Director of Policy

About Toronto Metropolitan

At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and  2SLGBTQ+ people. Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada.

In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

The team

 
The National Institute on Ageing (NIA), based at  Toronto Metropolitan University, improves the lives of older adults and the systems that support them by convening stakeholders, conducting research, advancing policy solutions and practice innovations, sharing information, and shifting attitudes. Our vision is a Canada where older adults feel valued, included, supported and better prepared to age with confidence.

The Opportunity

Are you a #bold and passionate policy leader? Are you excited about supporting ageing Canadians through advocacy and policy solutions? Would you like to be part of a collaborative and award-winning team? The NIA has a rewarding Director, Policy career opportunity which you will want to find out more about if you answered yes to the above questions.

The Director, Policy plays a leadership role in the strategic direction of the National Institute on Ageing's policy initiatives. In collaboration with the Executive Director and senior leadership team, the Director, Policy leads the short- and long term strategic planning of the National Institute on Ageing's policy vision, goals and objectives. They oversee the management and implementation of policy-related activities, including supervising any internal policy staff and external collaborators and contractors, establishing the policy priorities of the National Institute on Ageing, and engaging in outreach to potential external collaborators and/or subject matter experts to develop new partners to advance the policy agenda of the National Institute on Ageing. 

The Director, Policy contributes to the general management and strategic direction of the institute, under the guidance of the Executive Director.

Here are some of the things you may expect to do in this role:
 

• Policy activities - Development and implementation of the National Institute on Ageing's short- and long-term strategic plans for policy, including monitoring, reviewing and analyzing policy developments, managing the development of policy projects and initiatives, and leading the development of a variety of policy materials such as reports, factsheets and briefing notes.
• Collaborators and stakeholder outreach - Leading the development and implementation of the National Institute on Ageing's engagement and stakeholder development and management strategies which include community, industry and government partners and audiences.
• HR Management - Manages and supervises staff, assigns and prioritizes tasks, establishes goals, sets expectations and evaluates performance.
• Consulting Activities, Business Development and Revenue - Exploring strategic opportunities to enter into consulting engagements with external partners and seeking out funding sources.  

Leadership Competencies 

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using sound judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates and implements a vision grounded in sound decision-making to achieve desired outcomes.
   

Qualifications

To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Graduate degree in fields related to public policy, public administration, law, advocacy or communications. 
• Minimum ten (10) years  of strategic leadership experience in public policy, advocacy, strategic communications, government and/or stakeholder relations.
• Policy experience in areas related to ageing, health, social policy and/or economics.
• A proven track record of developing relationships and effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders, including governments, policy makers, industry representatives, and communities is essential.
• Experience in successfully managing policy-related initiatives with multiple stakeholders.
• Proven experience in a leadership role, including hiring and managing external resources and staff, and planning and managing budgets
• Proven experience in a leadership role, including hiring and managing a diverse team of staff, students, volunteers and other external collaborators.

Additional Information

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.  
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.