To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to daniel.dorman@macdonaldlaurier.ca, include “Director, Foreign Policy, National Defence and National Security” in the subject line.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before the end of January, 2025. The competition will remain open until the job is filled.
Summary:
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 opening for a foreign policy, national defence and national security (FPNDNS) thought-leader to guide this key program area. It is an exciting opportunity for an energetic, bright manager to help shape a better nation and restore Canada’s footing on the world stage.
We are not just looking for a researcher or pundit, but a gifted executive and people-manager. The successful candidate will oversee all aspects of MLI’s foreign policy, national security, and national defence work including fundraising, recruiting and commissioning top talent, managing a wide range of stakeholders, organizing events, and more.
Candidates should 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 a compelling and incisive op-ed on timely issues, from testifying at committee on federal legislation in his/her area of expertise to commenting on topics of public interest on major broadcast networks and on-line forums.
The Director will be required to represent MLI professionally at conferences, events, and in meetings with donors. He or she will also develop new projects and write proposals for donors. Fundraising and managing the program’s budget are a core aspect of the role.
In addition to leading MLI’s FPNDNS work in Canada, the Director will be expected to contribute to and oversee aspects of MLI’s Washington office (the Center for North American Prosperity and Security / CNAPS).
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.
Occasional travel will be required.
Qualifications:
- Significant, demonstrated expertise in at least one core policy focus for MLI’s FPNDNS program (foreign policy focuses, for example, include NATO, Indo-Pacific, Middle East or Canada-US) with capacity to coordinate and oversee work on the full range of FPNDNS issues.
- At least 5 years’ experience in public-policy, journalism, academia, or government (3 of those years being in a significant management position).
- A clear publishing track record in both academic and public settings.
- A graduate degree (preferably a PhD) or advanced professional degree in political science, law, or another relevant discipline. Significant relevant professional experience may in some cases compensate for a lack of an advanced degree.
- Significant knowledge of the Canadian think-tank landscape.
- Bilingualism is 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;
- Fundraising, proposal writing, project management, 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 FPNDNS work with various stakeholders;
- Organizing foreign policy events, including public-facing panels, roundtables, and conferences;
- Hosting and assisting in the production of videos and podcasts;
- Taking on other projects as required.
The Director of the FPNDNS Program will report directly to the Managing Director and the Managing Editor and Director of Operations. 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.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to daniel.dorman@macdonaldlaurier.ca, include “Director, Foreign Policy, National Defence and National Security” in the subject line.
