Manager, Community and Partner Relations

About Durham Community Health Centre

Durham Community Health Centre (DCHC) is a charitable organization dedicated to delivering integrated, accessible, and equitable primary care, wellness, and health education services to community members facing barriers in Durham. Our services especially support priority populations such as Indigenous peoples, Black communities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, newcomers to Canada, seniors, and those without family doctors. Our interdisciplinary staff team works collaboratively to provide client-centered care through medical, wellness, and educational services.

Position Overview

We seek a Manager, Community and Partner Relations—a new leadership role aimed at advancing DCHC's strategic goals over five years by spearheading community engagement, stakeholder relationships, and strategic partnerships. This role enhances DCHC’s profile, broadens its impact, and promotes improved health outcomes throughout Durham Region by building trust with local leaders, government, and organizations, as well as aligning outreach efforts with organizational priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive community relations, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, and partnership strategy.
• Forge and maintain meaningful relationships with community leaders, elected officials, healthcare partners, funders, and local organizations.
• Lead outreach ensuring alignment with access-to-care and population health initiatives.
• Represent DCHC at community and public settings including meetings, forums, and events.
• Maintain government relations at multiple levels and monitor policy trends impacting DCHC priorities.
• Support executive leadership with strategic planning, presentations, and communication materials.
• Facilitate partnership programs and sponsorship opportunities to increase organizational visibility, fundraising, and community impact.
• Coordinate community health education through diverse delivery methods, working with clinical experts on programming aligned with health priorities.
• Establish and track measurable indicators of success for engagement and partnership efforts, reporting progress to leadership and the Board.
• Lead and mentor a small team dedicated to implementing community and stakeholder engagement plans.

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Public/Business Administration, Communications, Public Relations, Public Health or related field.
• At least 5 to 7 years progressive experience in communications, public affairs, community engagement or related fields, preferably within healthcare or public sector.
• Demonstrated success in building partnerships, managing government and media relations, and developing strategic communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, storytelling, editing, and content development skills tailored for diverse audiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities efficiently and lead in a dynamic environment.
• Experience supporting senior leaders with speeches and briefings.
• Knowledge of brand management and ability to maintain consistent organizational messaging.
• Inclusive leadership approach fostering trust and collaboration across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Commitment to equity, values-driven leadership, and advancing community health missions.
• Knowledge of Ontario healthcare and community health systems is a plus.

Additional Information

• Employment type: Permanent full-time role.
• Standard workweek: Monday to Friday, 35 hours, with occasional evenings or weekends.
• Primary work location: Oshawa, Ontario, with flexibility for other DCHC sites.
• Salary range: Between $90,000 and $100,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience, plus group benefits and pension plan (HOOPP).
• Vaccination: Full COVID-19 vaccination is mandatory, with accommodations per human rights legislation.
• DCHC promotes diversity and encourages applicants from underrepresented communities.
• Applicants must undergo pre-employment checks including references and vulnerable sector criminal background screening.
• DCHC is committed to accessibility and will provide accommodations on request.

Application Process

Applications will be reviewed with only selected candidates contacted for interviews. Communication will be through provided email addresses, and candidates are responsible to check their email regularly. AI-assisted screening may be used, with final hiring decided by the recruitment team.