United Spinal Association Jobs

Project & Policy Specialist - 18 months Contract - Toronto, ON

You’ll feel great about a career with March of Dimes Canada

At March of Dimes Canada, our collective work matters . As a leading national charity backed by a history of more than 70 years of impact, we’re dedicated to being Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. Our collective efforts are rooted in our Purpose, Vision, and Mission, which inform how we drive all our work forward.

• Purpose : Champion equity. Empower ability.

• Vision: An inclusive, barrier-free society for people with disabilities. 

• Mission: To be Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. 

The opportunity:

Reporting to the National Manager, Public Affairs, the Project & Policy Specialist (18-month maternity leave contract) supports the activities of the department by conducting qualitative and quantitative research, making substantial contributions to projects and advocacy initiatives, managing funded project deliverables, writing briefings and short papers, and work collaboratively and accessibly with service users, stakeholders, and colleagues in the disability community and beyond.

This role requires an understanding of the structure and function of the three levels of government in Canada, including knowledge of policy, legislative and regulations and program development that affect our sector and community. Successful candidates will demonstrate a broad understanding of disability income supports and benefits, as well as social policy issues such as housing and accessibility. The incumbent will have a network of effective contacts with government and stakeholders, including the ability to exercise judgment in relevant information collection to determine what matters will have an impact, either adverse or positive. Further, the role requires the ability to work concurrently in multiple cross-functional teams, the ability to take direction and maintain confidential information. Key candidate characteristics include project management, tact and diplomacy, time management and critical thinking skills, and the desire to have a meaningful impact on the lives of people with disabilities in Canada.

Responsibilities:

• Collect, track and report on policy and legislative directions of concern to March of Dimes Canada by provincial/territorial and federal levels of government and stakeholder organizations in Canada, and make recommendations to Public Affairs management (Director and/or Manager) for further direction;

• Provide project management support, including building and maintaining monthly reporting, managing day-to-day project requirements such as invoicing and expensing, and keeping project management tools up-to-date.

• Conduct qualitative and quantitative research, such as focus groups and surveys, to inform projects, reports and submissions, and advocacy initiatives.

• Collect and synthesize relevant information into briefings or short papers with options and recommendations in support of March of Dimes Canada’s strategic initiatives related to issues affecting people with disabilities in key policy and legislative areas;

• Undertake delegated government and stakeholder relations activities under the supervision of the National Manager, Public Affairs;

• Build, maintain and track relationships with key public service and stakeholder contacts in relevant policy areas;

• Work collectively with cross-functional project teams as a subject matter expert;

• Provide support to Public Affairs management (Director and/or Manager) at events and through participation in multilateral stakeholder organizations as required.

• Other duties as required.

Qualifications and experience:

• Post-secondary degree or diploma in public policy, political science, public administration, special studies in disability issues; and/or related equivalent experience.

• Four-to-six years’ experience in policy analysis, e.g. as a policy advisor in provincial or federal public service, or an analyst in a non-governmental organization.

• Demonstrated understanding of federal and provincial policy and legislation develop-ment processes.

• Demonstrated understanding of disability income supports, benefits, financial literacy, and social policy issues.

• Contact network in provincial and/or federal government in relevant ministries/departments.

• Advanced research skills, particularly related to government policy and legislation development, implementation and outcomes.

• Superior written and oral communication skills.

• Demonstrated project and time management and independent work skills, and ability to work on collaboratively on multiple project teams

• Exceptional critical thinking skills, judgement, tact and diplomacy.

• Advanced skills in MS Office Suite and familiarity with Asana.

• Lived experience with a disability strongly preferred.

• Fluency in French language a strong asset.

Important Details

• Hybrid work arrangement with two days in our National Office at 99 Duncan Mill Way

How to apply

• Please submit your cover letter and resume by April 05, 2025.

Questions about working at March of Dimes Canada?

Whether starting or advancing your career with us, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re:

• Contributing to our important mission: creating real change for people with disabilities

• Joining a leading national charity with a history of impact and a future full of possibility

• Enjoying industry-leading employment incentives and benefits

• Supported in your professional growth, development, and success

• Included in our empathetic and supportive work culture

Learn more about why we’re a great employer at marchofdimes.ca/careers.

For general inquiries, you can reach us at recruitment@marchofdimes.ca

We value the health & safety of our employees

MODC is committed to ensuring a healthy and safe work environment. We encourage all current and prospective employees to receive Covid-19 vaccinations and booster doses as recommended by Public Health. This reflects our dedication to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our workforce.

Need accommodations? We're here to help!

MODC is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. In accordance with accessibility and human rights legislation across Canada, MODC will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities and other protected needs. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable, accessible, and barrier-free.

Our Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) approach

MODC is dedicated to building and advancing an inclusive and welcoming culture. It’s also why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and supporting diverse people. Thanks to our progressive practices, team members of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to access the opportunities and supports they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our READI approach is rooted in our shared belief that championing equity and empowering ability starts by investing in our team members— and in our shared culture — so that we all feel included, safe, and confident at work every single day.