Job Title: Director of Advocacy and Policy

Description

Location: Remote, within the GTA (with occasional travel across Ontario)
Position Type: Full-time, Permanent
Start Date: Targeting August 2025 start
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Date: July 4, 2025

About OASIS

OASIS strengthens and connects developmental service agencies through strategic advocacy, capacity-building, and system-wide leadership.

We are a provincial association representing a membership of publicly funded organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our work is grounded in collaboration with our members and partners, advancing informed policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and system-wide innovation. OASIS is committed to building a sector that is equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of individuals with IDD, their families, and the organizations that support them.

Qualifications

About OASIS OASIS strengthens and connects developmental service agencies through strategic advocacy, capacity-building, and system-wide leadership. We are a provincial association representing a membership of publicly funded organizations that support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our work is grounded in collaboration with our members and partners, advancing informed policy advocacy, strategic partnerships, and system-wide innovation. OASIS is committed to building a sector that is equitable, sustainable, and responsive to the evolving needs of individuals with IDD, their families, and the organizations that support them. Shape Position Overview The Director of Advocacy and Policy leads OASIS’s public policy work—working at the intersection of government relations, sector mobilization, and systems-level change. This role is responsible for translating the aspirations of the IDD community into actionable advocacy campaigns and evidence-informed policy proposals. The Director builds coalitions, amplifies member voices, and works to ensure that public policy, legislative frameworks, and funding decisions reflect the rights, strengths, and lived realities of people with developmental disabilities and those who support them. Although not a formal people manager, the Director provides strategic leadership within a flat, cross-functional team structure and influences sector-wide direction. The role is designed for a strategic thinker and experienced policy advocate who thrives in a collaborative, entrepreneurial environment and is committed to equity and inclusion. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership & Policy Advocacy Lead the development and execution of advocacy strategies that align with OASIS’s strategic plan and promote systemic change. Shape and influence public policy by engaging in legislative and regulatory processes, coordinating formal responses to consultations, and drafting submissions or position statements. Develop and maintain tools for advocacy (e.g. position briefs, sensitivity analysis, policy scans, strategic memos). Coalition Building & Government Relations Build strong, trust-based relationships with government officials, political staff, civil servants, and allied sector leaders. Convene coalitions of member organizations, families, and cross-sector partners to support common advocacy goals. Represent OASIS in government meetings, briefings, and sector consultations. Member Engagement & Sector Mobilization Create opportunities for OASIS members to co-create policy positions, share lived experience, and participate in campaigns. Provide tools, coaching, and training to enhance members' capacity for public policy advocacy. Ensure that OASIS advocacy efforts reflect and amplify member knowledge and on-the-ground realities. Systems Thinking & Influence Apply complex systems frameworks to assess and anticipate the impact of proposed legislation, regulation, or funding decisions. Use adaptive and inclusive approaches to problem-solving, recognizing the diversity and dynamism of the developmental services ecosystem. Organizational Contribution Work collaboratively with the Director of Communications and the Director of Learning and Capacity Building to ensure integration across portfolios. Contribute to cross-functional initiatives, special projects, and joint strategy sprints as needed. Support the CEO with policy intelligence, board updates, and stakeholder communications related to advocacy work. Required Qualifications Minimum of five years' experience in public policy, government relations, advocacy, or a related field. Demonstrated success in advancing legislative, regulatory, or funding reforms in a nonprofit or public sector setting. Strong understanding of Ontario’s policy landscape and political process; familiarity with developmental services an asset but not required. Proven ability to lead from the middle—building alignment, convening diverse stakeholders, and achieving results without formal authority. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to translate complex policy into accessible narratives. Experience working in or with coalitions, networks, or communities of practice. Strong commitment to social justice, equity, and the rights of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Work Environment OASIS is a fully remote organization; occasional in-person meetings and travel within Ontario are required. Although we are a remote organization, this role requires frequent in-person collaboration with partners in the GTA. Some evening or early morning meetings may occur to accommodate stakeholder availability. The role requires autonomy, adaptability, and a collaborative spirit in a fast-moving environment. Compensation and Benefits Salary Range: $75,000 – $95,000 annually Benefits: Comprehensive health and dental plan, paid vacation, and professional development support.