Associate Director - Policy, Strategy & Communications (Remote in Ontario)

Why make ONWA your career choice?

Make a difference in the lives of Indigenous peoples by supporting and advocating for positive change. ONWA prides itself on providing all employees with a total rewards package that is generous and supports our workforce and their family members:

Competitive salaries

Generous paid vacation time

Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time

Additional paid stat and civic holidays

35 hour work week 

Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision and EAP. All premiums covered by the employer

Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account

Competitive Retirement Savings Plan

Paid sick days

Paid cultural/personal wellness days

Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance

Ongoing professional development.

Possible reimbursement on portion of cell phone and internet expenses

Remote/hybrid work offered for various positions

Paid management days

VISION:

At the Ontario Native Women’s Association (ONWA), we celebrate and honour the safety and healing of Indigenous Women and Girls as they take up their leadership roles in the family, community, provincially, nationally and internationally for generations to come.

SCOPE:

Reporting to the Director of Policy, Strategy and Communications, the Associate Director is part of the management team and provides strategic guidance on ONWA’s policy, advocacy, and communication priorities through an Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis (IGBA) framework. The Associate Director, under the guidance of the Director, works to support the alignment of organizational strategy, policy analysis and development, and public communications to strengthen ONWA’s voice and influence at the local, provincial, national, and international levels.

This role applies a human-rights and Indigenous women-centered approach to inform and shape public policy, build intergovernmental and community relationships, and ensure ONWA’s strategic and advocacy efforts are impactful and responsive to Indigenous Women. Working collaboratively across all teams in the portfolio, and with Associate Director counterparts in other Portfolios, the Associate Director supports the development of policy, strategy, and communications plans to ensure ONWA’s vision and priorities are effectively communicated and advanced through partnerships, media, and systemic change initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

SKILLS:

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Public Education, Women’s Studies, Indigenous Learning, or Social Science combined with experience in management or a supervisory role

Advanced knowledge in political acumen and government bureaucracy at all levels (municipal, provincial, federal, international), with emphasis on both provincial and federal levels.

Expertise in Indigenous public policy and advocacy strategies.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), databases, and data analysis tools.

Ability to travel when required and must have a valid Ontario “G” class driver’s license.

KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of Indigenous culture, traditions, and Indigenous community.

Understanding of Indigenous communities in Ontario, including the cultural, social, and historical contexts affecting Indigenous women.

Minimum of five (5) years progressive leadership experience with a not-for-profit organization, ideally with some of that experience in Indigenous organizations, and/or working with Indigenous partners.

Advanced knowledge of provincial, federal legislation .

Expert knowledge of influencing public policy including planning, development, monitoring and evaluation.

Demonstrated experience in building and maintaining relationships with diverse partners, including Indigenous women’s organizations, government departments, and civil society.

Ability to effectively communicate and present critical matters to diverse partners and stakeholders

Demonstrated experience to mentor and supervise a team, and proven experience leading inclusive, safe, high functioning teams.

Demonstrated experience writing proposals and managing contribution agreements, including supporting a team to workplan, develop and manage effective budgets and ensure accurate and timely reporting.

Substantial experience developing program budgets and with financial management

Proven experience with development and monitoring of multi-year operational plans and work plans.

Understanding of communications and marketing strategies, and experience leveraging diverse media channels for advocacy and education.

Fluency in written and spoken English. The ability to speak an Indigenous Language is considered an asset. 

ATTITUDE:

Highly motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively, manage competing priorities,    and meet strict deadlines. Willing to work flexible hours as needed to provide ongoing support to the management team.

Must be willing and able to work within a flexible hybrid (remote/in-office) model based on operational needs as will be determined by ONWA.

Willingness to travel as required.

Current, valid vulnerable sector check. 

VALUES:

Passionate about advancing the rights and well-being of Indigenous women and communities.

Role model the application of ONWA’s foundational Indigenous teachings in a professional context, i.e. respect, effective work practices, commitment, integrity.

Strong understanding of and demonstrated commitment to the vision of ONWA. 

Please know, this is a new role in which we are recruiting for.

The full salary range for this role is $108,300 - $134,220 ONWA conducts annual performance reviews, and employees may be eligible for salary adjustments based on performance outcomes and available funding.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

If you would like to learn more about the job, please send us an email at [email protected].