Egale seeking new Director of Advocacy

Egale is seeking a new Director of Advocacy to replace Laurie Arron, who will be leaving Egale at the end of June.

It’s hard to imagine Egale without Laurie. Prior to being hired in July 2003, Laurie volunteered on Egale’s board of directors since 1997. Egale’s very own “legal beagle” providing probing insight while guiding numerous and various court interventions and political actions over the years. But it is without a doubt the equal marriage battle on which Laurie made his mark.

A key player from the initial decisions regarding Egale’s court challenges many years ago, Laurie then took the fight into the political realm. He made sure politicians and media didn't forget equal marriage. Laurie also showed incredible persistence in lobbying — most MPs on Parliament Hill know his face and the sharp mind behind those glasses! Egale and Canada’s LGBT community owe him a huge debt of gratitude. We wish him well with his future endeavours — knowing he likely won’t be able to resist keeping in touch and staying involved!

Job Description — Director of Advocacy

Egale is Canada’s national group working to advance equality and justice for lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans-identified people and their families. We are a member-based organization and are committed to an intersectional analysis of oppression.

Egale has intervened before the Supreme Court of Canada in every gay rights case that has reached the Court and participated in numerous lower court cases, including the marriage cases in B.C., Ontario and Quebec. We have appeared before numerous federal Parliamentary Committees and has been involved in extensive public education and international activities.

Egale maintains an active commitment to bringing an intersectional approach to our work, meaning that we recognize the linkages between different forms of oppression, including oppression based on race, sex, class, religion, (dis)ability, age, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Respect for each individual’s full identity requires that our struggle for equality cannot be carried out in isolation from the struggle for equality of all disadvantaged communities.

2. Job Overview

The Director of Advocacy is, along with the Executive Director, one of two key staff positions at Egale. Egale also has a full time office manager and occasional contract and/or part-time staff.

The Director of Advocacy is responsible for the overall planning and coordination of the advocacy and legal activities of Egale. She or he is accountable to the Executive Director and works with various committees such as the Education, Trans Issues and Legal Issues Committees. He or she establishes priorities in consultation with the relevant committees.

Major areas of responsibility include:

Political Advocacy:

• plan political activities;
• meet with MPs, staff, and government department officials;
• prepare briefs for submission to government and quasi-governmental agencies;
• testify before government and other bodies;
• develop and implement grassroots lobbying programs; and
• develop coalitions to advance equality.

Legal Advocacy:

• work with Legal Issues Committee and legal counsel to develop legal strategies;
• assist in preparation and review of legal and other documents;
• liaise with counsel, other interveners, coalition partners etc.;
• attend at Court hearings;
• analyse judgments when delivered; and
• liaise with Court Challenges Program.

Communications:

• develop media strategy and messaging;
• prepare press releases and talking points;
• organize press conferences;
• respond to media inquiries;
• prepare monthly updates;
• prepare contributions to newsletters; and
• prepare fact sheets, information kits, and other Egale materials.

Coalition-building, Outreach and Membership Servicing:

• attend/speak at conferences;
• plan/participate in community meetings, consultations etc;
• liaise with other equality-seeking groups;
• participate on Advisory bodies, coalitions, etc.; and
• provide information to members, as required.

Fundraising:

• Assist Executive Director in developing fundraising materials; and
• assist as required in fundraising campaigns.

3. Skills and Qualifications

• High level of initiative and motivation;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both French and English;
• Good organizational skills with an ability to manage a variety of tasks;
• Strong analytical skills, good judgment, and excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to deliver message to the media;
• Ability to complete projects successfully within deadline;
• Computer proficiency in Windows-based applications;
• Diploma and/or degree in law or demonstrated equivalent experience.

4. Job Details

Type of Job: full-time position
Salary Range: $50,000 - $58,000 plus benefits
Start Date: between June 12 and September 18

5. Application Procedure

To apply for this position, please send cover letter, resume and at least 3 references to advocacy@egale.ca. The application deadline is Tuesday, May 30, however early applications are greatly appreciated.

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