Director, Health Policy and Systems

Heart & Stroke

. Provide strategic leadership and management for planning and implementing Heart & Stroke initiatives aligned with national priorities .

Posted 11/3/2026full-timeCanadaLead💰 CA$95,000 - CA$119,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in health policy, advocacy, and systems change, with a strong ability to lead and manage complex projects and stakeholder relationships. Proven track record in program planning, evaluation, and financial management within the healthcare sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Health Policy ExpertiseAdvocacy LeadershipProject Management SkillsStakeholder EngagementFinancial Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Health Policy DevelopmentProgram PlanningPolicy EvaluationProject ManagementGovernment RelationsAdvocacy StrategiesKnowledge TranslationHealthcare Systems ImprovementBudget AdministrationEnvironmental Scanning

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingCommunicationFacilitationRelationship Building

Certifications & Qualifications

Project Management DesignationProfessional Accreditation

Industry Keywords

Health SystemsIndigenous HealthGovernment Decision-MakingPublic Policy TrendsStakeholder EngagementHealth CharitiesNGOsPatient EngagementSaskatchewan Health EnvironmentCross-Functional Collaboration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership and management for planning and implementing Heart & Stroke initiatives aligned with national priorities
Lead stakeholder and government relations, advocacy, health systems improvement, and patient engagement and support
Build and maintain relationships with government officials, agencies, NGOs, health charities, stakeholders, volunteers, people with lived experience, and coalitions
Lead provincial advocacy planning and adapt advocacy priorities to the Saskatchewan environment
Develop and execute policy and advocacy plans, special projects, advocacy briefs, papers, and related documents
Support health policy and systems change at all levels of government
Act as the organization’s external face through stakeholder engagement, meetings, presentations, and media engagement
Identify funding and resource-leveraging opportunities with government, industry, and partners
Collaborate with national health system and policy colleagues and contribute to strategic planning
Work with the Development Team on funding opportunities, donor meetings, proposals, and stakeholder presentations
Engage the Provincial Advisory Board in provincial mission priorities and initiatives
Support communications and marketing in promoting programs and recruiting people with lived experience
Participate in working groups and committees and build cross-functional relationships
Lead environmental scanning of Western Canada’s research, government, and healthcare systems
Monitor and report on policy decisions, public policy trends, public opinion, and emerging opportunities
Lead and inspire an effective, high-performing team
Set business goals, performance plans, and objectives; provide coaching and feedback; optimize resource deployment

Requirements

What you’ll need

University degree with a focus on health policy, health administration, or health systems
Graduate degree preferred
Professional accreditation is an asset
Project management designation considered an asset
Minimum of 8 years of progressively responsible work experience
Experience with talent management, coaching and leadership
Experience leading advocacy, knowledge translation, and health systems improvement work
Experience networking and convening with government, NGOs, and the public to solve complex health-related problems
Experience advocating to federal, provincial, regional, and municipal governments within the health portfolio
Strong background in program planning and evaluation
Firm grasp of health policy and systems change theory and models
Understanding of healthcare delivery systems and government roles in the health system
Understanding of Indigenous health, social, political, and cultural issues
Extensive knowledge of government decision-making processes and advocacy strategies
Extensive knowledge of health policy and program development, implementation, and evaluation
Excellent project management skills
Ability to lead complex projects and policy initiatives across government and health-related settings
Ability to build relationships with senior officials and influence, motivate, and lead stakeholders
Financial management skills to plan, prepare, and administer a budget
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Well-developed leadership and facilitation skills
Applicants must currently reside in Canada and be legally entitled to work in Canada
Candidates must be based in Saskatchewan and able to travel to Saskatoon and Regina as needed

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous paid time-off package including vacation days, personal days, and wellness days
Paid company-wide closure between December 25 and January 1
Health, medical, dental and vision benefits
Life insurance
Disability benefits
Employee assistance program (EAP)
Defined contribution pension plan with employer matching
Flexible hybrid working model
Reimbursement for mobile phones and home office setup
Opportunities for professional development