OAO CAREERS

Manager, Stakeholder Relations

Position Title: Manager - Stakeholder Engagement
Reports To: CEO
Type: Full-Time
Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)
Direct Reports: 0

Role Overview

The Ontario Association of Optometrists (OAO) is seeking a Manager, Stakeholder Engagement to advance the organization’s external relationships and support its advocacy priorities.

The successful candidate will work closely with the CEO, senior staff and interact with the Board and Member Committees to advance government relations, manage complex stakeholder files, and ensure disciplined follow-through on advocacy initiatives.

This is a hands-on role for someone who understands the health system, can operate confidently with government and sector partners, and is equally comfortable preparing a Board briefing as they are managing day-to-day stakeholder engagement and advocacy activity.

Key Responsibilities

Government & Advocacy Leadership

• Lead the day-to-day management of OAO’s government and health-sector stakeholder relationships, in alignment with organizational priorities.
• Support advocacy strategies related to health policy, funding, scope of practice, and system reform.
• Track political, policy, and sector developments and translate them into actionable insights for leadership.
• Represent OAO in meetings with government officials, health organizations, and partner associations as delegated by the CEO.

Strategic Stakeholder Management

• Develop and maintain a clear, proactive stakeholder engagement plan across government, associations, and key partners.
• Build and sustain trusted relationships that advance OAO’s credibility and influence.
• Identify risks, opportunities, and emerging issues and recommend strategic responses.

Board & Governance Support

• Support Board working groups and committees as required, including preparation of briefing materials, meeting support, and follow-up.
• Prepare Board-level summaries, updates, and decision-support materials related to advocacy and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensure consistent, professional communication between staff, Board leadership, and external stakeholders.

CEO & Executive Support

• Prepare high-quality briefing notes, speaking points, stakeholder dossiers, and meeting summaries for the CEO.
• Coordinate inputs from across the organization to support CEO-level engagements and decision-making.
• Ensure disciplined follow-through on commitments arising from senior-level meetings.

Execution & Day-to-Day Management

• Manage meeting logistics, agendas, follow-ups, and stakeholder communications with precision and reliability.
• Maintain stakeholder engagement logs, contact tracking, and reporting systems.
• Coordinate advocacy initiatives and stakeholder outreach efforts from planning through execution.
• Work closely with the Communications team to ensure alignment of messaging and timing.

Qualifications & Experience

• 4–7 years of experience in government relations, stakeholder management, public affairs, or related health-sector role.
• University and/or college undergraduate degree in a related field
• Demonstrated political acuity and comfort operating in complex, multi-stakeholder environments.
• Exceptional written communication skills, particularly briefing notes and executive summaries.
• Strong political acuity, judgment, and discretion.
• Proven track record of managing senior-level external relationships.
• Experience in government, health care, a regulatory body, or a member-based association strongly preferred.
• Ability to travel for stakeholder engagements and represent the organization professionally.
• Ability to maintain all Canadian requirements, such as certificates, degrees related to this job role.

Benefits

• Paid time off starting at 3 weeks
• Competitive salary
• Hybrid (3 days in office)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Group RRSP matching up to 5% of income
• Professional Development
• Team events
• Collaborative team environment

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience to Katerina Kamp, Human Resources at katerinakampandco@gmail.com.

The Ontario Association of Optometrists is proud to be an inclusive and accessible employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), we are committed to providing accommodation throughout the recruitment and employment lifecycle. Applicants requiring accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process are encouraged to contact Human Resources so that appropriate arrangements can be made.