Description
Broadbent Institute is looking for a researcher who can drive a policy agenda that seeks to win structural change and advance social democracy in Canada. The Director will work with partner organizations, government actors, academics, researchers and trade unions in identifying public policy solutions to today’s social and economic crises.
For this role, we are looking for an optimist who can be bold, practical and propositional in leading policy work, who can hold tensions between stakeholders, be public-facing in their work, understand the strategic role of research in campaigning and who will fearlessly take on those responsible for undermining working-class communities, communities of colour and harming our environment.
What we believe
The Broadbent Institute is one of Canada’s leading social-democratic organizations.
We believe all people are equal and deserving of opportunity and to achieve this in a country with a market-based economy requires an ongoing process of decommodification, a process that sees important social and economic benefits taken out of the market and transformed into universal rights, such as in health services, education, social welfare and housing.
To achieve economic stability, full employment and decent jobs, we support a mixed market economy, with private, public, co-operative and not-for-profit ownership. As evidenced by some of the most exciting economic advances of the last few decades, public sector investment is a key and critical foundation to entrepreneurialism and innovation.
SCOPE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Policy and Stakeholders is responsible for executing the Broadbent Institute’s strategic research agenda, from initiation to the release of reports and publications as well as facilitating the Institute’s rapid response capacity.
Key responsibilities
- Work with the Executive Director and our stakeholders to develop the research and policy priorities for the Institute
- Lead the development and publication of original policy reports from inception to release
- Act as a spokesperson to articulate Broadbent institute strategic priorities
- Author op-eds, briefing notes and developing original online content for the Broadbent platforms (e.g. build an editorial calendar, chase reactive content, manage contributor relations, provide substantive editing, write headlines, construct webpages, write occasional posts)
- Primary responsibility for leading, communication, outreach and overall relationship with Broadbent Policy Fellows
- Engage with an international network of progressive thinkers and identify emerging trends in relevant academic research and public policy
- Convene discussions, workshops and collaboration between Canadian progressive researchers
- Monitor news events and the political sphere for opportunities to quickly react
- Shares in the collective responsibilities of the management team, including the programming of the annual Progress Summit and three Broadbent Institute annual awards
- Responsible for managing a Policy and Stakeholders budget
- Develop the Institue’s relationships, reputation, in order to secure resources and policy objectives
Requirements
- A commitment to social-democratic values
- A minimum of 3 years' experience in a similar role, experience in legislative or public policy research and analysis or in the development of legislation, regulations, or public policy
- Experience in building relationships with senior members of government and/or senior funding partners
- Involved in public policy research, writing or advocacy that was adopted by the government
- An understanding of the strategic role of public policy in progressive campaigning, as used by the labour movement, community organizations, the environmental movement, the anti-racist movement, and or other social movements
- Must have clear and concise written and verbal communication skills along with the ability to write on tight deadlines
- Comfortable with public speaking and experience effectively communicating complex policy information to a wide variety of audiences.
- Knowledge of and experience publishing on social media and online using a content management system (ex: Nationbuilder)
- Detail-oriented, self-initiating, well-organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously and independently in a fast-paced environment
- Advanced degree in social sciences (ex: Economics, Public Administration or Public Policy) or equivalent experience and education with knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies is a major asset
- Bilingualism is a major asset
EMPLOYMENT DETAILS
Full-time, permanent. The Broadbent Institute is a unionized workplace, but this is a management team position outside of the collective agreement. Institute operations are conducted in English.
Daytime hours of work. Ability to travel and attend weekends, early morning and evening meetings required.
The salary scale range is $75,000 – $85,000. The location is flexible and remote work is possible.
Broadbent Institute offers generous vacation time and a comprehensive benefits package.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Interested Canadian candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae with a cover letter, along with popular and academic writing samples via the email [email protected]. The hiring committee will review applications as we receive them. The deadline for applications has been extended to Friday, February 11.
References will be requested if you are considered for the position. While all responses will be appreciated and handled in the strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.
Broadbent Institute values diversity and is committed to fostering an environment of inclusion and cross-cultural sensitivity. We encourage applications from Indigenous people, racialized people, people with disabilities, people from gender and sexually diverse communities and/or people with intersectional identities.
