To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to mike.therien@macdonaldlaurier.ca, include “Domestic Policy Director” in the subject line.
The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) exists to make bad public policy unacceptable in Ottawa. And, in Canada, there is much work to be done!
MLI has an immediate opening for a Domestic Policy thought-leader to guide this key program area. It is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, bright manager to help shape a better nation.
The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of the think-tank’s work across a wide array of domestic policy projects in areas that range from the nation’s finances to kitchen table issues like inflation and housing; from the rule of law and policing to our struggling justice system; from the spread of “woke” social issues to faltering pillars of society like academia and mass media.
Job 1 for the Director is recruiting top talent and shepherding thought leadership projects and products. The successful candidate will also have superior writing, editing and research skills. The Director will work with colleagues on fundraising, events and communications.
The Director will have a proven track record as an effective public intellectual. We’re looking for the unique individual that can handle a wide range of tasks: from providing in-depth peer-review and guidance for long-form research projects to drafting compelling and incisive op-eds on timely issues, from testifying at committee on federal budgets to commenting on topics of public interest on Canada’s major broadcast networks.
The Director will undertake a variety of research and writing assignments that contribute to the success of MLI’s widely recognized work on domestic policy. He or she will also assist in developing new projects and writing proposals for donors, managing project budgets.
The Director will be required to represent MLI professionally at conferences, events, and in meetings with donors. Occasional, primarily domestic, travel may be necessary.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable working with tight deadlines, switching between diverse subject matter, and will enjoy cut and thrust of vigorous debate over national public policy in Canada.
Qualifications:
- At least 5 years’ experience in public-policy, journalism, academia, or government (3 of those years being in a significant management position).
- A graduate degree or advanced professional degree in law, economics, political science, history, or another relevant discipline.
- Significant knowledge of the Canadian think-tank landscape.
- Bilingualism is considered an asset.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Working with senior management to develop the strategic objectives and plan for the institute;
- Developing a compelling program of publications, events, and media products;
- Assisting with fundraising, proposal writing and donor reporting;
- Research and writing to produce compelling reports, op-eds, and other commentary;
- Managing the production schedule of the program and ensuring project goals are met on time and on budget;
- Recruiting and managing a growing network of senior fellows and other top experts to MLI’s platform;
- Representing MLI in the media and raising the profile of MLI’s domestic policy work with various stakeholders;
- Organizing domestic policy events;
- Overseeing the production of videos and podcasts;
- Taking on other projects as required.
The Director of the Domestic Policy Program will report to the Deputy Managing Director and the Managing Director. The Macdonald-Laurier Institute offers a pay and benefits package that is competitive with equivalent positions in Ottawa.
Please note that the Macdonald-Laurier Institute is strictly non-partisan; working for MLI is incompatible with active membership in any political party.
To apply please email a cover letter and CV to mike.therien@macdonaldlaurier.ca, with the ‘Domestic Policy Director’ in the subject line.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.