SALARY RANGE: $96,000-$113,040

Our Vision is “to lead the design, development, and delivery of sustainable and culturally appropriate housing that promotes excellence in the Indigenous community and organizational infrastructures.”
We are currently seeking a Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations for any of our offices in Sault Ste. Marie (Baawating), Dryden, Sudbury, Timmins, Peterborough, Hamilton, or London. Residency in Toronto or Ottawa may also be considered. This position operates on a hybrid work arrangement and requires regular travel to Sault Ste. Marie, Toronto, Ottawa, and other provincial, national, and international locations as needed.
Reporting to OAHS’ Chief Executive Officer, or as assigned, the Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations provides strategic leadership, advice, and guidance on Indigenous housing policy, stakeholder relations, and communications. This is done through the integration of Indigenous values and traditional knowledge alongside the western culture in which we also live. The Director of Policy and Stakeholder Relations will apply both urban and rural Indigenous rights, as well as a human rights-based approach to all responsibilities.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES WILL INCLUDE, BUT NOT BE LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING (FOR FULL JOB DESCRIPTION, PLEASE CLICK HERE):

·Leading high-level policy, stakeholder, and communications strategies;
·Integrating Indigenous values and traditional knowledge with western practices;
·Advocating for Indigenous housing policies at all government levels;
·Building and maintaining influential relationships with governments, Indigenous organizations, and other partners;
·Managing and mentoring the Policy and Communications teams;
·Making significant contributions to the achievement of OAHS’ corporate strategic plan and goals;
·Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across policy, stakeholder relations, and communications functions, ensuring accountability for delivering results that elevate OAHS’ standing as a leader in Indigenous housing;
· Lead efforts to shape and advance legislative frameworks at local, provincial, and federal levels, focusing on policies that prioritize Indigenous housing, economic development, and community well-being;
·Oversee the development of a portfolio policy strategy and framework that aligns to the organization’s vision, mission and long-term strategy.
·Collaborate with the Senior Director of Programs and Research to develop and advance original research that identifies community needs and informs public policy;
·Oversee the collaborative policy work of the Housing Policy Analysts from the Ontario Federation of Indigenous Friendship Centres, the Métis Nation of Ontario, and the Ontario Native Women’s Association who work together with OAHS to form the Housing Policy Analyst Team (HPAT) including contractual obligations and mutually reinforcing policy deliverables.
·Serve as a principal policy advocate for OAHS at conferences, forums, and high-level meetings, ensuring the organization’s interests and perspectives are represented on the national and global stages;
·Stay ahead of policy trends and innovations in housing, proactively adjusting OAHS’s strategies to remain at the forefront of Indigenous housing policy and ensuring a long-term impact;
·Forge partnerships with major institutions, non-profits, and the private sector to co-develop solutions that improve Indigenous housing outcomes and increase investment in culturally appropriate housing models;
·Build and maintain relationships with a diverse range of partners, including Elders, Indigenous Knowledge keepers, governments (municipal, provincial, federal, and Indigenous), Indigenous organizations, non-profits, private sector entities, and foundations, to influence public policy, secure funding, and enhance housing services across the housing continuum;
·Oversee the development of innovative communications initiatives across digital platforms and traditional media to strengthen OAHS’s advocacy efforts and broaden its reach within Indigenous communities and beyond.
·Support and develop appropriate Board-level reporting mechanisms, reports, and presentations as required and when requested;
·Develop proposals to secure funding to expand the policy team with specific, measurable outcomes and deliverables for such expansion;
·Make recommendations to the CEO and Leadership Circle on new actions, goals and targets related to the development of policies; and
·Other duties as assigned.

TO QUALIFY FOR THIS ROLE, THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE THE FOLLOWING QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:

·Thorough knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions and communities and demonstrated values that focus on assisting people leading to positive and successful outcomes;
·Demonstrated ability to consistently lead with kindness, respect, empathy, and based on the teaching and principles of various Indigenous cultures;
·Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in a non-profit, with demonstrated experience in public policy.
·A university degree in a relevant field (e.g., Political Science, Public Policy, Indigenous Governance) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A Master’s or Ph.D. is a strong asset.
·Thorough knowledge of Indigenous cultures, traditions, and communities.
·Proven ability to lead with kindness, respect, and empathy.
·Strong understanding of the social and affordable housing landscape in Canada.
·Excellent written and verbal communication, negotiation, and strategic thinking skills