Director, Strategy and Programs - Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (Toronto)

Job Description

At AFHTO, we offer a flexible hybrid work environment, allowing you to work from anywhere across Ontario. While there’s freedom in how many days you spend in the office each month, we do have an expectation that team members will be in-person at various times throughout the month. This includes attending collaborative team meetings, external events, and quarterly board or committee sessions. Our office is located in downtown Toronto, so you’ll have the opportunity to connect with the team and engage in key in-person activities, all while enjoying the flexibility to work remotely.

Join the AFHTO Team:

Are you passionate about making a meaningful impact in healthcare? Join our dynamic team at AFHTO, a forward-thinking, not-for-profit, member-based organization dedicated to improving primary care across Ontario.

We’re looking for driven, innovative individuals who are eager to contribute to a cause that truly matters—ensuring that all Ontarians have access to high-quality, equitable and team-base primary care. At AFHTO you’ll collaborate with a diverse group of passionate professionals, expand your skills, and play a key role in shaping the future of healthcare in the province. If you're ready to be part of a mission that makes a real difference, we want to hear from you!

About Us

The Association of Family Health Teams of Ontario (AFHTO) works to support the implementation and growth of primary care teams by promoting best practices, sharing lessons learned, and advocating on behalf of all primary care teams. Evidence and experience show that team-based comprehensive primary care is delivering better health and better value to patients.

AFHTO is a not-for-profit association representing over 190 of Ontario’s primary health care teams that serve 3.5 million Ontarians, which include Family Health Teams (FHTs), Nurse Practitioner-Led Clinics (NPLCs) and other teams that provide interprofessional comprehensive primary care.

Position Overview

The Director of Strategy and Programs will be responsible for leading the development, implementation, and evaluation of strategic initiatives and programs that advance the mission of the organization. This role requires a strong leader who can think strategically, work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and ensure the effective delivery of programs that align with both the immediate and long-term goals of the organization. The Director will also play a key role in fostering relationships with members, partners, and external organizations to enhance the organization’s impact and sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the CEO to spearhead the development and execution of the organization’s strategic plan, working closely with the Executive Team and Board of Directors to ensure alignment with our mission, vision, and long-term goals.
• Ensure that the organization’s goals, priorities, and initiatives are aligned with the evolving needs of our members, emerging healthcare trends, and available funding opportunities, positioning the organization for continued success and impact.
• Continuously monitor progress toward strategic objectives, leveraging data and feedback to make informed adjustments and ensure ongoing alignment with the organization’s mission and overall goals.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Team and Board, offering insight on key strategic issues, emerging opportunities, and potential risks, helping to guide the organization’s direction and foster a forward-thinking approach to decision-making.
• Oversee the health system data and research work including the collection, analysis, and interpretation of healthcare data to support the organization’s research, advocacy, strategic planning, and programmatic initiatives. Working with the program team and members to enhance the organization’s data-driven insights, providing actionable recommendations, and helping to shape evidence-based approaches to improve primary care delivery with a strong emphasis on reporting to Ontario Health and Ministry of Health on behalf of AFHTO members.

Program Development and Management

As the Director of Strategy and Program, you will be responsible for driving the design, execution, and evaluation of AFHTO’s programs, ensuring alignment with best practices in implementation science and the needs of our members and the broader healthcare sector.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the design, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based programs that are sustainable, effective, and impactful, using data and feedback to continuously improve program outcomes.
• Oversee the development and execution of this core program to build leadership capacity among healthcare providers and organizational leaders in primary care, enhancing decision-making and fostering leadership growth.
• Manage and enhance programs aimed at developing critical skills within the primary care sector, supporting teams to address local needs and drive positive, lasting change in healthcare delivery.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of the Annual Conference, bringing together thought leaders, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders to share innovative solutions and best practices in primary care.
• Ensure all programs are continuously refined and improved based on data-drive insights and feedback from participants, stakeholders, and external partners.

Member Engagement and Support

• Collaborate with internal teams, external partners, and community leaders to enhance program offerings and increase the impact of our initiatives across Ontario.
• Serve as the primary liaison for members regarding programmatic initiatives and services.
• Foster a member-centric approach in the development of new programs and initiatives, ensuring alignment with the needs and priorities of the membership base.
• Develop and maintain regular communication with members about program opportunities, updates, and results.
• Provide ongoing support to members, ensuring they have the resources need to succeed.

Performance Measurement and Evaluation

• Develop systems to measure the impact of the work of AFHTO on organizational goals and member satisfaction.
• Utilize data and feedback to assess program effectiveness and drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare regular reports on organizational performance for the Executive Team, Board, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure programs are compliant with relevant regulations, standards, and best practices in the healthcare sector.

Budget and Resource Management

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and adherence to financial goals
• Identify and pursue funding opportunities, including grants, donations, and partnerships, to support program growth and sustainability.
• Collaborate with the finance team to ensure proper financial oversight of programs.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead and mentor a team of program managers and staff, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability.
• Provide professional development opportunities for team members to enhance their skills and capabilities.
• Ensure team members have the tools and resources needed to succeed in their roles.

Strategic Assessment and Planning

• Conduct regular assessments of the healthcare landscape, identifying emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges that may impact the organization and its members.
• Lead the process of evaluating the organization's current programs and initiatives, ensuring they are aligned with long-term strategic goals and the evolving needs of the healthcare sector.
• Collaborate with internal teams, members, and external experts to gather insights and data to inform the development of new strategies and programmatic directions.
• Provide actionable recommendations to the Executive Team and Board based on assessments of organizational performance, industry trends, and member feedback.
• Ensure that the organization’s strategic initiatives are adaptable and responsive to shifts in healthcare policy, technology, and member needs.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, funders, partners, and community organizations.
• Serve as the primary ambassador for the organization in external engagements, representing the mission and priorities in a wide range of forums, events, and discussions.
• Engage with members regularly to understand their needs and ensure that the organization’s offerings are relevant, impactful, and tailored to their specific challenges.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with like-minded organizations, industry groups, and academic institutions to create synergies and increase the organization’s influence and reach.
• Actively seek out opportunities to partner with other organizations to enhance service delivery, expand program offerings, or increase funding potential.

Business Development and Revenue Growth

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities, including grants, sponsorships, strategic partnerships, and corporate collaborations that support the organization’s mission and expand its financial sustainability.
• Lead efforts to diversify funding sources, ensuring the organization’s long-term sustainability by engaging in business development activities such as proposal writing, donor cultivation, and identifying new income streams.
• Develop and execute strategies to grow membership, enhancing the value proposition to existing members while attracting new members from relevant sectors in healthcare.
• Collaborate with the fundraising team to craft compelling narratives and outreach strategies that attract potential investors, donors, and sponsors.
• Build business cases for new programmatic initiatives that have the potential to attract new revenue sources or align with emerging healthcare needs.

Qualifications

Diverse Educational and Training Backgrounds Welcome

• We value a wide range of educational and professional experiences, and are open to candidates with varied academic backgrounds, certifications, or training. What matters most is your passion, skills, and ability to contribute to our mission.
• For this role, the following areas may be a strong fit: health services research, psychology, public health, healthcare administration, quality improvement, business, policy etc.

Experience

• Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in strategic planning, program development, and nonprofit management, with at least three years in a leadership role.
• Experience working in healthcare or a related field, with a strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the healthcare sector.
• Proven track record of designing and managing successful programs and initiatives, particularly in a member-based or nonprofit environment.
• Experience with budget management, business development, and resource development.

Skills

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to balance long-term goals with short-term needs.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to effectively engage and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Proven leadership skills, with the ability to inspire, develop, and motivate teams.
• Data-driven mindset, with the ability to analyze and use data to inform decisions and drive program improvement.
• Ability to work in a collaborative and fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of healthcare trends, policies, and challenges is a significant plus.

Compensation

Competitive salary based on experience. We offer a comprehensive benefits package to keep you well-supported both inside and outside of work. You’ll have access to the HOOP Pension Plan, a solid medical and dental benefits plan, and three weeks of vacation to recharge. Plus, we close the office for the winter holidays so you can truly unwind. Enjoy a flexible hybrid work arrangement that lets you balance your professional and personal life. Join us, and you’ll be doing important work that benefits all Ontarians, while collaborating with an amazing team that’s driving real change and making a lasting impact!