Part-time editorial assistant, Policy Options

Policy Options, a daily publication with reporting, analysis and commentary on public policy, is seeking a part-time editorial assistant. The award-winning and bilingual site is published by the Institute for Research on Public Policy. The successful candidate will provide essential editorial and production support to the publication’s senior editors. This position offers a valuable opportunity for an early-career journalist to gain hands-on experience in public-policy journalism, working within one of Canada’s most respected policy publications.

About the role

Working under the supervision of the editor-in-chief and senior editors, the editorial assistant will help manage day-to-day publishing tasks and ensure that Policy Options continues to meet the highest standards of clarity, accuracy, and accessibility in both official languages. The role requires deep curiosity about public affairs and a strong sense for what makes issues relevant and timely in contemporary policy discussions.

Responsibilities

• Help review and track article submissions through the reception, editing, translation and publication process, liaising with authors as needed.
• Set up articles in WordPress and assist with photo selection, ensuring compliance with editorial and copyright standards.
• Support editors with light copy-editing and proofreading.
• Create social media posts promoting new content.
• Help maintain editorial calendars and publication schedules.
• Conduct research to support editors and special projects.
• Contribute to a collegial, bilingual editorial environment and uphold the publication’s editorial standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or ongoing studies in journalism, or a related field.
• Because Policy Options is a bilingual publication, fluency in both French and English (written and spoken) is essential, but the role can be performed primarily in either language.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in one of the official languages.
• Demonstrable interest in Canadian public policy.
• Ability to quickly master WordPress, social media publishing tools, and basic photo editing. Abilities in graphic design or data presentation are an asset.
• Strong attention to detail and organization.
• Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks.
• Understanding journalism ethics and commitment to accuracy and fairness.

Working at the IRPP

The IRPP offers a collegial work culture rooted in creativity, inclusion, and flexibility. The position is based in Montreal with a hybrid work arrangement. Some presence in the office during office hours will be required, particularly during the onboarding phase of the job. This is a part-time contract position with approximately 15 hours per week. The starting hourly rate will be $25.

How to Apply

In addition to your résumé, please submit a brief cover letter describing your interest in this position and outlining your relevant skills to smcintyre@nullirpp.org by February 16.

The IRPP is committed to employment equity and to recruiting a diverse staff. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and other racialized persons; 2SLGBTQIA+ persons; and Canadians living with disabilities. Please let us know if you have accommodation requirements to facilitate participation in the selection process.