Manager, External Affairs at Mental Health Commissio

Ottawa, Ontario, Canada -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

29 Jun, 26

Salary

100689.0

Posted On

31 Mar, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Relationship Building, Networking, Government Systems, Public Engagement, Government Relations, Interest-Holder Relations, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Strategic Thinking, Team Leadership, Adaptability, Judgment, Collaboration, Confidentiality, Media Relations, Partnership Development

Industry

Mental Health Care

Description

Manager, External Affairs Reports To: Director, External Affairs Position Type: Full-Time, Fixed Contract 10 Months Location: Ottawa, Ontario (2 days per week in office) Salary: $90,090 - $100,689 Application Deadline: April 14, 2026 ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND Established in 2007 by the Government of Canada, the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a not-for-profit, pan-Canadian Health Organization committed to reducing stigma and improving access to quality mental health and substance use services across Canada. The MHCC collaborates with leading experts, nationally and internationally, including with people with lived and living experience, to develop national standards and strategies, promote innovation, enhance mental health literacy, and advise and support all levels of government and mental health partners to improve mental health outcomes for those living in Canada. POSITION OVERVIEW The External Affairs team is a trusted resource at the Mental Health Commission of Canada, strategically growing the organization’s influence and impact with decision-makers, including interest holders, system leaders, and governments at all levels, to advance the Commission’s priorities, programs, and initiatives. The External Affairs team champions and promotes the Commission programs, strategies, evidence policies, and strategic initiatives, and evidence-based evidence to decision makers and key audiences who are positioned to adopt and act on these initiatives. Reporting to the Director, External Affairs, the Manager, External Affairs will support the Commission’s outreach and engagement efforts with federal, provincial, and municipal governments, as well as with key partners and leaders in the mental health sector, to advance organizational priorities. The Commission is seeking a strategic thinker with experience in government and interest-holder relations, partnership development, and media relations. The position requires the ability to develop productive relationships with senior representatives in governments and community partners across a range of issues while also tracking, monitoring and analyzing emerging issues and trends that influence and impact the Commission priorities, ensuring appropriate engagement responses. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES * In collaboration with the Director, External Affairs, lead the Commission’s engagement with the federal and provincial/territorial governments on identified priority files.   * Monitor media and federal parliamentary activity, including legislation, committee studies, departmental policy developments, and ministerial announcements to identify emerging issues and needs. * Provide strategic outreach and engagement advice to Program teams in the planning of program initiatives and provide support in the execution of Program engagement strategies. * Establish and maintain a network of contacts within the federal, provincial, territorial governments, including in Quebec, as well as national non-governmental organizations and external interest-holders to support Commission activities. * Represent the Commission at engagement events and meetings, including staffing event booths, participating in round table meetings and supporting the PCEO’s engagement at events. * Support the development and execution of the government and interest holder engagement strategy for the PCEO. * Support and lead the development of written materials, including key messages, briefing materials, presentations, board memos, correspondence and other related materials; Develop, identify and plan opportunities for the Commission to interact, communicate and collaborate with federal, provincial and territorial governments at the political and public service levels. * Oversee administrative and reporting obligations related to our Contribution Agreement and federal and P/T lobby legislation. * Work proactively and collaboratively with staff across the Commission to develop common approaches for promoting the awareness and uptake of the initiatives, projects and policy recommendations of the Commission. * Model the MHCC competency framework particularly around diversity and inclusion, team leadership as well as psychological and physical health, safety and wellness; * Adhere to and follow MHCC policies while exercising due diligence in carrying out management and leadership responsibilities. * May be responsible for people management, including recruitment, coaching, staff development, assisting in setting annual objectives, performance feedback and professional development. * Provide leadership to team members; ensure clarity of role and alignment to departmental and organizational objectives. * Schedule and assign work activities of staff in alignment with wellness principles. * Participate in the annual budget process and ongoing budget management as required. SKILLS, ATTRIBUTES AND EXPERIENCE * Excellent relationship building and networking skills to grow and maintain a strong network of senior officials and interest-holders.   * Strong knowledge of government systems, cycles and processes. * Highly motivated team player; * Demonstrated confidence and adaptability while navigating rapidly changing contexts; * Demonstrated sound judgment and common sense; * Able to proactively plan and organize work independently, effectively and efficiently; * Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and collegially in a fast-paced environment; Ability to prioritize and multi-task under tight deadlines; * Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to establish solid and trusted internal and external working relationships; * Strong understanding of government, both at the bureaucratic and the political levels; * Strategic thinker who is skilled at anticipating and proactively resolving public relations issues; * Understanding and ability to manage sensitive and confidential information with tact and diplomacy. * Excellent written and oral communications skills in both official languages QUALIFICATIONS * Post-secondary education in political science, communications, public relations, community development, public health or related field or demonstrate relevant experience in those disciplines. * Have 5 to 7 years’ experience in: * Public engagement, government relations, interest-holder relations; * Writing communications products aimed at external and internal audiences, e.g. the general public, government officials, media, and senior management. * Fully bilingual in Canada’s official languages is a requirement. * Minimum 1 year of experience in managing direct reports effectively. * In-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office and other applications (i.e. SharePoint, Salesforce). * Experience in and knowledge of the mental health/health field and/or public policy would be an asset. * Experience working in government would be an asset. COMPETENCIES * Values and Ethics * Respectful of Diversity * Continuous Learning * Results Management * Teamwork and Cooperation * Risk Management * Strategic Thinking * Finance and Budget * Team Leadership * Psychological and Physical Health, Safety and Wellness * Oral/Written Communication PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE DEMANDS: * Extended periods of time spent in meeting-type settings. Extended visual requirements (five (5) plus hours) due to computer related work. * Extended periods of time spent in sitting position (computer work, meetings etc. five (5) plus hours). * High requirement in the ability to effectively divide attention to numerous duties and responsibilities. * Flexibility of work hours to ensure deliverables are met in a fast-paced environment of changing/conflicting priorities and high deadline demands. High degree of concentration required. * Highly attentive to details. * High level exposure to extended travel requirements (up to 10-15% and greater at times) and extension of work-day beyond 7.5 hours. * High analytical and interpretive requirements. * Must be comfortable working in both open space and/or virtual environments. * Must be able to work effectively from home temporarily or as needed; including the availability of reliable internet and working environment (desk, chair etc.); please note that the Commission does not reimburse for internet, utilities or other home office type expenses including desks, chairs etc. PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS: * Continuously deadline driven requirements. * High level of multitasking. * High exposure to stress resulting from output requirements. * High level requirement to maintain concentration for extended periods of time in order to perform analysis and interpretation of data and minimize errors. * Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize own work. * Responsive to possible rapid changes in priorities. * Adaptable to change (organization and work level). * High degree of emotional intelligence required in order to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, influence others, work well in a team, and manage conflict. * Performance goals and objectives are established yearly and regularly reviewed. LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Head Office of the Mental Health Commission of Canada is located on the unceded, traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation in what is now called Ottawa, Ontario. We acknowledge that for thousands of years, the Algonquin People protected these lands, the Ottawa River Watershed, and its tributaries. As a national organization, we also acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many different nations. Today, a path to truth and reconciliation begins with recognizing both the stewardship and the sacrifices of the original peoples. We are committed to recognizing the errors of the past, acknowledging the challenges of the present, and contributing to a new and equitable relationship with the First Peoples. The Mental Health Commission of Canada is committed to diversity in the workplace and workplace well-being. As such, applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds such as; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, members of a visible minority group and those with lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses are welcomed and encouraged. The Mental Health Commission of Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. Accessible formats and communication support for applicants are available upon request by contacting People and Culture at hr@mentalhealthcommission.ca [hr@mentalhealthcommission.ca]. While we appreciate all applications, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

Responsibilities

The Manager, External Affairs will lead the Commission’s engagement with various levels of government and support outreach efforts to advance organizational priorities. This includes monitoring media activity, developing strategic outreach advice, and representing the Commission at events.