[Hiring] Program Specialist @Health Workforce Canada

Role Description

Reporting to the Director, Partnerships and Priority Initiatives, the Program Specialist is responsible for leading and supporting activities that drive forward Health Workforce Canada’s events and partnership initiatives, specifically leading the development of the Health Workforce Canada Connects symposium. These activities include but are not limited to:

• Project and events management
• Development of virtual and in-person workshops
• Building of learning materials, briefing notes, reports, and presentations

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in organizing events, developing programs, managing logistics, and ensuring projects run smoothly. You will work closely with internal teams and external partners to execute initiatives that advance Health Workforce Canada’s mission, specifically the Health Canada Workforce Connects symposium.

Key Responsibilities

• Event Management
  • Plans and manages all aspects of the HWC Connects Symposium, including overall program development, themes and objectives, content creation, speakers and moderator identification, registration content, exhibitor booths, abstract review, evaluation plans, and venue logistics.
  • Works closely with the contracted event management company to coordinate logistics and execution for the rollout of the event.
  • Works closely with the PPI Director on executing event timelines, budgets, and vendor relationships.
  • Contributes innovative ideas according to event best practices for high-quality execution.
  • Coordinates and/or supports sponsorships and partner outreach activities.
  • Works collaboratively with internal groups to support the execution of the symposium, including Communications, Finance, etc.
  • Participates in internal and working groups, and post-event evaluations.
  • Actively contributes to the procurement and management of event external vendors, as needed.
  • Plans, project manages, and coordinates other Health Workforce Canada events such as virtual learning webinars, in-person workshops, and other stakeholder engagement events with health system leaders.
• Project Management
  • Tracks project milestones and maintains detailed documentation.
  • Prepares project reports, presentations, and related briefing materials on the execution of events for the team and organization, as required.
  • Assesses and manages risks related to the planning and execution of projects/events and regularly applies problem-solving skills to troubleshoot emerging issues.
  • Supports the Partnerships Lead in the development of the organization’s engagement strategy, including developing strategies and approaches for effective engagement of audiences aligned to the symposium.
  • Contributes to HWC communications planning by ensuring linkage and alignment with the symposium.
  • Designs smart, innovative engagement approaches to create ongoing conversation with stakeholders at the symposium.
  • In consultation with the organization’s Indigenous lead, seeks guidance with respect to HWC’s commitment to authentic Indigenous engagement.
  • Supports the development of formal partnership agreements that may be required from time to time, as part of HWC’s engagement strategy or symposium.
  • Prepares and manages consulting and other contracts in the delivery of the work and manages associated contracts to budget and timelines.
  • Manages competing priorities, deadlines, and inputs from multiple internal teams and external stakeholders.
  • Regularly evaluates engagement activities and events and implements new ideas for changes and improvement.
• Other Support
  • Supports priority initiatives work by ensuring alignment with the symposium content and program development.
  • Contributes to approaches to/development of new engagement strategies/initiatives.
  • Participates in a matrix team model, working across the organization to provide support and initiate/develop engagement opportunities, as needed.
  • Contributes to the operations and promotion of Health Workforce Canada through participation on internal and external committees, presentations, and/or attendance at conferences and other activities, as required.

Qualifications

• Experience in program and content development for large events/conferences/symposiums.
• 5-7 years working with health human resources or health care, with events and project management experience.
• Experience in managing committees and contracted vendors.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple complex tasks/projects simultaneously and work in a fast-paced environment.
• Results-oriented and adaptable, with creative and innovative thinking skills.
• Strong communication skills including experience in developing and delivering presentations to large groups.
• Extensive engagement experience in the healthcare sector.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively to achieve organizational and program objectives.
• Experience in or openness to work with innovative technology, including but not limited to artificial intelligence tools and other generative business intelligence tools.
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and customer service skills including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with a diverse employee population.
• Analytical skills with ability to use judgment for strategic thinking and problem solving.
• Strong understanding of Canada's Health Workforce environment and the range of stakeholders in the human resources ecosystem.
• Solid understanding of Canada's broader health system structure, federal provincial governments, and decision maker information needs.
• Strong organizational and time management skills and demonstrated attention to detail.
• Ability to lead and work collaboratively within a matrixed team environment.
• Fluency in English is required, bilingualism is an asset.

Requirements

• Ability to meet travel requirements within Canada.

Benefits