VP, External Affairs & Development

at  Mental Health Commissio

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.
Organizational Overview
At the Mental Health Commission of Canada, we deliver real and meaningful change through initiatives that support people in their communities. Our research and policy work addresses gaps in Canada’s mental health services to provide better outcomes for all.
The Commission is seen as a leader nationally and internationally in several areas. Building upon the work done to date, our core mandate, and guided by Changing Directions Changing Lives: The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the Commission focusses on the areas of substance use, suicide prevention, population-based initiatives, and engagement. This prioritization enables the Commission to be successful in meeting its mandate, remain focused, and have a measurable impact for those living with mental illness and their families and caregivers.
The organization continues to evolve. Recently, the Mental Health Commission of Canada received charitable status and separately created a Not-For-Profit social enterprise, MHCC-Opening Minds, that offers mental health literacy programs designed to reduce stigma and encourage psychological health and safety in workplaces and communities.
The MHCC is a champion for psychological health and safety in the workplace and received the Canada Order of Excellence Award for Mental Health at Work from Canada Awards for Excellence® (CAE) in 2020 and 2017 as well as the Gold Award for Mental Health at Work in 2014. We continually invest in and co-develop the culture we want for our workplace.
You will join an organization that prioritizes the mental health and wellbeing of staff, celebrates the contributions of employees, and promotes good communication and positive relationships.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

• Team leadership team leadership, including strategic planning, team development, and driving group success
• A team player accustomed to gracefully working within a fast-paced environment.
• A proven record of delivering successful and impactful government relations programs at the federal and provincial/territorial levels.
• Experience building and running effective marketing and communication programs and building brands.
• A measurable track record at affecting change and building strong, sustainable and actionable relationships that deliver results with key external partners, including leaders, professionals and researchers in the field, academic circles, and associations, as well as across federal, provincial, local and government and regulatory bodies.
• Experience working with First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities to establish relationships and support their health and wellness priorities.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills in both official languages.
• Experience negotiating multi-year funding and partnership agreements.
• Adaptability, flexibility, diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to inspire and influence others to move toward a common vision or goal.
• Excellent analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills.
• Experience and knowledge of organizational development principles, methodologies and tools.
• Organized and forward looking with a natural inclination for planning strategy and tactics.
• Acute business and financial acumen, along with a deep understanding of organizational issues and challenges.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 10 years of a combination of government relations, marketing, communication, brand management, digital and corporate communication experience, including significant senior management experience.
• University degree in management/business administration, communications/public relations, health-related field, or another applicable field.
• Preferred experience working within the health sector.

Proficient in both English and French is a requirement for this role.

• Experience at a charitable organization would be considered an asset.

Proficient in both English and French is a requirement for this role.

• Experience at a charitable organization would be considered an asset