Job Posting: Public Engagement Manager, Canadian Drug Policy Coalition

The Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC) is launching a ground-breaking participatory systems change initiative across Canada! Over the next three years, we will be working with communities to improve public understanding of drug policy, promote a public health and human rights-based approach to drugs, and develop momentum for sustained and coordinated efforts to improve our approach to substance use. To help us reach our goals, we are seeking a Public Engagement Manager experienced working with diverse groups, government officials and institutional stakeholders to design engagement processes on complex health and social issues. The candidate will lead the development and implementation of CDPC’s public engagement activities.

CDPC is a national coalition at Simon Fraser University (SFU) in Vancouver, British Columbia, that promotes a drug policy for Canada based on principles of public health, human rights, evidence and social inclusion. CDPC fosters public education, dialogue and action on public policy as it relates to reducing harms and maximizing benefits related to substance use in our communities and promotes policies that improve the health and well-being of people who use substances in Canada and internationally.

Responsibilities

  • Leads the development of a national dialogue program that will focus on a public health and human rights approach to substance use, the impact of current approaches to drugs and substances on individuals and communities, and the issue of stigma related to substance use and related policy frameworks.
  • Collaborates with the CDPC staff team, the SFU Centre for Dialogue, a national advisory committee, and local organizing committees to design over thirty regional and community-based participatory systems change dialogue events and other public engagement opportunities.
  • Collaborates closely with the CDPC communications team to integrate key concepts and knowledge translation goals into the digital strategy that supports the dialogue processes.
  • Builds and maintains positive relationships with community partners, organizations and stakeholders in co-creating CDPC public engagement activities.
  • Works closely with the project evaluation working group to assist in the design of evaluation strategies for CDPC’s public engagement activities.
  • Supervises project staff in order to meet project goals, manage budgets and timelines.
  • Coordinates and leads project advisory committee meetings.
  • Works with the CDPC team to develop dialogue content and overall program planning.
  • Reports on project activities as necessary to the CDPC team, advisory group, external partners, funders and the public.
  • Functions with high degree of autonomy while able to work in a team setting.
  • Other duties as assigned.
  • This position reports to the Director of CDPC.

 

Knowledge, skills and abilities required

  • Successful completion of post-secondary degree in communications, adult education, dialogue studies, public health, social sciences or another applicable field.
  • Minimum of three years of related experience in complex project management and/or participatory stakeholder engagement activities.
  • Knowledge of concepts of public dialogue, public engagement, and processes for participatory learning and action.
  • Understanding of participatory public engagement in the context of systems change.
  • Demonstrated experience in a management position supervising a team.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people of diverse abilities, backgrounds, and viewpoints.
  • Awareness of current issues relating to substance use and the overdose crisis, or a strong willingness to learn.
  • Attention to detail and ability to accurately track and analyze quantitative and qualitative information, including finances related to dialogue program expenditures.
  • Ability to build networks and relationships with a high degree of professionalism.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Ability to effectively manage staff and delegate appropriate work.
  • Computer proficiency required (MS Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Effective written and verbal English communication skills.
  • Ability to travel within Canada.

 

Deadline to apply is February 15, 2019.

See complete job posting and application details

Learn more about the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition (CDPC)