Director of Policy in Toronto

Wellesley Institute is a catalyst for change, committed to creating a society where health is a birthright for all. We believe that every individual has the right to thrive and that investigating the issues and inequities facing communities will help achieve fairness in health. 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 linked to health and foreground the voice of communities when creating solutions.

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, 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.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Policy Leadership
  • 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.
  • 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.
• Health Policy Analysis and Development
  • Lead the development of policy frameworks, recommendations, and strategic initiatives related to health equity and social determinants of health.
  • Ensure policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous research.
  • Prepare policy briefs, white papers, submissions, and executive-level reports.
• Research Translation and Impact
  • Work closely with researchers to identify areas where research could help promote changes in policy.
  • Develop knowledge mobilization strategies that promote the uptake of evidence by policymakers and healthcare leaders.
  • Lead initiatives to analyze, evaluate, and demonstrate policy impact.
• Government and Stakeholder Relations
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with various stakeholders including government agencies and community health centres.
  • Represent the organization in policy consultations, advisory committees, conferences, and public forums.
  • Convene and facilitate multi-sector stakeholder dialogues on priority health issues.
• Thought Leadership and Communications
  • Serve as a public-facing health and social policy expert and spokesperson.
  • Contribute to publications, opinion pieces, presentations, and media interviews.
  • Communicate policy issues clearly to various audiences.
• Team Leadership and Organizational Development
  • Lead and mentor policy analysts and project staff.
  • Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and evidence-driven culture.
  • Oversee project execution, budgets, timelines, and reporting requirements.
• Funding and Strategic Partnerships
  • Support the development of grant applications and research partnerships.
  • Identify opportunities for collaboration with various organizations.

Qualifications Required:

• Master's degree or higher in a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in health or social policy.
• Demonstrated expertise in the Greater Toronto Area and Canadian health systems.
• Strong understanding of provincial and federal social care and healthcare governance.
• Track record of influencing public policy through research and advocacy.
• Exceptional written, presentation, and communication skills.

Preferred:

• PhD or equivalent advanced professional designation.
• Existing network across the Greater Toronto Area's health or social care policy sector.
• Experience working within a think tank, government ministry, or healthcare organization.

Wellesley Institute is located in downtown Toronto. This is an on-site position. We are currently working a hybrid schedule but may return to on-site only. Wellesley Institute is strongly committed to diversity and especially welcomes applications from people from diverse communities.

Compensation is commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus pension and benefits.