Director, Strategic Initiatives - Toronto, Canada - Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan

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    Full time
    Description

    Why you'll love working here:

  • high-performance, people-focused culture
  • our commitment that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to our work environment and business success, which helps employees feel valued and empowered to be their authentic selves
  • membership in HOOPP's world class defined benefit pension plan, which can serve as an important part of your retirement security
  • competitive, 100% company-paid extended health and dental benefits for permanent employees, including coverage supporting our team's diversity and mental health gender affirmation, fertility and drug treatment, psychological support benefits of $2,500 per year, and newly extended maternity/parental leave top of 26 weeks)
  • optional post-retirement health and dental benefits subsidized at 50%
  • yoga classes, meditation workshops, nutritional consultations, and wellness seminars
  • access to an annual wellness reimbursement program for health and wellness-related expenses for permanent and temporary employees
  • the opportunity to make a difference and help take care of those who care for us, by providing a financially secure retirement for Ontario healthcare workers
  • Job Summary:

    Reporting to the Vice President, Strategy, Global Intelligence and Advocacy; the Director, Strategic Initiatives is responsible for assisting with implementing current and future Strategic Plans and developing, executing and sustaining strategic initiatives and special projects. The Director provides critical leadership, direction and expertise in the development of integrated and long-term communications strategies that further HOOPP's strategic objectives, plans and visions for the organization on an on-going basis. In addition, the Director conducts background research, develops reports, implementation plans and strategic communications materials on strategic priorities, especially those that require broad collaboration and participation of CEO/ExT and the Board. With a focus on developing performance strategies to accelerate the operationalization of HOOPP's Strategic Plan and initiatives, the Director leads implementation, knowledge management, related communications and the monitoring/tracking of related performance targets.

    This role requires an innovative and collaborative leader who excels in "connecting the dots" across divisions. They must be capable of and comfortable with making decisions independently, knowing when to escalate and contribute positively and creatively to discussions around strategic planning and decisions to be made by CEO/ExT and the Board.

    What you will do:

    Business Strategy and Planning

  • Identify, research and implement, in collaboration with VP, SGA and others, strategic initiatives for: Advancing key priorities for the organization as set out in HOOPP's Strategic Plan Increasing use and trust in data and analyses to support strategic planning, for evaluating performance and progress.
  • Leads implementation, knowledge management, related communications and the monitoring/tracking of related performance targets.
  • Assists with facilitating strategic dialogues with HOOPP senior leaders and Board, articulating a vision, synthesize and vet a plan of action, identify key issues, develop potential solutions and implement plans to deliver targeted outcomes.
  • Research and prepare backgrounders that identify both opportunities and inherent risks; gather intelligence and maintain environmental scans for major strategic initiatives and developments
  • Prepare/oversee key communications materials for CEO/ExT/Board and VP on the strategic planning process, the development of the operationalization of the plan and updates on key milestones and progress.
  • Builds credibility with senior leaders and staff across the organization in support of strategic initiatives, strategic planning and strategic planning process, liasing where appropriate.
  • Create an environment of continuous improvement, open channels of communications that invite suggestions and innovative thinking and proactively seek best practices.
  • Maintains confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Acts independently, resolves complex issues within scope.
  • Data Analysis and Planning

  • Lead the development of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and dashboards to monitor, measure and assess the effectiveness of all strategic initiatives, communications activities and plan.
  • Build trust in the use of relevant credible data and analyses to inform decision-making and evaluation of strategies.
  • Translate data and findings for a broad range of audiences, including CEO/ExT and Board members.
  • Remain current on strategic planning, project management, evaluation and data analysis and reporting.
  • What you bring:

  • Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, or Political Science
  • Graduate degree Master of Arts or Master of Business Administration) is preferred
  • Additional training or professional development related to strategic planning, performance measurement, project management and communications preferred
  • 8-10 years in progressive roles in public affairs, planning, relationship building and strategic initiatives
  • Expertise in strategic planning and communications
  • Broad knowledge of HOOPP and an understanding of current trends in the pension industry
  • Proven experience interacting with senior leaders and Board members; a persuasive and dynamic leader with highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, who is comfortable with networking, influencing and persuading at the highest level
  • Advanced understanding of institutional data and analyses, including how to leverage and make use of data and analyses to inform HOOPP's mission, vision and mandate
  • An ability to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Strong organizational, prioritization and analytical skills, proven ability as a problem-solver
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills; tact, good judgement, diplomacy and an ability to maintain confidentiality are essential
  • Deep understanding of the value of corporate and strategic communications and the role of multichannel storytelling
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment, with a demonstrated sense of urgency
  • Developed networks in pension sector and/or government/quasi government
  • Relationship management skills to engage, cultivate and manage internally & externally
  • Entrepreneurial and disruptive in the ability to think about problems, challenge the status quo and a willingness to take calculated risks in order to support HOOPP's vision
  • Ability to balance strategy with flawless execution of programs to deliver upon business goals.
  • Proven track record of providing strategic advice to advance the goals and objectives of an organization
  • Exceptional writer and editor, experience in leading corporate communications initiatives
  • Knowledge of management practices in people management, strategic planning and risk management and stakeholder relationship management
  • Proven experience in working closely with multiple senior executives to help manage and move forward the organization's agenda.