EVP, Advocacy and Policy

Reports to: Chief Mission Officer

Location: Ottawa or Montreal preferred, or another CCS office.

Vacancies: This posting is for 1 new role.

Direct reports: 4

Indirect reports: 30 employees

Departmental budget: 8M +

Salary: Comprehensive total rewards package including base salary of $200,000+

The Executive Vice President, Advocacy and Policy (EVP) will be leading an exceptional team of advocacy and policy professionals dedicated to transforming the future of cancer, Canada's leading cause of death. As one of the top health lobbyist organizations in the country, CCS has been shaping policy on cancer-related issues for decades. CCS was at the forefront of historic wins like bans on indoor smoking and exposure to asbestos, restrictions on cigarette advertising, and the extension of Canada's Employment Insurance sickness benefit.

The organization has successfully pushed for more recent changes like improving access to mammograms, expanding access to job-protected medical leave, bringing awareness to the significant out-of-pocket costs of cancer borne by patients and caregivers, along with access to treatment and clinical trials. In this role, the EVP will help CCS continue to drive progress to save lives and improve the health of all Canadians.

Reporting to the Chief Mission Officer, the EVP will lead a dedicated team shaping public health policies and legislation related to healthcare and public health across Canada. In this executive leadership role, the EVP will advance relationships with all levels of government in Canada to achieve CCS's mission. The EVP will provide strategic direction on both existing and new advocacy initiatives, promoting legislative and regulatory changes to alleviate the burden of cancer on Canadians.

Working at national, provincial and territorial levels, the EVP will drive meaningful systemic improvements leading to a future without cancer.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive policy and advocacy strategy aligned with CCS's mission and strategic priorities.
• Oversee the formulation of evidence-based policy positions on cancer prevention, treatment, funding, health equity, and patient support.
• Oversee national and provincial advocacy campaigns, mobilizing stakeholders and the public to influence legislative and regulatory change.
• Serve as a spokesperson for CCS on policy and advocacy matters, representing the organization in media, public forums, and legislative hearings.
• Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of policy and advocacy initiatives and report progress to the executive team and the Board of Directors.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends and policy developments that have an impact on cancer prevention, care, and equity.
• Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of health policy and advocacy by staying current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices; prepare rapid responses to cancer-related news and developments, to ensure CCS's voice is heard at critical moments. Monitor and evaluate the impact of policy and advocacy initiatives, using data to inform future strategies and improve effectiveness.
• Integrate diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity into nationwide advocacy strategies and partnerships.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, health agencies, partner organizations, and the cancer community.
• Work cross-functionally with communications, fundraising, research, and support services teams to ensure integrated and impactful efforts.
• Collaborate with external partners, stakeholders, and policymakers to advance the organization's advocacy efforts and influence health policy.
• Establish and maintain relationships with key contacts at all levels of government, including MPs, provincial members of parliament, political staff, and public servants.
• Represent CCS at public forums and in discussions with government officials at conferences, budget hearings, and other political meetings to advance CCS's advocacy priorities.
• Lead grassroots policy and advocacy efforts to mobilize supporters to take action by building a robust network of policy…