Director, Public Policy

The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is committed to improving services and support for individuals living with mental illnesses and addictions issues, and to the promotion of mental health in Ontario.

Job Summary

­­­­­As a member of the management team, the Director, Public Policy is responsible for providing leadership in public policy, knowledge transfer and activities that support the work of CMHA branches in Ontario. Working with the management team and in cooperation with our C-Suite, they ensure that public policy activities of the organization are strategically aligned to regional and system priorities and promote a working environment that is conducive for staff to effectively carry out the organization’s strategic plan and to deliver on accountabilities.

Core Responsibilities

Develops and executes a cohesive, forward-looking policy strategy that aligns with organizational goals and advances the organization’s mission.

Establishes strategic priorities and annual work plans for policy portfolios under the Director’s responsibility and for direct report staff.

Negotiates changes in the work plan with the CEO and COO when circumstances warrant (external pressures, resource concerns, political decisions, new directions from the board).

Liaises with branch Executive Directors and senior leadership within CMHA Ontario and CMHA branches to identify emerging issues, as well as provide information and resources, as required.

Liaises with provincial government legislative and bureaucratic decision-makers for the purpose of information gathering, agenda setting, advocacy, and policy advice.

Monitors emerging issues, legislative and administrative opportunities, and policy developments to keep the CEO and C-Suite informed of important policy developments and opportunities in a timely way.

Supervises the preparation and review of research and policy work conducted by direct report staff, by providing instruction and guidance on the development of policy options, recommendations, reports, and submissions. 

Develops plans for creating and disseminating reports that are tied to strategic initiatives of CMHA Ontario.

Collaborates closely with colleagues such as the Communications Director, the Government Relations Lead, Brach Relations Lead, the Director of the Provincial Human Services and Justice Coordinating Committee and other leadership at CMHA Ontario.

Writes and oversees writing of reports and other materials that communicate CMHA Ontario’s mission, initiatives, key messages, and activities.

Provides editorial review and advice on CMHA Ontario communication strategies.

Completes performance management duties for direct reports, including completing bi-annual performance assessments and identifying professional development and training opportunities.

Works with the Chief Operations Officer to ensure that departmental budgets are developed and managed.

Prepares planning and quarterly reports for Ministry of Health funded activities.

Represents CMHA Ontario as a knowledgeable source of information on mental health and addiction issues in Ontario.

Liaises with strategic partners and other agencies to support the mandate of the organization.

Participates in external committees and working groups that address the priorities of the organization. Represents CMHA Ontario’s perspectives in stakeholder consultations. 

Leads or supports policy staff responsible for convening communities of practice comprising CMHA Ontario or CMHA branch staff.

Participates with the Board of Directors, Executive Leadership Network, committee meetings, and volunteer groups, as required.

Note: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required by the incumbent. The incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.

Skills & Experience

Job Knowledge:

Excellent understanding of Ontario’s political structure and government decision-making processes, current policy and political trends pertaining to mental health and addiction.

Demonstrated skills in policy analysis and research, superior analytical, conceptual and organizational skills. Proven work experience in managing operational objectives and budgets.  The ability to lead and motivate subordinates is required. Experience in working with boards.

Excellent interpersonal skills and a proven history of developing productive relationships within and external to the organization. Superior writing and communication skills, as well as the ability to inform the public and influence stakeholders and government.

Behavioral Competencies

Must demonstrate the ability to assess the need for change and make appropriate policy recommendations.

Must be able to help staff improve their performance and contribution to the organization, by communicating the skills, behaviors, and educational requirements that will position them for success and encouraging preferred behaviors and performance.

Must be able to use sound judgment to assign tasks and activities that will achieve divisional/departmental business objectives, while promoting and developing the skills and talent of individuals.

Must be able to create an environment in which employees have ownership of their jobs and are able to achieve and/or exceed job expectations. The demonstrated ability to influence and gain agreement from others to follow a course of action, within established ethical boundaries.

Must demonstrate the ability to build and lead a strong team through developing, coaching, diverse hiring practices, and holding clear focus on the business objectives.

Must demonstrate the ability to adapt to and play a constructive role in change processes.

Must be able to work in close partnership with the CEO and the senior leadership team.

Salary

Hiring Rate: Based on skills and experience this role pays between $120,000.00 and $135,000.00 per annum, based on a 35-hour work week. Anticipated range will be based on skills, qualifications, and experience.

The successful candidate will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package that includes pension through HOOPP, life, health, and dental insurance, exclusive paid time-off and opportunities for professional development.

Working Conditions

This is a full-time, permanent, management position working 35 hours/week. This position is based in Toronto, Ontario and travel is expected 1-2 times per month, possibly requiring an overnight stay depending on location. We are currently operating within a hybrid model, with colleagues working from the office 3 days/week and from home 2 days/week.

This role is both an active job of continuous outreach and desk work with extended periods of sitting, reading, telephone interaction, and working at the computer. This position involves some moderate lifting, shipping, and handling. Attendance at various meetings throughout the workday/workweek will be required; meetings may occur on short notice, depending on the circumstances.

This position is not within the bargaining unit.

As a condition of employment, the successful candidate will be required to maintain and submit proof of full COVID-19 vaccination.

The Canadian Mental Health Association celebrates the value of a diverse workforce that brings professional and lived experience and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds and life circumstances. Whatever your background, if you feel you meet the requirements of this role then we want to hear from you.

Workplace and candidate accommodation is available at all stages of the recruitment and selection process upon request. To request accommodation, please contact us at [email protected].

We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to screen, assess or select applicants at any stage of the hiring process. All applications will be reviewed and evaluated by our Human Resources team and hiring managers.

Deadline to apply: Please submit a cover letter and resume online via BambooHR by end of day Thursday, May 21, 2026. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest.