Director of Policy

Director of Policy

Wellesley Institute is a catalyst for change. A driving force committed to creating a society where health is a birthright for all, not a privilege for some. We believe that every individual has the right to thrive. We believe that investigating the issues and inequities facing communities will help achieve fairness in health.

We believe that health equity is not a lofty idea, but an achievable reality.

Wellesley Institute is an independent, non-partisan health policy research institute dedicated to improving health, healthcare and health equity in Ontario and across Canada. We focus on the social factors that are linked to health and fore ground the voice of communities when creating solutions. Through rigorous research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, the organization provides solutions to support governments, healthcare organizations and communities in addressing complex health and health system challenges.

We are recognized locally and nationally for advancing innovative policy approaches that promote better health and equity in health.

At Wellesley Institute, empathy, understanding, action and impact come together to create healthier, fairer lives for all.

The Director of Policy provides strategic leadership for the organization's policy agenda and serves as a trusted advisor on social policy, health and health system transformation in Toronto, Ontario and Canada. Reporting to the CEO, and as part of a leadership team including the Director of Communications, Director of Operations, and Director of Research, the Director of Policy leads the development of policy solutions, translates research into actionable recommendations, and cultivates relationships with government, healthcare leaders, researchers, community organizations and funding partners.

The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge of social policy and the health system, the broader Canadian healthcare landscape, and the public policy processes that shape health outcomes. They will play a key role in ensuring the organization's research has real-world policy impact and contributes to advancing health and equitable and sustainable social and health systems.

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Director of Policy - Wellesley Institute for the full job description.

• Develop and oversee the organization's policy strategy and annual policy priorities.
• Monitor and analyze emerging societal, political, social and health system issues and policy developments in Toronto, Ontario, across Canada, and internationally.
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership team regarding social and healthcare issues, policy opportunities, and emerging risks.
• Identify opportunities to position the organization as a leading voice in evidence-informed social and health policy.

• Lead the development of policy frameworks, recommendations, and strategic initiatives related to health equity and social determinants of health, social and health systems and services, primary care reform, public health, health and social care workforce, long-term care and aging, population health and prevention, and digital health and health data governance.
• Ensure policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous research.
• Prepare policy briefs, white papers, submissions, and executive-level reports.

• Work closely with researchers to identify areas where research could help promote changes in policy, and to develop recommendations and identify the policy implications of their findings.
• Develop knowledge mobilization strategies that promote the uptake of evidence by policymakers and healthcare leaders.
• Lead initiatives…