Program Lead, Advocacy and Accessible Communities
CNIB Foundation, Canada

Full-Time Contract (1 year), Thunder Bay, Sudbury, or Barrie, ON

CNIB invites you to build a career as unique as you! We are currently searching for a Program Lead, Advocacy and Accessible Communities! The Program Lead, Advocacy and Community Engagement is responsible for driving forward our advocacy and outreach campaigns in the Ontario North region, by leading and empowering staff and volunteers to deliver programs and services that change the lives of Canadians who are blind or partially sighted. The Program Lead will also oversee the rollout of our outreach work to a diverse range of communities across the region, by developing and implementing outreach strategies and raising the profile of the programs and services of CNIB through building relationships with stakeholders.

In addition to the above, this role will provide subject matter expertise in truth and reconciliation advocacy across Ontario and work alongside CNIB's Advocacy Program Leads across Ontario to improve community connections for those with sight loss.

The position entails, but is not limited to the following general responsibilities:

• Develop and execute municipal level advocacy campaigns across all regions of Ontario North.
• Manage relationships with key stakeholders and decision makers, including municipal governments
• Implement provincial and federal advocacy initiatives as they relate to Ontario North region.
• Work alongside the Advocacy Program Leads in (GTA, Ontario East and West) to recruit, train, engage and actively manage an integrated team of volunteers for the Advocacy program.
• Develop and implement a strategy to promote CNIB's programs and services across our region, particularly to under-served areas and rural communities
• Providing the rural and remote perspective and expertise within the Advocacy Team
• Advance CNIB’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts through advocacy partnerships with the Indigenous communities

Relationships

• Liaison at all levels with external community partners, agencies, donors, volunteers, staff and participants to support and implement program goals
• Develop, encourage and promote effective partnerships and community relations that support the Foundation's mission
• This role will work under the guidance of the Senior Manager, Advocacy and Public Education will report to the Provincial Director, Central Canada
• Oversight of a strong team of CNIB Advocacy volunteers who are smashing barriers to inclusion

Problem Solving / Time Frame of Impact

• Ability to provide effective solutions to routine as well as complicated problems utilizing diplomacy, analysis, creativity, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to respond to and resolve participant/staff/volunteer issues in a timely manner
• Ability to think creatively and work independently to solve any issues that arise

Decision Autonomy

• This position works under the general guidance of National/Divisional program guidelines and standards, and has autonomy on daily operational activities
• Regular consultation with the Senior Manager, Advocacy and Public Education and Government Relations and Provincial Director, Central Canada on operational issues requiring escalation.

Leadership

• Facilitate and enhance team efforts on a professional level, and share specialized knowledge, resources, experience, concepts, and skills
• Take initiative in developing and cultivating relationships with key stakeholders and political decision makers
• Provide strategic support and advice to volunteers and key internal stakeholders
• Provide leadership to the CNIB Ontario North Foundation team on advocacy related issues
• Responsibility for implementing CNIB's Advocacy Strategy across Ontario

Requirements

• Good relationship/team builder and networking skills with a variety of stakeholders, particularly government officials
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills, with the ability to plan and deliver clear communications to a dispersed audience
• A track record of successful people management encompassing leading, managing and motivating teams of staff and volunteers
• Working knowledge of national volunteer organizations with a branch, region and/or membership based structure
• Proven time management, planning, coordinating and organization skills; proactive in initiating multiple projects on an ongoing basis
• Proficient in MS Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint
• Excellent analytical, problem definition and problem-solving skills.
• Pr

Job Rewards and Benefits