Reports To: Manager, Mental Health Advancement

Status: Full-time, 18-Month Contract

Position Location: Ottawa, Ontario

Application Deadline: September 26, 2025

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues and to work to improve the health and social outcomes of people living with mental illness.

The Commission is seen as a leader nationally and internationally in several areas. Building upon the work done to date, the core mandate, and the unique position of the Commission, and guided by Changing Directions, Changing Lives : The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the Commission will focus on work in four key areas: substance abuse/misuse, suicide prevention, population-based initiatives, and engagement. This prioritization will enable the Commission to meet its mandate and have a measurable impact on those living with mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The MHCC is seeking a highly motivated individual who brings an understanding of mental health systems and supports for people involved with the criminal justice system in Canada and other populations. Reporting to the Manager, Mental Health Advancement, the Program Manager will lead efforts to launch and enable implementation of a National Action Plan on mental health and criminal justice. This work will include policy analysis, partner engagement and knowledge exchange activities, in addition to working in collaboration with other MHCC departments.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Contribute to the development and implementation of national strategies, knowledge exchange and evaluation plans on assigned initiatives;
• Draft briefs, reports, presentations and knowledge exchange products to champion related work;
• Review, analyze, and synthesize key reports and relevant literature as needed;
• Leverage research findings to assist the development of appropriate knowledge exchange products, tools or activities to inform policy and program development;
• Collaborate on project plans to support effective and timely delivery of workplan initiatives;
• Assist with development of performance measurement indicators and assist with evaluation;
• Coordinate meetings, workshops and webinars in support of policy or topic areas;
• Develop and maintain relationships with key project advisors, advisory committees and other relevant partners;
• Represent the MHCC at public functions, conferences or relevant meetings as required;
• Support establishing project partnerships via contracts, memorandums of understanding, terms of references, etc.;
• Contribute to internal project meetings and touch-bases to ensure alignment with project deliverables and timelines;
• Work collaboratively with other team members and MHCC departments;
• Other duties as required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Proven ability to multi-task, and help plan, manage, and deliver complex projects
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of the field of mental health and/or Canada’s criminal justice system;
• Strong stakeholder relations and partnership management skills;
• Demonstrable success in building collaborative working relationships with people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives;
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing;
• Superior writing skills and ability to support knowledge translation;
• Experience in writing and editing detailed reports on complex topics;
• Ability to learn quickly and independently, to exercise good judgement and to demonstrate initiative;
• Active interest in upgrading skills and remaining informed of the latest issues affecting mental health within Canada’s justice system;
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively, as part of a team;
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with quick timelines;
• Personal integrity, sound judgment and an ethical approach;

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in related discipline (or equivalent combination of education and experience);
• 3+ years’ experience in project management, policy, and/or research in a related field;
• Demonstrated knowledge in the field(s) of mental health, justice, social determinants of health and/or equity;
• Prior experience working with external stakeholders and multiple industries;
• Excellent organizational, research and analysis skills; and
• Fluency in French and English will be considered a strong asset.

COMPETENCIES

• Values and Ethics

• Respectful of Diversity

• Continuous Learning

• Results Management

• Team work and Cooperation

• Oral/Written Communication

• Health, Safety, and Wellness (physical and psychological)

See Commission Competency Framework – Employee Level, Organizational and Core for details.

PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE DEMANDS

• Moderate periods of time spent in meeting type settings

• Extended visual requirements (5 plus hours) due to computer related work

• Extended periods of time spent in sitting position (computer work, meetings etc. 5 plus hours)

• High requirement for multi-tasking and effectively dividing attention to numerous duties and responsibilities

• High degree of concentration required

• Highly attentive to details

• Low to moderate levels exposure to extension of work day beyond 7.5 hours

• Possible extended travel requirements (up to 10% and greater at times)

• High analytical and interpretive requirements

• Must be comfortable working virtually, and in open office space environments

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS

• Continuously deadline driven requirements
• Moderate exposure to stress resulting from complex interactions, stakeholder relations, and output requirements.
• Moderate requirement to maintain concentration for extended periods of time in order to maximize stakeholder engagement, perform situational strategic analysis and interpretation of data and minimize errors.
• Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize own work.
• Moderate to high degree of emotional intelligence required in order to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, influence and inspire others, work well in a team, and manage conflict.
• Responsive to possible rapid changes in priorities;
• Adaptable to change (organizational and environmental)
• Performance goals and objectives are established yearly and regularly reviewed.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Head Office of the Mental Health Commission of Canada is located on the unceded, traditional Territory of the Algonquin Anishinaabe Nation, in what is now called Ottawa, Ontario. We acknowledge that for thousands of years, the Algonquin People protected these lands, the Ottawa River Watershed, and its tributaries. As a national organization, we also acknowledge that we work on the traditional lands of many different nations. Today, a path to truth and reconciliation begins with recognizing both the stewardship and the sacrifices of the original peoples. We are committed to recognizing the errors of the past, acknowledging the challenges of the present, and contributing to a new and equitable relationship with the First Peoples.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is committed to diversity in the workplace and workplace well-being. As such, applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds such as; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, members of a visible minority group and those with lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses are welcomed and encouraged.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Accessible formats and communication supports for applicants are available upon request by contacting People and Culture at hr@mentalhealthcommission.ca.

While working remotely, the Commission will not be responsible to reimburse any internet charges, or other home office expenses, including utilities or other furniture/equipment, in order to be able to work from home.