External Affairs Manager
Operations – downtown Toronto, Ontario
Make a difference with Life Sciences Ontario (LSO)
www.lifesciencesontario.ca
Who we are and what we do:
Life Sciences Ontario is a member-driven organization that represents and promotes the province’s vibrant and diverse life sciences sector. LSO collaborates with governments, academia, industry, and other life science organizations in Ontario and across Canada to promote and encourage commercial success throughout the sector. Membership in Life Sciences Ontario includes individuals, students, emerging companies, investors, service providers, and companies with marketed products. The organization provides a wide range of networking and educational events and operates a mentorship program that is helping to develop highly-skilled talent and build new business opportunities for the life sciences sector. We also support the next generation of life science leaders through our scholarship and mentorship program. LSO is an effective conduit for delivering policy options to governments and is committed to practicing and promoting the principles and best practices of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA). We have made it a strategic priority to incorporate IDEA into everything we do, from our internal processes and events to our external commitments (Black North, 50/30 Challenge) and including creating the “Building an Inclusive Life Sciences Future” workshop series highlighted by Osler.
We thrive on the challenge to bring our best, progressive thinking to keep our association growing, and to deliver excellent events helping the life sciences ecosystem (community) to thrive and prosper. We are passionate about the quality of our work, the people and organizations with which we partner, the outcomes that we achieve, and the opportunity to shape the future. Our culture is fast-paced, challenging, and rewarding including opportunities to grow skills as we embark on new projects. We value new ideas and different perspectives to help our organization grow.
Who we are looking for:
We are looking for an individual with a unique set of skills to join our small team of dedicated individuals. As the External Affairs Manager, you will be a key part of LSO’s thought leadership as we advocate for the life sciences sector and communicate effectively with government officials, life sciences stakeholders, and the broader public. You are a highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter who can work independently with little direction and brings excellent communication skills (oral and written), policy knowledge, political acumen, and a passion for life sciences.
The Role:
The External Affairs Manager will report to the CEO and work closely with the internal LSO team. You will be responsible for developing policy whitepapers and reports, leading advocacy-related projects, liaising with government officials, developing external communications (such as presentations, press releases, etc.), coordinating GR consultants, and supporting the advocacy efforts of the CEO.
The skills of the individual we are seeking would include: a deep understanding of public policy – how it’s developed and implemented, an understanding of key policy issues related to life sciences, an exceptional team player; well-developed interpersonal skills, written and oral communication; relationship management and diplomacy skills to engage at all levels internally and externally, as well as externally with various stakeholders and service providers in an inclusive and accessible manner.
External Affairs Manager Responsibilities:
- Updating and maintaining LSO’s lobby registry
- Researching policy issues impacting the life sciences sector
- Developing advocacy positions for LSO
- Liaising with Government officials
- Developing external communications – reports, whitepapers, presentations, press releases, etc.
- Supporting CEO on advocacy, external communications, and thought leadership
- Supporting the Business Development Director in creating member engagement opportunities
- Building relationships with our community partners including diverse groups to support and align common policy priorities
- Coordinating the LSO policy and GR committee
- Coordinating key advocacy events such as the LSO policy forum and Queen’s Park Day
- Incorporating IDEA principles and best practices into all external affairs
- Other duties as required; such as assisting with LSO events and programs
Experience and Qualifications:
- Minimum of 2 years of experience in a related role
- Completed post-secondary education in a related field
- Experience analyzing public policy and developing advocacy positions
- Experience with developing external communications (press releases, reports, etc.)
- Experience in digital campaigning/digital advocacy and social media, with a strong understanding of the various social platforms, including their use and impact on government affairs and engagement with government officials, politicians, and key stakeholders
- Proficient public speaker
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and Outlook and Publisher) and Adobe and maintaining files in dropbox
- Proficient in English, other languages are an asset
What we offer:
- This is an 18-month contract position
- Competitive salary
- Flexibility – ability to partially work from home but will be required to be in the office or at events as needed
- An open and inclusive culture that encourages sharing ideas
- Opportunities to take on a leadership role
- Opportunities to interact with senior leaders in life sciences
Salary: $65,000.00-$80,000.00 per year
How to Apply:
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and covering letter, no later than 11:59pm on July 22nd, 2022. The ideal start time would be middle/late August.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
LSO is committed to building and fostering a workplace that is reflective of our communities, where all members feel included, valued, and heard. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates but acknowledge the systemic and structural barriers that have, historically, marginalized and barred certain groups from accessing employment opportunities. As part of our commitment to removing barriers to employment, we strongly encourage applications from members of these historically marginalized groups including, but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, members of the LGBTQ+ community, people with disabilities, and women. Accommodations are available, upon request, in all aspects of the recruitment process.
