Program Manager L2

Reports To: Manager, Mental Health Advancement

Status: Full-time, Temporary (3-Month Contract)

Position Location:  Ottawa, Ontario – Hybrid, 2 days in office per week.

Application Deadline: March 6, 2026. Interviews may be conducted prior to application deadline.

Salary Range: $82,265 - $91,943

ORGANIZATIONAL BACKGROUND

The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is a non-profit organization created to focus national attention on mental health issues and to work to improve the health and social outcomes of people living with mental illness. 

The MHCC is seen as a leader nationally and internationally in several areas. Building upon the work done to date, the core mandate, and the unique position of the MHCC, and guided by Changing Directions, Changing Lives : The Mental Health Strategy for Canada, the MHCC will focus on work in four key areas: substance use, suicide prevention, population-based initiatives, and engagement. This prioritization will enable the MHCC to meet its mandate and have a measurable impact on those living with mental illness, as well as their families and caregivers. 

POSITION OVERVIEW

The MHCC is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to lead and support several of its population-based initiatives, including but not limited to focus areas such as mental health and the criminal justice system, workplace mental health and quality standards for schizophrenia care. Reporting to the Manager, Mental Health Advancement, the Program Manager (PM2) will leverage key stakeholder relationships to develop opportunities to advance workplan objectives which may include planning and carrying out knowledge exchange activities, partnership management, development of resources, launch events, preparation and presence at conferences, exploring scoping work, and spreading promising practices, in addition to working in collaboration with other MHCC departments.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Lead the development and implementation of knowledge exchange and evaluation plans and products on assigned initiatives;
• Identify and bring together key partners, subject-matter experts, practitioners, People With Lived and Living Experience and community representatives to share evidence, knowledge and best practices to build the foundation for solutions in mental health and the criminal justice system, in the post-secondary education sector, and in workplaces;
• Work with the MHCC's key partners, subject-matter experts, practitioners and community representatives to share and increase the use of the work of the MHCC;
• Contribute to and/or lead (where appropriate) stakeholder meetings and subject matter presentations, while looking to build relationships with stakeholders in the sector, including facilitation and coaching;
• Strategically leverage research findings to form the basis of appropriate knowledge exchange products, tools or activities to inform policy and program development;
• Write briefs, papers, reports, presentations, and knowledge exchange products, in consultation with Government and Stakeholder Relations and other teams;
• Support the Director and Manager in establishing project partnerships via contracts, memorandums of understanding, terms of references, etc.; 
• Proactively develop conceptual frameworks and tools to support initiatives and decision making;
• Demonstrate awareness of priorities as they relate to own area of work and other MHCC departments;
• Provide leadership, mentoring and some coaching to support the work of all members of the team;
• Review the work of junior staff members for accuracy and consistency;
• Other duties as required.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Extensive experience identifying and applying effective practices in knowledge translation and mobilization (e.g., communications, education, training, resource development, stakeholder engagement) and evaluating the uptake, use and impact of this knowledge;
• Excellent project planning and time management skills, with ability to multi‐task, produce and coordinate projects with tight deadlines;
• Exceptional communication skills, effective writing for variety of audiences and formats, ability to effectively present, facilitate and lead stakeholder engagement including workshops, meetings, webinars etc.
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder relations, partnership and network building and management; 
• Strong organizational, project management and interpersonal skills;
• Knowledge and experience in the field of mental health, in addition to an interest in upgrading skills and remaining informed of the latest issues pertaining to mental health in the criminal justice system, in workplaces and within post-secondary education in Canada;
• Ability to track and manage project related expenses and budget as needed;   
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and leading knowledge exchange strategies from inception to completion;
• Demonstrated experience to identify common goals and develop action plans with varying stakeholder groups; 
• Experience with presentation, group facilitation and team work/development, and a history of effective working relationships at multiple levels;
• Experience in meeting facilitation and planning;
• Highly motivated by teamwork and the opportunity to mentor and guide more junior staff;
• Ability to learn new information quickly, to adapt as necessary to changing priorities;
• Demonstrated success working in a constantly changing and results-oriented environments, in interdisciplinary teams, and in partnerships with groups such as policymakers, researchers, advocates, and/or service providers
• Experience leading groups, identifying common goals and developing action-oriented strategies. 
• Experience in managing competing priorities in a complex environment;
• Problem-solving and working under limited supervision; 
• Experience working with a variety of stakeholders to foster collaborative relationships and achieve shared goals;
• Experience leading groups, identifying common goals and developing action-oriented strategies. 
• Experience with presentation, group facilitation and team work/development, and a history of effective working relationships at multiple levels;
• Ability and desire to lead, mentor, coach, and advise; 
• Ability to work in a high-pressure environment with aggressive timelines;
• Ability to interact professionally with internal and external contacts;
• Ability to identify risk and propose risk mitigation strategies;
• Personal integrity, sound judgment and an honest and ethical approach;

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in the Social Sciences, Health or a combination of similar experience; Master's degree would be preferred;
• 5-10 years' experience in mental health program or policy, health promotion, epidemiology, health or social policy, and/or research
• Project Management Professional (PMP) certification preferable;
• Fluency in French and English will be considered a strong asset.

COMPETENCIES

• Values and Ethics

• Respectful of Diversity

• Continuous Learning

• Results Management

• Team work and Cooperation

• Oral/Written Communication

• Health, Safety, and Wellness (physical and psychological)

PHYSICAL/COGNITIVE DEMANDS

• Moderate periods of time spent in meeting type settings

• Extended visual requirements (5 plus hours) due to computer related work

• Extended periods of time spent in sitting position (computer work, meetings etc. 5 plus hours)

• High requirement for multi-tasking and effectively dividing attention to numerous duties and responsibilities

• High degree of concentration required

• Highly attentive to details

• Low to moderate levels exposure to extension of work day beyond 7.5 hours

• Possible extended travel requirements (up to 10% and greater at times)

• High analytical and interpretive requirements

• Must be comfortable working virtually, and in open office space environments

PSYCHOLOGICAL DEMANDS

• Continuously deadline driven requirements
• Moderate exposure to stress resulting from complex interactions, stakeholder relations, and output requirements.
• Moderate requirement to maintain concentration for extended periods of time in order to maximize stakeholder engagement, perform situational strategic analysis and interpretation of data and minimize errors.
• Capacity to effectively organize and prioritize own work.
• Moderate to high degree of emotional intelligence required in order to develop and maintain good relationships, communicate clearly, influence and inspire others, work well in a team, and manage conflict.
• Responsive to possible rapid changes in priorities;
• Adaptable to change (organizational and environmental)
• Performance goals and objectives are established yearly and regularly reviewed.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada is committed to diversity in the workplace and workplace well-being. As such, applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds such as; First Nations, Inuit, and Métis, members of a visible minority group and those with lived experience of mental health problems or illnesses are welcomed and encouraged.

The Mental Health Commission of Canada welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Accessible formats and communication supports for applicants are available upon request by contacting Human Resources at  

While working remotely, the Commission will not be responsible to reimburse any internet charges, or other home office expenses, including utilities or other furniture/equipment, in order to be able to work from home.