Career Opportunities

Job Description

Position: Full-time
Reports to: Director, Professional Practice

Are you a pharmacist interested in expanding your career beyond direct patient care and contributing to the future of pharmacy practice in Alberta? RxA is looking for a motivated pharmacist who brings practical experience, strong communication and problem-solving skills, and an interest in the policies and programs that shape the profession.

Reporting to and working closely with the Director, Professional Practice, the Professional Practice Advisor supports RxA’s work to advance pharmacy practice, inform health policy, and represent the professional interests of pharmacists in Alberta.

The position provides an opportunity to contribute to a broad range of professional practice initiatives, including provincial pharmacy funding agreements, government-sponsored health and drug programs, and policies that influence the delivery of pharmacy services. Working with the Director and engaging with government departments, Alberta Blue Cross, and other health system stakeholders, the successful candidate will help identify challenges, explore solutions, and support effective policy development and implementation.

This is an opportunity for a pharmacist who is curious about the broader healthcare system and motivated to grow professionally. The successful candidate will develop expertise in health policy, government relations, and professional practice while progressively assuming greater responsibility and accountability for key initiatives and policy files.

Key Responsibilities

• Independently investigate and analyze pharmacy practice and policy issues, including reviewing relevant legislation, government policies, and program requirements.
• Conduct jurisdictional scans and reviews of relevant policies, programs, and practices to inform policy analysis, assess options, and support the development of recommendations.
• Assess the practical implications of proposed policy and program changes and develop informed recommendations to support RxA’s positions and initiatives.
• Support the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies and programs related to pharmacy practice and the delivery of pharmacy services in Alberta.
• Contribute to initiatives across a range of pharmacy practice areas, including publicly funded immunizations, primary care, continuing care, mental health and addictions, and other health system programs.
• Support the interpretation and administration of provincial pharmacy funding agreements, including policies related to pharmacy services, reimbursement, claims adjudication, and operational requirements.
• Work collaboratively with government departments, Alberta Blue Cross, and other stakeholders to identify and resolve policy interpretation and implementation challenges.
• Participate in meetings, consultations, and working groups, representing RxA’s professional practice perspectives and contributing to policy discussions.
• Respond to member inquiries involving pharmacy practice, government programs, and funding policies, providing accurate and practical guidance.
• Develop written communications and resources for pharmacists, including policy summaries, frequently asked questions, educational materials, newsletters, and website content.
• Prepare briefing materials, presentations, reports, and recommendations to support RxA’s policy and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Monitor developments in Alberta’s healthcare system and identify emerging issues, opportunities, and potential implications for pharmacists and pharmacy practice.
• Contribute to special projects, policy reviews, and other initiatives supporting RxA’s strategic objectives.
• Undertake other duties and responsibilities as required.

About You

• You’re a pharmacist with a solid understanding of pharmacy practice in Alberta and an interest in issues affecting the profession beyond direct patient care.
• You’re analytical, resourceful, and curious, with the initiative to independently explore complex issues, gather relevant information, consider different perspectives, and develop practical recommendations.
• You’re an excellent communicator who can explain complex policies and requirements clearly, both verbally and in writing.
• You’re interested in understanding how the health system operates, including health policy, government programs, and pharmacy funding.
• You’re comfortable working independently, taking ownership of your responsibilities, and managing multiple priorities.
• You demonstrate sound professional judgment, discretion, and an ability to handle sensitive or confidential information appropriately, while recognizing when issues require further investigation, consultation, or escalation.
• You’re collaborative and professional in your interactions with pharmacists, government representatives, and other stakeholders.
• You’re adaptable, organized, and comfortable responding to changing priorities and time-sensitive issues.
• You appreciate the importance of professional representation and are motivated to contribute to the advancement of pharmacy practice in Alberta.
• You’re motivated to learn, develop new expertise, and progressively take on greater responsibility and accountability as you grow in the role.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy or Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree.
• Registered as a pharmacist in good standing with the Alberta College of Pharmacy.
• A minimum of three years of pharmacy practice experience, preferably in Alberta community pharmacy, and an interest in pursuing professional growth and career development within RxA.
• Strong understanding of Alberta pharmacy practice, including pharmacists’ scope of practice, applicable standards, and the delivery of pharmacy services.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to independently investigate complex issues and develop practical recommendations.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, manage competing priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Resides in Edmonton or the surrounding area and is available to attend in-person meetings as required.

Considered Assets

• Knowledge of the provincial pharmacy funding agreement, Alberta Blue Cross claims adjudication processes, and/or government-sponsored drug benefit programs.
• Exposure to one or more areas of pharmacy practice, such as immunizations, chronic disease management, continuing care, supportive living, palliative care, mental health and addictions, public health, medication management, or compounding, with an interest in developing a broader understanding of pharmacy services.
• Familiarity with Alberta’s healthcare system, government departments, health agencies, or social and income-support programs.
• Understanding of the respective roles of professional associations, regulatory bodies, and government in pharmacy practice.
• Experience participating in professional committees, stakeholder working groups, policy reviews, or initiatives to improve pharmacy practice.
• Experience in health data analysis, quality improvement, healthcare program evaluation, or related activities.

About RxA

The Alberta Pharmacists’ Association (RxA) is a member-based professional association representing pharmacists across Alberta.

RxA advocates for, educates, and supports pharmacists to optimize healthcare in Alberta. Through policy engagement, education, and member support, RxA works to advance the profession and strengthen the role of pharmacists within Alberta’s healthcare system.

Our vision is to lead an innovative, inspired, thriving, and united profession.

Working at RxA offers an opportunity to contribute to provincial pharmacy policy discussions, collaborate with health system leaders, and help shape the future of pharmacy practice in Alberta.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their relevant pharmacy practice experience, interest in professional practice and health policy, and why they would like to join RxA.

Applications will be reviewed as received, and the position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected.

Submit applications to: rxa@rxa.ca with Subject: Professional Practice Advisor Position