Position Title: Director, Policy

Term: Permanent Full time

Reports to: Ottawa - Hybrid

Working hours: Regular business hours but flexibility to work outside of these hours as needed

Salary Range: $120,000 - $125,000

Effective: Immediately

ABOUT THE PUBLIC POLICY FORUM (PPF)

The Public Policy Forum (PPF) is an independent, non-partisan and non-profit think tank that was established in 1987. We work to inject fresh thinking into Canadian policymaking. The public interest is our north star.  

OUR MISSION

We believe good policy is critical to building a better Canada — a country that’s cohesive, prosperous and secure.

We contribute by:

· Researching the issues that challenge Canadians today;

· Convening frank, honest discussions with a wide range of participants — conversations that fuel fresh policy thinking; and

· Celebrating exceptional policy leaders who contribute to public policy excellence.

For more information, please visit: www.ppforum.ca

Scope and objectives of position

The Public Policy Forum conducts research and engagement activities on a wide variety of public policy issues of relevance to Canadians. A primary task of the Director is to be hands on as Project Lead in subject matter areas such as, but not limited to: Talent, Life Sciences, Arctic, or Defense. The Director will have a strong policy background and be able to pivot between PPF’s projects. The Director shall coordinate the policy and programming activities of PPF staff in order to identify gaps in the current federal or provincial policy environment that lead to opportunities for new projects, and to enable PPF to continue to build areas of depth. Working closely with the Vice President of Business Development, the Director of Policy also has a responsibility to integrate policy areas of interest and importance for our roughly 200 members into the work of PPF.

The major activities of the Director are as follows:

Research and Policy Analysis

In conjunction with the Executive Director, Economic and Energy Policy, as well as the President & CEO, and in consultation with the policy team, plan PPF’s research and engagement activities, ensuring the projects fulfill PPF’s goal to improve policy outcomes for Canadians;
Create and/or provide oversight and guidance on reports, briefs, submissions and letters and ensure they are of consistent high quality;
Through readings and consultations with colleagues, members and key contacts in government and elsewhere, ensure the ongoing monitoring of trends and issues in the areas of priority concern for the Public Policy Forum; identify and bring to the attention of the Executive Director, Economic & Energy Policy, emerging issues requiring further attention; and
Collaborate with Business Development and Communications teams, as required, to ensure the greatest impact for PPF’s research publications.

Outreach and project development

Collaborate with external partners in order to properly create and develop PPF’s projects and initiatives;
Build broad networks reaching into the various communities with a public policy interest;
Liaise with Foundations, private and public sector organizations and other external partners to attract funding to key PPF initiatives.
Represent the Public Policy Forum at external events, as appropriate;
Identify and secure speaking opportunities for CEO;
Look for opportunities for PPF to participate in conferences, presentations, and/or briefings on priority and timely issues, both at the national and provincial levels; and,
Prepare and deliver presentations and briefings to conferences, membership meetings, partner events and external parties as requested.

Management and Supervisory

When applicable assign project work to project leads/associates, ensuring that staff capabilities and expertise are effectively used, work plans carried out and the results of the work are of consistent high quality;
Mentor the policy team and ensure its work is of high quality;
Identify new approaches and resources for fulfilling our mission and share them with the team, as appropriate;
Administer the performance appraisal process of project managers;
Ensure professional development of the staff, as appropriate;
Achieve budget targets; and
Participate as an active member of the PPF team.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Policy experience on issues related to Talent, Life Sciences, Arctic and Defense would be an asset;
A graduate degree and a minimum of 6-10 years of relevant experience in a research or policy environment;
Exceptional interpersonal and inclusive skills and ability to work in a dynamic team environment;
High degree of initiative, discretion and insight;
Ability to help support the conception, development and implementation of multi-stakeholder, non-partisan dialogue projects;
Proven experience in delivering complex projects and overcoming obstacles;
Ability to communicate with people at various levels on complex matters and to bring conflicting points of view to consensus;
Ability to quickly develop a working knowledge of new subject matter;
Strong knowledge of topical public policy issues and the public policy process in Canada;
Strong research and analytical skills;
Excellent writing and oral communication skills;
Demonstrated experience in project development and management;
Ability to speak and write fluently in both English and French is preferred; and
Comfort with the MS Office suite, including Excel, Word and Outlook, as well as collaborative software.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

In our early years, inclusion entailed gathering government, business, labour and civil society in the same room. Today, the proposition is far more ambitious. As much as possible, we aim to incorporate a broader cross-section of participants and contributors – reflecting factors such as identity and geography – in our research, convening and learning processes.

PPF recognizes the existence of systemic racism in Canada. We are firmly committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and social justice for all communities. We subscribe to the 50-30 Challenge and seek to live our core belief that good policy makes for a better Canada.

We recognize there is more progress to be made and that good policy outcomes for everyone mark the ultimate measure of a successful society. As Canada’s think tank about tomorrow, we take our responsibility seriously to use our work to illuminate inclusive and diverse policy pathways.

Please send your CV and cover letter to: careers@ppforum.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodation will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $120,000.00-$125,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress
Company events
Dental care
Disability insurance
Employee assistance program
Extended health care
Life insurance
Paid time off
RRSP match
Vision care
Work from home

Education:

Master's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ottawa, ON K2P 1L4

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Director, Policy