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Associate Director – Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation

The Institute for Research on Public Policy, one of Canada’s most trusted and influential think tanks, is looking for an Associate Director for its Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation.

The Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation is a permanent research body within the IRPP. Its mission is to build a deeper understanding of Canada as a federal community and to provide insights into key public policy challenges facing the Canadian federation: from relations between federal, provincial, territorial and Indigenous governments, to public opinion on federalism.

The IRPP is an independent organization that supports evidence-based policy-making and inclusive dialogue. It fulfills its mission through a variety of activities, including high-quality in-depth research publications, events, its digital magazine Policy Options, and through the work of its Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation.

Roles and responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Centre, the Associate Director collaborates with IRPP staff and external partners to produce high quality, rigorous, relevant research and mobilize knowledge to inform public debate and government policy decisions.

The Associate Director will be responsible for:

  • developing research initiatives that align with the Centre’s strategic direction and research streams, in consultation with the Executive Director;
  • recruiting authors for research publications;
  • ensuring publications meet the IRPP’s high standards for quality and relevance through literature review, peer review and engagement with governments and external stakeholders;
  • leading the publication process and liaising with external authors and internal staff;
  • writing backgrounders, reports and articles to support strategic research priorities;
  • organizing expert workshops;
  • supporting the Executive Director in external engagement with governments and other external representatives; and
  • engaging with traditional media and social media on topics relevant to the research program.

Skills and Experience

  • Graduate degree in social science (e.g., political science, public policy, public administration, economics) or a graduate degree in another discipline combined with equivalent experience in research on relevant topics.
  • At least five years of experience undertaking policy research in Canada, or at least five years of experience working within government or public service on policy issues relevant to the Centre’s work. Government interchange proposals are welcome.
  • A record of published research is an asset.
  • Keen interest in federalism, in provincial and federal political issues and debates, as well as Indigenous-Crown relations.
  • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with significant attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to find, analyze and visualize data relevant to policy research.
  • Organized project manager, able to lead multiple concurrent research projects and meet deadlines.
  • Collaborative team player with a track record of building effective internal and external working relationships.
  • Strong understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles both within the workplace, and in policy research.
  • Superior writing and editing skills in French and/or English, with an ability to convey detailed research findings in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences (e.g., government, industry, public).
  • Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
  • The IRPP is a bilingual organization and operates and publishes in both official languages. Bilingualism is a significant asset. As a minimum requirement, candidates must be able to read and understand French and English.
  • Knowledge of quantitative methods and of statistical analysis tools (e.g. R, Stata) is an asset.

Working at the IRPP

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and a collegial work culture that is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, integrity, and flexibility. Members of our team work on a fascinating range of different initiatives across our operations and have the opportunity to develop their own projects when they align with strategic directions. We thrive on the exchange of ideas, both internally and with external partners.

The salary range is $100,000 to $120,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications, plus benefits and group RRSP.

The IRPP offers a hybrid workplace based in Montreal. Candidates should expect to spend at least two days a week in the Montreal office. For candidates applying from outside Montreal, remote work arrangements are negotiable.

The IRPP is committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse staff. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons; 2SLGBTQIA+ persons; and Canadians living with disabilities. Candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications. Please let us know if you have accommodation requirements to facilitate participation in the selection process by reaching out to us at the email address below.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of application and curriculum vitae that demonstrates that you have the skills and experience required for the position by e-mail to Smcintyre@nullirpp.org, before Friday December 6, 2024, at 5 p.m.  EST.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Contact to schedule interviews for the New Year will be made before December 20.