Program Lead, Advocacy

Canadian National Institute for the Blind; Halifax; On-site; CAD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A national advocacy organization is seeking a Program Lead, Advocacy to enhance outreach and advocacy efforts in the Maritimes. This role involves developing grassroots campaigns, mobilizing volunteers, and building relationships with stakeholders to empower Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. Candidates should have strong advocacy and communication skills, with 3-5 years of relevant experience and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of experience in advocacy, government relations, or program development.
• Experience as a change agent or campaigner.
• Bilingualism is a significant asset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute municipal level advocacy campaigns.
• Support national and regional advocacy initiatives.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders.
• Mobilize and engage volunteer societal change agents.

Skills

Relationship building skills

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Analytical skills

Knowledge of advocacy

Microsoft Office Suite

Education

Post-secondary education or equivalent experience

Job description

Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

Position Title: Program Lead, Advocacy

Reports To: Executive Director, CNIB Maritimes

The Program Lead, Advocacy will be responsible for driving forward our advocacy and outreach campaigns in the Maritimes, by mobilizing volunteers and community members and delivering programs that empower Canadians who are blind or partially sighted to advocate successfully. The Program Lead, Advocacy will act as agents of change and execute the rollout of sophisticated grassroots campaigns. This position will also assist community members in navigating and successfully resolving individual advocacy issues external to CNIB advocacy initiatives. In addition to the above, this role will provide subject matter expertise in an agreed upon policy area to further CNIB's advocacy and public policy goals.

Essential Functions

• Develop and execute municipal level advocacy campaigns in The Maritimes. These plans will align with CNIB's strategic plan, public policy initiatives and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Support national and regional advocacy initiatives and public awareness campaigns by implementing them in the region.
• Build and manage relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers, including municipal governments and support provincial government relations.
• Mobilize and engage a dedicated team of volunteer societal change agents.
• Effectively communicates CNIB's key messages to external audiences through presentations, briefing materials and other communication materials.
• Develop and deliver advocacy programs and training and tracking outcomes through CNIB's database software.
• Act as the subject matter expert in an agreed upon policy area.
• Respond to individual advocacy requests from community members and provide advice in effective advocacy to bring about a successful conclusion to the issue.
• Oversight of a regional advocacy committee made up of highly engaged and passionate community engagement volunteers.

Qualifications (knowledge and skill requirements, experience and education)

Knowledge and Skill Requirements

• Experience as a change agent or campaigner seeking a more equitable society through engaging in local advocacy and awareness campaigns.
• Excellent relationship building skills; ability to build productive business and stakeholder relationships.
• Professional attitude, self-starter and adaptable to a dynamic organization.
• Strong interpersonal, influencing, and communication skills, with the ability to plan and deliver clear communications to a dispersed audience.
• Ability to accomplish projects with little supervision.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Passionate champion of diversity, accessibility, and inclusion issues.
• Advance knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and database computer applications.
• Well organized and excellent coordination skills.
• Working knowledge of national volunteer organizations with a branch, region and / or membership-based structure.
• Excellent analytical, problem definition and problem-solving skills.
• Professional attitude, results oriented, strategic and flexible.

Experience and Education

• Minimum post-secondary education or equivalent experience in a related field.
• 3-5 years of experience working with advocacy, government relations, public affairs, communications, or program development in a non-profit.
• Proven success in leading and motivating teams of volunteers.
• Personal or professional experience relating to blindness and sight loss is an asset.
• Bilingualism a significant asset.

CNIB is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.