordination of presenters or guests, and distribution of materials.
• Serve as a key support to the National Lung Health Alliance by coordinating meetings, preparing materials, maintaining member communications, documenting decisions and action items, and ensuring follow‑up on next steps.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of internal and external events that support LHF’s public affairs and advocacy work.

Equity and Community Inclusion

• Apply a strong equity lens to all aspects of advocacy work, ensuring that LHF’s efforts reflect the needs and experiences of historically underrepresented or marginalized communities.
• Support engagement activities that center the voices of people living with or affected by lung disease, including through lived experience storytelling, consultation processes, and community partnerships.
• Contribute to the development of inclusive and culturally responsive advocacy strategies, tools, and materials.
• Work collaboratively across teams to promote diverse perspectives in LHF’s policy priorities, messaging, and decision‑making processes.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in public policy, public health, political science, health administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in advocacy, public affairs, policy coordination, or stakeholder engagement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information.
• Experience coordinating meetings, projects, or campaigns in a non‑profit or public sector setting.
• A collaborative team player with excellent organizational and time‑management skills.
• Comfort working in a dynamic, evolving environment.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and the values of the Lung Health Foundation.
• Bilingualism in French and English is considered an 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.