Director of Policy & Research

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Canada.

📋 Description

• Provide strategic leadership to enhance WES Canada's policy, research, and advocacy objectives.

• Spearhead significant policy initiatives and create evidence-based policy positions.

• Oversee strategic research and foster impactful partnerships.

• Direct intricate cross-functional initiatives that support WES Canada's strategic goals.

• Design and implement applied economic research focused on immigration, economics, credential recognition, and labor market outcomes.

• Utilize robust economic and quantitative analysis, including econometric evidence.

• Manage policy research projects that underpin evidence-informed organizational decision-making.

• Counsel senior leadership on policy-related risks, opportunities, and emerging challenges.

• Create policy frameworks, recommendations, consultation submissions, advocacy strategies, and executive briefing documents.

• Represent WES in various policy forums, advisory committees, stakeholder consultations, conferences, and meetings.

• Direct research initiatives that align with public policy, advocacy, and systems change objectives.

• Enhance the technical research capabilities of the team and ensure research quality assurance.

• Cultivate and maintain senior-level relationships with government entities, business associations, post-secondary institutions, regulatory bodies, employers, and sector organizations.

• Lead the production of thought leadership publications, policy briefs, and research reports.

• Supervise external research partnerships and commissioned studies.

• Guide strategic planning, environmental scanning, and scenario planning activities.

• Support governance through the preparation of board materials, executive briefings, dashboards, and performance reports.

• Create systems and processes for knowledge management, organizational learning, and policy coordination.

• Mentor, coach, and develop policy and research staff, consultants, and project teams.

• Establish work plans, set priorities, and define performance expectations.

• Assist in workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development.

• Encourage collaboration across WES departments.

⛳️ Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research or public policy within the social impact, public, or non-profit sectors.

• Proven technical research capabilities, including experience in designing and executing applied economic research related to immigration and labor markets.

• Strong econometric and quantitative skills, including regression analysis, causal inference methods, and labor market outcome analysis.

• Proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.

• Minimum five (5) years of management or leadership experience overseeing teams, consultants, or complex cross-functional initiatives.

• Demonstrated expertise in Canadian labor market policy, workforce development, credential recognition, immigration, or relevant public policy domains.

• Experience managing external research partnerships and commissioned studies.

• Familiarity with Canadian labor market and immigration data, including the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB), Census, and Labor Force Survey.

• Experience with Statistics Canada Research Data Centre or administrative microdata environments.

• Extensive experience in leading policy development, consultation submissions, research initiatives, and strategic advocacy efforts.

• Proven ability to influence policy through research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.

• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, business leaders, funders, and sector organizations.

• Strong capabilities in strategic planning, analytical thinking, and systems thinking.

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to create executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations.

• Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.

• Excellent judgment, political sensitivity, and the ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion.

• Understanding of federal and provincial government decision-making processes.

• Experience in developing organizational policy and advocacy strategies.

• A track record of published economic or policy research is preferred.

• Experience representing an organization in public settings is preferred.

• Functional bilingualism in English and French is considered a significant asset.

🏝️ Benefits

• Remote work and flexible scheduling options.

• Generous time-off policies.

• Comprehensive wellness programs.

• Extensive benefits package.

• Competitive compensation structure.

• Tangible rewards and recognition programs.

• Opportunities for learning and pathways for personal and professional growth.

• Comprehensive training programs available.

• Tuition reimbursement opportunities.

• Career advancement prospects.

• Employee-led resource groups.

• Town halls and collaborative team events.

• Meaningful volunteer opportunities.

• An inclusive and accessible work environment.

• Accommodation support during the recruitment process.