Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI)

Principal Consultant, Federal Relations

Ottawa, ON
On-site
Posted Oct 16, 2026
1 position

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Employment type: Contract
Experience level: Senior
Minimum education: Master’s degree
Posting language: English

Job summary

Lead CIHI’s relationships with federal government and pan-Canadian partners, developing strategic partnerships and advancing initiatives that support a modernized health data system. Guide cross-functional strategic initiatives, represent CIHI with stakeholders, and analyze policy and health system developments to inform organizational decisions.

Job details

Why is this role important? The Principal Consultant is a senior individual contributor responsible for providing strategic advice, subject matter expertise, and leadership across complex initiatives with organizational impact. Operating as a recognized expert within their field, the Principal Consultant leads through influence and plays a key role in shaping approaches, standards, and solutions that support organizational priorities and advances CIHI’s vision for a modernized health data system. The Principal Consultant, Federal Relations leads CIHI’s relationships with the federal government and key pan-Canadian stakeholders across the health data ecosystem. This role develops strategic partnerships, advances initiatives that support a modernized health data system, and fosters collaboration to address evolving health data and information needs. Working across CIHI, the Principal Consultant identifies opportunities for alignment, supports organizational priorities, and ensures awareness of emerging trends, issues, and partnership opportunities. What you'll do 1. Serve as a recognized authority within a specialized area of expertise providing strategic guidance, coaching, and mentorship to staff and project teams. 2. Contribute to the development of organizational strategies, frameworks, standards, and best practices; Identify emerging issues, risks, trends, and opportunities that may impact organizational priorities. 3. Support senior leadership in strategic decision-making through analysis, recommendations, and deep subject matter expertise. 4. Lead high-impact initiatives spanning multiple teams, functions, or programs; Shape project approaches, methodologies, and implementation strategies. 5. Ensure alignment between initiatives, organizational priorities, and stakeholder expectations; Oversee the quality, consistency, and effectiveness of deliverables across initiatives. 6. Build, maintain and strengthen partnerships with federal government entities and pan-Canadian partners, understanding health system trends, opportunities, and challenges; Lead discussions, presentations, and consultations with senior stakeholders. 7. Represent CIHI at national and international events, conferences, and stakeholder meetings, promoting CIHI’s mandate and strategic priorities. 8. Conduct research, environmental scans, and business analysis to inform decision-making, including the development of business cases, reports, briefing notes, correspondence, and other strategic materials. 9. Lead and manage strategic initiatives and cross-functional projects that advance CIHI’s strategic objectives, acting as a key connector across the organization to identify, broker, and support collaboration and partnership opportunities. 10. Identify and develop new partnership opportunities, including with private-sector organizations, to support CIHI’s strategic priorities and advance the sharing, access, and use of health data within a modernized health data system. 11. Lead the development and implementation of stakeholder engagement, communications, and knowledge exchange strategies and annual relationship plans that enhance CIHI’s visibility and influence across the federal and pan-Canadian landscape. 12. Coordinate CIHI’s federal government and strategic partnership engagement activities, ensuring alignment with provincial and territorial engagement efforts and broader organizational priorities. 13. Support the development and implementation of federal funding agreements, memorandums of understanding, and associated work plans with federal and pan-Canadian partners. 14. Monitor and analyze policy, political, and health system developments, stakeholder activities, and market trends to identify risks, opportunities, and issues that may affect CIHI’s operations and strategic objectives. What you'll bring to the table • Post graduate degree in Health Sciences, Public Health, Business Administration or related field, or equivalent combination of education and related experience. • Minimum 5 years of related senior experience in consulting, advisory, strategic planning, or program delivery. • Demonstrated experience leading complex initiatives with cross-functional and organizational impact. • Experience influencing senior stakeholders and managing competing priorities in a complex environment. • Demonstrated knowledge of political, federal government and health sector and industry issues as they relate to health and health information. • Extensive knowledge of CIHI’s business, and the businesses of its key stakeholders (e.g. policy makers, health system managers, governments) • Ability to work effectively independently and in a team setting. • Proven advocacy skills in promoting the value of data and information. • Strong facilitation, collaboration partnership and relationship-building skills. • Ability to develop trusted relationships at all levels. • Proven ability to utilize sound judgment in establishing and maintaining client relationships. • Excellent interpersonal skills and proven skills in consulting and negotiating. • Excellent writing and verbal communication skills. Experience preparing briefs, discussion papers, and evaluation reports. • Ability to operate effectively in highly ambiguous or evolving environments. • Commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and high-quality outcomes. Additional Requirements • Primary location: Ottawa. • Occasional travel may be required • Must comply with all CIHI workplace policies, including privacy and confidentiality. • Fluency in English is required, bilingualism in both official languages is an asset.

What you’ll do

Requirements

Requires a postgraduate degree in health sciences, public health, business administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, plus at least five years of relevant senior experience. Candidates should bring expertise in federal government and health sector issues, complex initiative leadership, senior stakeholder engagement, partnership building, advocacy, and strong written and verbal communication.