Director of Policy

Director of Policy - Maternity Leave Contract Position

The John Howard Society of Ontario (JHSO) invites applications from individuals for the position of Director of Policy.

JHSO is a well-established and dynamic social purpose organization with a mission of effective, just & humane responses to crime and its causes. We are innovators and leaders in non-partisan research, evidence-based programming and policy development in the justice sector specializing in bridging the gap between analysis and frontline service delivery.  By collaborating closely with the 19 John Howard Society Local Offices across Ontario, JHSO's team of analysts and researchers develops policy positions that truly reflects the needs of each community, advances those positions to governments and other organizations, educates the public on the critical issues, and evaluates program efficacy to guide future work.     

Reporting to the CEO, this position is responsible for aligning and amplifying JHSO’s efforts in policy and advocacy based on insights from our research and programs as well as current affairs and external events.

This position is located in downtown Toronto and operates in a hybrid work environment, offering a combination of remote and in-office work at 35 hours per week.  This is a 12-month maternity leave contract position. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada.

For a detailed position description or for more information about JHSO, please visit our website at https://johnhoward.on.ca/employment-opportunities/director-of-policy-mat-leave/ 

Please submit your resume and cover letter by 4:00 pm on Friday, April 17, 2026.

Tasks, Duties, Responsibilities:

Set policy direction of JHSO through:

Development and maintenance of policy strategy in alignment with strategic plan

Maintenance of up-to-date analysis of political landscape

Engagement in thought partnership and consultation with local JHS offices, community members, government and other key partners

Lead policy activities of JHSO through:

Maintenance of up-to-date knowledge of criminal and social justice legislation, research and literature in and relevant to Ontario and Canada

Identification of issues consistent with JHSO mission and values and preparing relevant background information

Development of policy positions for JHSO in consultation with JHSO CEO, JHSO senior staff and local JHS office Executive Directors/CEOs

Development of fact sheets, briefs, submissions and other policy documentation on behalf of JHSO

Participation in and contribution to reform and research projects of JHSO

Assistance with the development and implementation of strategies that achieve the public education/reform goals of the JHSO

Oversight of policy project proposals

Communicate and disseminate policy positions and materials internally and externally through:

Preparation of Op-Eds, letters to the editor, social media articles on policy positions, media statements, as needed/appropriate on behalf of JHSO in consultation with JHSO leadership team

Active participation in media response activities in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives and consistent with JHSO media response protocol, including media interviews

Assistance with JHSO social media strategy in collaboration with the Director of Partnerships & Strategic Initiatives to ensure JHSO’s policy perspectives are captured

Development and presentation of JHSO positions on reform to community members and to the media in coordination with JHSO leadership team

Presentations to academia, community members, government and other key partners on policy matters

Support the CEO in the presentation of JHSO positions on reform to political and government personnel and to government commissions, task forces, etc.

Drive policy-related cross-sectoral networking and relationship building through:

Oversight and coordination of policy-related committees and coalitions of the JHSO

Representation of JHSO on relevant provincial councils and committees and engagement with other provincial organizations, both government and community-based, in the criminal justice sector

Liaison with Local JHS Offices.

Manage any direct reports, nurturing their talents and development and assures the quality of policy deliverables.

Coordinate Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Participate in meetings, wellness and safety training and other professional development, as required.

Other duties as assigned from time to time by the CEO.

Education, Training & Skills Required for the Job:

Master’s level university education in Social Work, Criminology, or Public Policy Administration or equivalent combination of education and experience

Working knowledge of the criminal justice system which may occur either through specific university training in that area and/or through previous experience

Highly effective leadership, interpersonal and relationship building skills

Demonstrated commitment to applying an equity lens to policy research, analysis and writing

Excellent reading comprehension, writing abilities and attention to detail

Effective organizational skills

Advanced critical thinking and problem-solving abilities

Has strong and inclusive professional manner, including the willingness to respect and include the perspectives of others with diverse backgrounds and experiences, in accordance with JHSO’s commitment to DEI.

Work Experience:

Minimum 5 years of experience in a related field, preferably with experience in policy analysis

Hiring Range:

$92,000 - $102,000

JHS Ontario embraces diversity and equity and is committed to building a staff team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives and skills that allows us to better understand and meet the needs of our staff and the communities that are impacted by our work. We welcome applications from racialized persons, women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who apply and advise that we will be responding only to those selected for an interview. JHS Ontario provides an inclusive and barrier free recruitment process to candidates with accessibility needs in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).  If you are contacted regarding a job opportunity, please advise if you require accommodation.