CHRA Program Officer – Job Opportunity

The CANADIAN HOUSING & RENEWAL ASSOCIATION is the national voice for the full range of affordable housing and homelessness issues and solutions. A non-profit membership-based organization, CHRA is located in downtown Ottawa and has a dynamic team of six staff members to carry out its mission and objectives. The Program Officer will be an integral part of this team, directly contributing to the success of the organization and the advancement of a worthwhile cause.

We are looking for a skilled professional, with superior writing, analytical and coordination skills to support CHRA’s work in programs, policy, advocacy and member services. The Program Officer will work closely with CHRA’s senior staff, especially the Director of Policy and Programs, and will support a wide range of activities, including CHRA’s Annual Congress, webinars, caucuses and committees.

This is a mid-level position with ample opportunity to work independently, assume responsibility and make a difference in the housing and homelessness sector in Canada. We are seeking an individual with pride in what they undertake and confidence in knowing what needs to get done next and how to go about doing it.

Responsibilities

• Policy, Advocacy and Research
  • Conducts policy analysis and background briefing papers for current and emerging issues in housing, homelessness and related issues.
  • Drafts reports, synopses, briefing notes and other written pieces for internal and external audiences.
  • Tracks government legislation and initiatives affecting affordable housing and homelessness sector.
  • Monitors Hansard, stakeholder and media activity regarding the issues.
  • Prepares formal correspondence for MPs, national stakeholders, etc.
  • Support CHRA’s advocacy program by coordinating lobby days, arranging meetings, preparing backgrounders, handling the logistics for grassroots approaches and campaigns.
• Annual Congress
  • Arrange and coordinate the participation of speakers, sponsors and other VIPs at Congress
  • Prepare session descriptions and speaker biographies.
  • Liaise with session moderators, preparing and providing introductory notes.
  • Coordinate Congress “mobile tours,” with responsibility for site liaison and all related logistics.
  • Work with communications staff to develop written Congress materials, such as promotional bulletins and media releases.
  • Handle on-site coordination of identified Congress logistics including troubleshooting unexpected developments.

 

• Webinars
  • Research potential topics and speakers for a series of 6 to 8 webinars annually.
  • Invite, coordinate and prep webinar speakers including technical trial runs.
  • Research targeted audiences for marketing and promotion.
  • Work with communications staff to develop promotional materials.

 

• Member and Program Support
  • Provide support for the activities of the CHRA Board of Directors, caucuses and committees such as the Aboriginal Caucus, the National Network of Community Advisory Boards, the Congress Local Host Committee and the Awards       committee including the preparation of agendas and minutes, distribution lists etc.
  • Draft and post content for the website.
  • Provide content for CHRA’s biweekly newsletter, Dispatch.

 

• Other duties and responsibilities may be required from time to time as needed to assist in the management of the  office

 

Requirements

• Post-Secondary education in a relevant field, e.g. public administration, political science, sociology, communications; a graduate degree would be an asset.
• Superior writing skills, with excellent coordination and communication skills.
• 3-5 years’ experience in a small office environment, preferably with a non-profit or membership organization.
• Understanding of the Canadian parliamentary system and political process.
• Proficient computer skills with all office software, web content management systems and social media.
• Team player, with the ability to multi-task and work under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of housing policy in Canada an asset
• English and French.

Starting salary: $45,000 with excellent vacation and benefits package.

Deadline to apply: October 10.