Director of Policy

Director of Policy

About the Organization

Wellesley Institute is a catalyst for change. A driving force committed to creating a society where health is a birthright for all, not a privilege for some.  

We believe that every individual has the right to thrive. We believe that investigating the issues and inequities facing communities will help achieve fairness in health. We believe that health equity is not a lofty idea, but an achievable reality.

We are an independent, non-partisan health policy research institute dedicated to improving health, healthcare and health equity in Ontario and across Canada. We focus on the social factors that are linked to health and fore ground the voice of communities when creating solutions. Through rigorous research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement, the organization provides solutions to support governments, healthcare organizations and communities in addressing complex health and health system challenges. We are recognized locally and nationally for advancing innovative policy approaches that promote better health and equity in health.

At Wellesley Institute, empathy, understanding, action and impact come together to create healthier, fairer lives for all.

Position Summary

The Director of Policy provides strategic leadership for the organization's policy agenda and serves as a trusted advisor on social policy, health and health system transformation in Toronto, Ontario and Canada. Reporting to the CEO, and as part of a leadership team including the Director of Communications, Director of Operations, and Director of Research, the Director of Policy leads the development of policy solutions, translates research into actionable recommendations, and cultivates relationships with government, healthcare leaders, researchers, community organizations and funding partners.

The successful candidate will bring deep knowledge of social policy and the health system, the broader Canadian healthcare landscape, and the public policy processes that shape health outcomes. They will play a key role in ensuring the organization's research has real-world policy impact and contributes to advancing health and equitable and sustainable social and health systems.

Visit Career opportunity: Director of Policy - Wellesley Institute for the full job description.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy Leadership

• Develop and oversee the organization's policy strategy and annual policy priorities.
• Monitor and analyze emerging societal, political, social and health system issues and policy developments in Toronto, Ontario, across Canada, and internationally.
• Provide strategic advice to the CEO and senior leadership team regarding social and healthcare issues, policy opportunities, and emerging risks.
• Identify opportunities to position the organization as a leading voice in evidence-informed social and health policy.

Health Policy Analysis and Development

• Lead the development of policy frameworks, recommendations, and strategic initiatives related to health equity and social determinants of health, social and health systems and services, primary care reform, public health, health and social care workforce, long-term care and aging, population health and prevention, and digital health and health data governance.
• Ensure policy recommendations are grounded in rigorous research.
• Prepare policy briefs, white papers, submissions, and executive-level reports.

Research Translation and Impact

• Work closely with researchers to identify areas where research could help promote changes in policy, and to develop recommendations and identify the policy implications of their findings.
• Develop knowledge mobilization strategies that promote the uptake of evidence by policymakers and healthcare leaders.
• Lead initiatives to analyze, evaluate and demonstrate policy impact.
• Support the translation of complex health systems research into practical policy solutions.

Government and Stakeholder Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health, GTA policy specialists and policymakers, Ontario Ministry of Health, Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care, Public Health Ontario, Ontario Health, Health Quality Ontario legacy partners, federal agencies including Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, hospitals, primary care organizations, public health units and community health centres, academic institutions and research organizations, and patient, caregiver and community advocacy groups
• Represent the organization in policy consultations, advisory committees, conferences and public forums.
• Convene and facilitate multi-sector stakeholder dialogues on priority health issues.

Thought Leadership and Communications

• Serve as a public-facing health and social policy expert and spokesperson.
• Contribute to publications, opinion pieces, presentations, testimony, media interviews and policy consultations.
• Communicate policy issues clearly to government officials, healthcare professionals, researchers, funders and the public.
• Support organizational strategies that enhance visibility, influence and reputation.

Team Leadership and Organizational Development

• Lead and mentor policy analysts, senior fellows and project staff.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive and evidence-driven culture.
• Oversee project execution, budgets, timelines and reporting requirements.
• Ensure high standards of research integrity, analytical quality and policy relevance.

Funding and Strategic Partnerships

• Support the development of grant applications, research partnerships and policy initiatives.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration with governments, foundations, research funders, healthcare organizations and academic institutions.
• Contribute to organizational sustainability through strategic partnership development.

Qualifications

Required:

• Master's degree or higher in Health Policy, Public Health, Health Administration, Public Policy, Economics, Political Science or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in health or social policy, health services research, healthcare management, government or a related field.
• Demonstrated expertise in the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario and Canadian health systems and public policy.
• Strong understanding of provincial and federal social care, healthcare governance, funding and accountability structures.
• Track record of influencing public policy through research, analysis, advocacy or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex projects.
• Exceptional written, presentation and communication skills.

Preferred

• PhD or equivalent advanced professional designation.
• Existing network across the Greater Toronto Area, Ontario’s health or social care policy sector and government.
• Experience working within a think tank, government ministry, healthcare organization, academic institution or research agency.
• Experience managing multi-partner initiatives.

General Information 

Wellesley Institute is located in downtown Toronto. This is an on-site position. We are currently working a hybrid schedule (onsite and remote) but may return to on-site only. 

Wellesley Institute is strongly committed to diversity and especially welcomes applications from people from Black and other racialized communities, women, Indigenous communities, people with disabilities, people from the 2SLGBTQ+ community, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. 

Compensation

Commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus pension and benefits. 

How to Apply 

Email cover letter and resume in a single PDF file format, labelled as Last Name_First Name, to contact@wellesleyinstitute.com with Director of Policy in the subject line. This posting closes Thursday, October 22 at 5 p.m. ET. 

We thank everyone for taking the time to apply. However, we will only be contacting those we wish to interview.