Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 52 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact autistic individuals and their families, Autism Ontario is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism, and we value collaboration, respect, accountability and being evidence informed.

Job Title: Chief Advocacy, Policy and Community Engagement Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Hybrid: primarily remote, but required to travel to our Provincial Office (1179 King St W, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C5) or a regional office when required

Hours: 37.5hrs per week

Annual Salary: $150,000 - $155,000

Vacancy: New Role

Duration: One year contract

Position Summary In keeping with Autism Ontario’s Vision, Mission, Values, and Strategic aims, the Chief Advocacy, Policy and Community Engagement Officer will lead, develop, implement, and effectively communicate Autism Ontario’s advocacy efforts across Ontario.

Key Responsibilities

• Work strategically and in collaboration with key internal (province-wide staff, board, volunteers) and external stakeholders (local &provincial leaders, business leaders, like-minded organizations) lead, develop and implement a province-wide map and annual report of service gaps, priorities, policies and opportunities that serve the needs of the autism community across the life-course.
• Animate and empower caregiver parents and self-advocates with developed materials that reflect the intersection of their and Autism Ontario’s advocacy aims.
• Align provincial and national initiatives, with a view to strengthening Ontarians voice with accessible and meaningful data that leads to public policy changes towards better lives across the life course.
• Align provincial and national initiatives, with a view to strengthening Ontarians voice with accessible and meaningful data that leads to public policy changes towards better lives across the life course
• Demonstrate and continually develop subject matter expertise to investigate and solicit information about relevant issues and topics in relationship to autism in Ontario, Canada or internationally to inform work in Ontario
• Strengthen Autism Ontario’s capacity to positively influence and represent its views/resources on relevant internal and external committees, conferences and provincial advisory groups on autism-related matters.
• Create opportunities to grow networking between Ontario parents and caregivers and to strengthen self -advocacy with alignment on key issues where rights or opportunities are less accessible for citizens.
• Build Autism Ontario’s expertise in knowledge translation in order to adapt materials to educate various media, province-wide committees, other Autism Ontario staff and volunteers and the general public.
• Research source documents and/or interview key professionals and parents in order to produce articles or concise summaries of key information from relevant autism conferences, meetings, events, Autism Ontario communications, and research summaries as appropriate.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in a related field (adult education, developmental disabilities, and/or human services); a Bachelor’s degree plus relevant experience may be
• 5-7 years of leadership experience in advocacy on social justice issues in the social services sector using effective communication and adult education principles.
• Extensive demonstrated experience (clinical, educational, or related government policy setting) with autism, families and disability issues in Ontario
• Extensive experience in public speaking and ability to influence a diverse audience using adult education principles. E.g. public forums, media interviews, webinars, or classroom settings.
• Demonstrated excellence and independence in producing published writings on autism geared towards professionals and parents regarding the impact on family and practical, evidence-based intervention
• Fully bilingual, English/French, considered an asset, but not a pre-requisite.
• Must have demonstrated knowledge translation skills for a range of audiences from government and policy makers to researchers, clinicians, parents and caregivers and autistic people.
• Experience with successful engagement and/or partnering in the autism community on a range of initiatives
• Demonstrated skill in speaking about difficult topics with authenticity and an inclusivity of views that ultimately allow for greater engagement and opportunities for autistic people and their families
• Alignment of personal and professional values and goals with those of Autism Ontario
• Demonstrated success in proposal/grant writing and resource generation
• A pleasant and flexible manner which leads to trusting and effective working relationships, strong time management skills in response to
• Ability to provide assistance on an on-call basis
• Experience in working with volunteers and staff with a wide range of abilities, communication styles and interests within a charitable organization or not-for-profit setting.
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-Black racism, anti-ableism

Benefits Autism Ontario offers a great work-life balance, and a competitive benefits package. Some of the perks of joining our team include:

• Flex Hours and Hybrid working model
• Semi-casual dress code
• 4 weeks vacation, plus years of service days and 10 paid personal days
• Competitive Benefits Package with Healthcare spending account (including Health, Dental, EAP, Vision and more)
• RRSP Contributions
• Professional development opportunities
• In person team building activities
• A workplace culture that promotes both wellness and engagement
• You’ll be joining a team of passionate individuals who are looking to make a difference.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover before September 1st, 2025. We thank everyone for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates invited to interview with us will be contacted.

Autism Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization and actively encourages individuals on the autism spectrum and from all equity deserving groups to apply. We welcome qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status or any other legally protected factors.

Autism Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, Autism Ontario will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the hiring process.

Please note that Autism Ontario may utilize AI-based tools during the recruitment and selection process to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures