Strategic Federal Health Relations Lead

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI); Ottawa; On-site; CAD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) in Ottawa seeks a Principal Consultant, a senior individual contributor responsible for providing strategic advice, subject matter expertise, and leadership across complex initiatives with organizational impact. The role centers on CIHI’s federal relations and pan-Canadian partnerships to advance a modernized health data system.

The Principal Consultant develops strategic partnerships, informs senior decision‑making through analysis and briefs,

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree or equivalent in a related field.
• Minimum 5 years of senior experience in consulting, advisory, strategic planning, or program delivery.
• Proven ability to lead complex initiatives with cross-functional impact.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders in a complex environment.
• Knowledge of federal government and health sector policy and issues.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance and mentorship to staff and project teams within CIHI.
• Contribute to organizational strategies, standards, and best practices while identifying emerging risks and opportunities.
• Support senior leadership with analysis, recommendations, and subject‑matter expertise for strategic decisions.
• Lead high-impact initiatives spanning multiple teams and programs, shaping approaches and implementations.
• Ensure alignment of initiatives with organizational priorities and stakeholder expectations; oversee deliverables quality and consistency.
• Build and strengthen partnerships with federal government entities and pan-Canadian partners; lead discussions with senior stakeholders.
• Represent CIHI at national and international events, promoting CIHI’s mandate and priorities.
• Conduct environmental scans and business analysis to inform decision making and develop briefs, reports, and briefing notes.
• Lead cross-functional strategic initiatives and broker collaboration across the organization.
• Identify new partnership opportunities, including with private-sector organizations, to advance CIHI’s data sharing and use.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement and communications strategies and annual relationship plans.
• Coordinate CIHI’s federal government and strategic engagement activities to align with provincial/territorial efforts.
• Support development and implementation of federal funding agreements and MOUs with partners.
• Monitor policy and health system developments to identify risks, opportunities, and issues affecting CIHI’s objectives.

Skills

Strategic advisory

Stakeholder management

Cross-functional leadership

Policy analysis

Public speaking

Research and briefing

Partnership development

Decision support

Education

Postgraduate degree in Health Sciences / Public Health / Business Administration

Job description

Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) in Ottawa seeks a Principal Consultant, a senior individual contributor responsible for providing strategic advice, subject matter expertise, and leadership across complex initiatives with organizational impact. The role centers on CIHI’s federal relations and pan-Canadian partnerships to advance a modernized health data system.

The Principal Consultant develops strategic partnerships, informs senior decision‑making through analysis and briefs,