Details 

Date Posted: August 27, 2026
Closing Date: September 15, 2026

Description 

The Advocacy and Issue Manager is responsible for leading assigned advocacy priorities and strategic issues that support physicians in their practice and in delivering exceptional patient care. The role identifies emerging issues affecting physicians, researches and analyzes impacts, develops advocacy strategies, builds relationships with key stakeholders, and works collaboratively to influence positive change across Manitoba’s health system.

Working closely with physicians, government and health system leaders, regulatory bodies and other partners, the Advocacy and Issue Manager leads initiatives from identification through implementation and resolution. The role also supports organizational issues management by providing rapid analysis, strategic advice and briefing materials on emerging physician, media and political issues.

Ultimately, this position helps ensure physicians have the support, policies, systems, and resources they need to deliver exceptional patient care.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advocacy & Strategic Initiatives

• Lead assigned advocacy initiatives from planning through implementation, evaluation and resolution.
• Research, analyze and develop evidence-informed positions on issues affecting physicians and patient care.
• Identify emerging issues, trends and opportunities requiring advocacy or organizational action.
• Develop advocacy strategies, recommendations and action plans aligned with Doctors Manitoba’s strategic priorities.
• Coordinate working groups, consultations and projects involving physicians and external partners.
• Monitor progress of advocacy initiatives and ensure issues are advanced and resolved over both the short and long term.
• Track policy, legislative and health system developments that may impact physicians and recommend appropriate responses.

Issues Management

• Support organizational issues management by monitoring, researching and responding to emerging physician, health system, media and political issues.
• Rapidly research complex issues, assess implications for physicians and patients, and recommend strategic responses.
• Prepare concise briefing notes, issue summaries, speaking points, background materials and recommendations for senior leadership.
• Coordinate responses to member concerns, media inquiries and other time-sensitive issues as assigned.
• Maintain issue tracking systems to monitor progress, commitments and outcomes.

Stakeholder & Government Relations

• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with physicians, medical leaders, government officials and health system partners.
• Represent Doctors Manitoba on committees, working groups and stakeholder meetings as assigned.
• Collaborate with Manitoba Health, Shared Health, Regional Health Authorities, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, the University of Manitoba and other organizations to advance advocacy priorities.
• Build productive relationships that support collaborative problem-solving and physician engagement.
• Coordinate consultations with physicians and stakeholders to ensure advocacy positions reflect frontline experience.

Research, Analysis & Policy Development

• Conduct environmental scans, jurisdictional reviews and policy research to support advocacy initiatives.
• Analyze legislation, regulations, health policies and operational changes affecting physicians.
• Compile, synthesize and communicate complex information into practical recommendations for decision-makers.
• Collect and analyze qualitative and quantitative information to support advocacy positions.

Physician Engagement & Communications

• Work closely with physicians to understand challenges, gather input and develop practical solutions.
• Support communications related to advocacy initiatives, including presentations, reports, member updates and consultation materials.
• Collaborate with communications staff to ensure advocacy messaging is accurate, timely and consistent.
• Present information to physician groups, committees and stakeholders as required.

Other Duties

• Support Doctors Manitoba’s strategic plan, advocacy priorities and organizational objectives.
• Offer back-up and support for media inquiries and public relations campaigns.
• Participate in cross-functional initiatives and projects.
• Support signature member events and advocacy activities as required.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, health administration, communications, public administration, business, law or a related discipline.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience

• Five or more years of progressively responsible experience in advocacy, public policy, government relations, health care, stakeholder relations or strategic project management.
• Experience working with governments, health systems, physician organizations or not-for-profit organizations is considered an asset.
• Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders.
• Experience preparing briefing notes, strategic recommendations and executive-level reports.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of Manitoba’s health care system, government decision-making and public policy processes.
• Exceptional analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to quickly research complex issues and synthesize information into concise recommendations.
• Excellent relationship-building, facilitation and negotiation skills.
• Strong political acuity and sound judgment when managing sensitive issues.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare briefing notes, reports and presentations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and respond effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams and organizations.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and standard business software.