Senior Policy Advisor

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

📋 Description

• Execute original policy research, conduct environmental assessments, and perform jurisdictional analysis.

• Recognize emerging trends, risks, opportunities, and policy priorities that impact Mitacs programs and partnerships.

• Offer evidence-based recommendations to support organizational transformation, modernization, and strategic alignment.

• Identify policy gaps, risks, and opportunities within the innovation ecosystem.

• Generate strategic insights to guide executive decisions on directions, partnerships, and funding opportunities.

• Clearly articulate rationales for new programs and initiatives using research, evaluation findings, and public priorities.

• Analyze evaluation data with Program teams and advise on whether programs should be expanded, modified, or phased out.

• Contribute to theories of change, logic models, and essential policy documents.

• Create intelligence briefs, strategic insights, and customized messaging for Government Relations and funding bodies.

• Co-author funding proposals grounded in policy analysis, program impact, and organizational strategy.

• Monitor government mandates, budget cycles, and policy developments.

• Transform program results into compelling narratives for governments, partners, and internal stakeholders.

• Develop content for panels, events, and public communications.

• Align data, insights, and narratives with Mitacs’s strategic objectives and the expectations of funders.

⛳️ Requirements

• A graduate degree in public policy, economics, political science, sociology, or a related field is preferred.

• 5–8+ years of experience in federal-level policy analysis, public-sector research, strategic planning, or government-related positions.

• Experience within the Federal Government is a significant advantage.

• Proven track record in conducting original policy research that influences strategy or program design.

• Strong comprehension of government decision-making, funding processes, and public-sector priorities.

• Outstanding writing and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex concepts into engaging stories.

• Experience in contributing to organizational strategy or transformation initiatives is highly valued.

• Ability to work comfortably with data, evaluation findings, and qualitative/quantitative research methods.

• Knowledge of innovation, research, or economic development policy is a plus.

• A strategic mindset that connects research insights to organizational decision-making.

• Curiosity and the capacity to uncover the underlying rationale behind issues and programs.

• Strong analytical skills coupled with storytelling abilities.

• A collaborative approach and the capability to influence across teams.

• Comfort working at the intersection of policy, strategy, and program delivery.

🏝️ Benefits

• Accommodation during the recruitment process.

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

• Opportunity to make a significant contribution to Canada’s innovation capacity and national impact.