Director, Strategic Relations

The Institute for Work & Health (IWH) is an independent, not-for-profit research organization. Our mission is to promote, protect and improve the safety and health of working people by conducting actionable research that is valued by employers, workers and policy-makers.

IWH is currently seeking a qualified person to fill the position of Director, Strategic Relations.

About the position

The successful candidate will work with the President of IWH, other members of the IWH Executive Team, and the Knowledge Transfer and Exchange Team to diversify and expand IWH’s research and stakeholder networks.

Core duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic stakeholder network plan, with a focus on amplifying IWH’s national and international presence, broadening IWH research audiences, and promoting diversity among research and stakeholder groups. The Director, Strategic Relations will also work with the Executive Team and the IWH Board of Directors to develop and measure key performance indicators as they relate to stakeholder relations, engagement and success in broadening IWH’s national and international presence.
• Oversee IWH staff participation in formal, non-project-specific stakeholder networks with relevant stakeholder groups.
• In collaboration with the Scientific Director, monitor high-quality funding opportunities relevant to IWH, identify strategic relationships with other research organizations that are relevant to the IWH Scientific Research Plan, and identify opportunities to diversify funding of IWH research beyond traditional granting agencies.
• Identify opportunities for IWH research and expertise to contribute to the development of legislation, policies, programs and resources at the provincial and federal levels, and particularly within Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety System. Identify emerging trends and initiatives that could impact IWH or create research or outreach opportunities relevant to the mandate of IWH.
• In collaboration with the Director, Communications, ensure that relevant IWH research is communicated to key stakeholder groups, in the right format, at the right time.
• In collaboration with the President of IWH, ensure that IWH’s Board of Directors is supported in its governance responsibilities for the organization.
• Carry out other duties needed to help drive our vision, fulfill our mission and uphold the organization’s values.

Education and experience

• Post-graduate training in a discipline relevant to the work of IWH
• Previous experience with stakeholder and/or government relationships in a not-for-profit setting
• Sound knowledge of, and experience with, board of directors governance activities in a not-for-profit setting
• Experience with research funding organizations and applications
• Experience in policy generation and implementation
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills to work with external stakeholders and IWH staff
• Strong presentation/speaking skills, as well as strong writing and editing skills
• Excellent multi-tasking and time-management skills, with the ability to set priorities and meet deadlines
• Well-developed ability to work in a team environment and independently

Compensation package

Starting salary will depend on qualifications and experience, and will be in the range of $105,000 - $130,000, plus group benefits, at least four weeks' annual vacation, and enrolment in a leading defined-benefit pension plan. Suitability for the position will be assessed at six months.

Application details

Applications will be accepted until Friday May 27, 2022, or until the position is filled.

If you are interested in this position, please submit an application containing a cover letter and resumé to:

D. Wills
Director, Human Resources & Corporate Services
400 University Avenue, Suite 1800
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1S5
Email: dwills@iwh.on.ca

IWH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that values and promotes diversity. IWH encourages applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous people, women, LGBTQ2S+ persons, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact Derek Wills at dwills@iwh.on.ca or (416) 927-2027, ext. 2115 to discuss their needs.

We thank all applicants, but only those considered for the position will be contacted.

About the Institute for Work & Health

IWH, guided by a Board of Directors and an international Scientific Advisory Committee, conducts research that examines primary prevention and interventions in the workplace; effective and efficient rehabilitation and safe, timely return to work for people with work-related injury and illness; labour market experiences and their health consequences; and disability compensation systems and their behavioural consequences. IWH supports an active knowledge transfer and exchange program, which implements interactive strategies to transfer research findings to key decision-makers. The Institute also trains and mentors the next generation of work and health researchers.

IWH is committed to excellent working conditions, a cooperative team environment for its employees, and transparent, diverse and fair recruiting practices of staff and trainees.

IWH operates with the support of the Government of Ontario.