PRO is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the social, health, and environmental benefits of quality recreation and parks. The organization was formed in 1995 out of a shared belief in the power of parks and recreation to affect social change. We believe that parks and recreational programs are essential to the social, economic, and environmental health of Ontario. Equitable access to parks and recreational programs promotes health, strengthens communities, and supports environmental sustainability. With this in mind, we work with our 6,500 members to build capacity for the delivery of quality programs and advocate for the parks and recreation sector more broadly.
The Director of Policy and Partnerships is responsible for the policy, planning, research and development of organizational initiatives. This position will contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of the organization through resource mobilization, program and policy development and management of strategic partnerships. The position will play a key role in supporting the CEO in strategic planning, government relations, advocacy and effective outreach and communication efforts. To support our mission to ‘lead, connect and inspire Ontario’s parks and recreation sector”, PRO is looking for a specialist that will play an enhanced role in engaging governments, stakeholders and influencers.
Reporting to the CEO and as part of the Leadership team, this role will represent Parks and Recreation Ontario in external meetings, including round tables, working groups and advisory committees. The position will be responsible for overseeing staff in the areas of membership, policy and grants. The position will be responsible for project management in the areas of policy, research and membership as well as crafting collaboration of integrated activities with other PRO staff.
Responsibilities:
Policy
· Monitors proposed federal and provincial legislation and associated regulations to identify potential impacts to PRO members and the parks and recreation sector at large
· Supports the CEO in the development of a government relations strategy.
· Conducts research, analysis as well as data collection and surveys from members to prepare submissions on behalf of the collective e.g. Environmental Bill of Rights submissions, budget submissions, etc.
· Conducts environmental scans and undertakes background policy research and analyses on subject matters and/or issues affecting PRO members. This includes preparing policy whitepapers, one-pagers, and topic briefs for PRO members. This also includes collaborating with and collecting data from relevant stakeholders.
· Supports the CEO in advocacy efforts through input to briefing notes, standing committee submissions, media releases, budgets, etc.
· In cooperation with the CEO and Communications Manager, prepares election strategy material including tools and key messages for use by members.
· Working with communications staff, develops data visualization for members, stakeholders and the public e.g. toolkits, media releases and public-facing platforms that convey policy and research work
· Undertakes national research for PRO to update the QUEST 1 HIGH FIVE references policy.
· Engagement with political staff and the public sector.
· Responsible for overseeing policy and membership staff.
Partnership Development
· Works closely with the CEO to develop organizational strategy, ensure program alignment with the strategy and identify and pursue new partnership opportunities as appropriate.
· Identifies, assesses, and implements initiatives with key stakeholders; and establishes and maintains excellent working relationships with key stakeholders and various communities of interest.
· Participates in advisory groups with members and stakeholders.
· Oversees membership strategy for retention and acquisition of members.
· Works with the Director of Education, Training and Quality Assurance to develop resource tools and training.
· Informs development of grant applications.
Qualifications and Skills
· Post-secondary degree in Public Administration and/or Public Policy
· Experience in recreation would be an asset.
· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a management level role.
· Strategic thinker with experience and knowledge in advocacy, government relations, policy development and strategic communications.
· Must be able to work independently and must have the ability to exercise discretion and independent judgement.
· Must be able to resolve difficult problems, use analytical judgement and must be able to process a high volume of accurate, detailed and quality work products.
· Exceptional time management skills required and an ability to complete tasks in a timely and efficient manner.
· Flexibility and ability to manage competing demands.
· Ability to read and interpret complex materials.
· Advanced writing and editing skills.
· Supervisory experience and skills.
· Strong communication skills.
· Must be adaptive, flexible, and able to lead and operationalize programs and projects.
Working Conditions
· PRO cares about the mental health and wellbeing of our team, as such all employees receive vacation time, a comprehensive health plan, superb flexibility, and a great place to work!
· We offer continuous training initiatives and professional development opportunities.
· This is a hybrid position and may involve prolonged sitting or standing.
To apply for this position, please send resumes and cover letter explaining why your are the ideal candidate by June 9, 2023 to resumes.pro@prontario.org
Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
PRO is an equal opportunity employer. PRO values the diversity of people and communities and is committed to excellence and inclusion. We are committed to an environment that is barrier free. If you require accommodation at any stage during the hiring process, please inform us in advance to arrange reasonable and appropriate accommodation
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