Coordinator, Government Relations & Advocacy

Coordinator, Government Relations & Advocacy

Remote

Hiring Range: $52,053 to $60,000

Temporary Full-Time (September 2026 – April 2028)

Join our Team!

Do you want your next career adventure to be part of a great cause? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of those facing an ovarian cancer diagnosis now and in the future? Are you inspired by and ready to play a key role in transformational change and growth? Ovarian Cancer Canada is looking for a Temporary, full-time Coordinator, Government Relations & Advocacy to join our team. This is an existing vacancy.

Who we are:
At Ovarian Cancer Canada (OCC) we reject the notion that ovarian cancer can’t be eradicated. We are here to demand action, deliver change and transform lives. We stand hand-in-hand with the people experiencing, affected by or at risk of the disease. We will not rest until women can live their lives freely, fully, and uninhibited by ovarian cancer.

With our mission to boldly and unapologetically take action against ovarian cancer until the number of deaths from this disease is zero, we are working tirelessly towards a future where ovarian cancer is preventable, treatable and ultimately eradicated.

What OCC can offer you!

• The opportunity to join a team of forward-thinking individuals who seek to challenge the status-quo to make a difference in the lives of those affected by ovarian cancer.
• Committed to continuing to build a diverse and inclusive work environment.
• Opportunity to lead programs to success, try new things and achieve individual professional goals.
• We value work-life balance and maintain a friendly work environment.
• Flexible work schedules based on individual and organizational needs.
• We believe time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees and offer a generous paid time off package including vacation days, personal days, wellness days, thirteen paid Statutory holidays recognized in all provinces, and a paid company-wide closure over the winter holiday break.
• We provide competitive health, medical, dental and vision benefits, and an RRSP matching program after one year of service.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• Monthly cell phone allowance.
• We offer competitive salaries within the non-profit sector.

Position Overview:
Reporting to the Director, Community Impact & Advocacy this position is responsible for supporting the execution of OCC’s strategic direction to increase government investment in ovarian cancer research and improve access to life-changing and life-sustaining treatments and care. This role works with internal and external stakeholders to improve the lives and livelihoods of Canadians who live with ovarian cancer, supporting them in their efforts to advocate for equitable access to treatments and medicines. This position serves as a government relations (GR) resource for volunteer advocates and staff.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and coordinate government relations activities that advance organizational advocacy priorities related to research funding, treatment access, and other healthcare system improvements (e.g. prevention, testing, supportive care, etc.).
• Support senior leaders, volunteers, and advocates in preparing for meetings with government officials, policymakers, and key stakeholders.
• Coordinate and support government relations meetings, events, receptions, and advocacy activities, both virtually and in person.
• Support stakeholder engagement and stewardship activities to strengthen relationships with elected officials, government representatives, volunteers and advocacy stakeholders.
• Draft and coordinate advocacy materials, including briefing notes, presentations, budget submissions, backgrounders, meeting summaries, patient submissions, and other communications.
• Plan and deliver volunteer advocate recruitment, training, engagement, and support activities.
• Monitor, track, and maintain records of government relations activities, meetings, lobbying requirements, and political developments.
• Monitor federal and provincial health policy, treatment access, regulatory, reimbursement, and healthcare system developments to identify advocacy opportunities and inform organizational priorities.
• Gather, monitor, and summarize research findings, health policy developments, treatment access issues, stakeholder feedback, and community insights to support advocacy priorities, strategic initiatives, and the development of presentations, briefings, reports, and other communications materials.
• Provide communications support to ensure advocacy priorities are reflected consistently across organizational communications and public-facing materials.
• Represent the organization at meetings, conferences, community events, and stakeholder engagements, when required.
• Contribute to cross-functional initiatives, organizational projects, fundraising activities, and other duties as assigned.

Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or humanities
• 2-4 years’ experience in GR, advocacy, and public policy development, preferably with a focus on health care
• Excellent communicator with outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge of political and bureaucratic government (federal and provincial) structures and how to work within them
• Political acumen – ability to assess how issues within the health charity world would be viewed within a political context
• Experience with Canadian drug approval and reimbursement processes
• Experience in drafting GR materials, such as briefing notes, key messages, government submissions (e.g. CDA, INESS, etc.)
• Experience supporting and implementing advocacy initiatives with specific focus on healthcare and drug access issues, at federal and provincial levels
• Excellent organization and planning skills with the ability to track outcomes
• Ability to effectively communicate advocacy initiatives and outcomes in ways that motivate and engage volunteers and stakeholders
• Experience in training and supporting volunteers and staff in GR and advocacy in the charitable sector
• Advanced relationship-building, interpersonal, networking, and influencing skills.
• Strong attention to detail, professionalism, discretion, and ability to handle confidential information.
• Comfortable working independently in a predominantly remote environment while collaborating effectively within a national team.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and travel as event schedules require.
• Committed to working in an inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and awareness to the diverse needs of staff, volunteers, donors, and members of the community.
• The successful candidate will be required to comply with a police background check as a contingency of hiring.

Qualified candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Samantha Smockum, Senior Director, People & Culture at: ssmockum@ovariancanada.org by 5pm EST on July 26, 2026.

At OCC, we are committed to supporting inclusion and diversity; we celebrate and are inspired by our differences. OCC is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free, and accessible environment that encourages applications from all qualified candidates. If you require an accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Our hiring process does not include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or automated decision-making tools. Applications are reviewed and evaluated by our hiring team.