To apply, please email a cover letter and CV to careers@macdonaldlaurier.ca, include “Domestic Policy Program Coordinator and Executive Assistant Application” in the subject line.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply before February 20th, 2026. The competition will remain open until the job is filled.

About Macdonald-Laurier Institute: The Macdonald-Laurier Institute (MLI) is at the heart of informed debate over how federal power can best be used to protect and promote the national interests of Canada. MLI is Canada’s leading national public policy think tank based in Ottawa. As a non-partisan organization, we provide thoughtful policy recommendations to help shape the public discourse and influence decision-makers across the nation.

Position Overview: This role combines high-level executive support with hands-on program coordination for the Domestic Policy portfolio. The Domestic Policy Program Coordinator and Executive Assistant provides day-to-day administrative and organizational support to MLI senior management, ensuring their time, priorities, and commitments are managed efficiently, and works closely alongside the Deputy Director of Domestic Policy.

The role is responsible for organizing and tracking a wide range of administrative and operational tasks, including scheduling meetings, coordinating travel, managing calendars, preparing briefing materials, and supporting correspondence with contributors, partners, and internal stakeholders. In its program coordination function, the position supports project management across the Domestic Policy program by tracking deliverables, deadlines, and contributor inputs, coordinating with editorial, communications, and events teams, and maintaining clear records and documentation for ongoing and completed projects.

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute is strictly non-partisan; working for MLI is incompatible with active membership in any political party.

Key Responsibilities

• Scheduling meetings, coordinating travel, managing calendars, preparing briefing materials, and supporting correspondence with contributors, partners, and internal stakeholders;
• Aid in the management of the Domestic Policy Program projects by:
  • Developing and tracking deadlines for project deliverables;
  • Assist in generating topic ideas for op-eds, papers, commentaries, webinars and podcasts;
  • Confirm and liaise with authors to ensure timely submission of first drafts;
  • Assist the event team by organizing events, webinars, and meetings and liaising with speakers;
  • Do first review/edit of written submissions;
  • Identifying and liaising with peer-reviewers;
• Aid in office management, which includes ordering office supplies, organising mailouts, setting up meeting spaces, and taking phone calls;
• Stay up to date with current MLI policy recommendations for the Domestic Policy Program;
• Maintain a professional standard in both communication and appearance, whether interacting virtually or in person;
• Assist the policy and operations team on other matters as appropriate.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated interest and experience in domestic policy areas of focus for MLI (including one or more of: Canada’s history, economics, justice and law, social policy, Immigration, digital policy and Technology.)
• At least 1-2 years experience in supporting senior leadership, including calendar management, meeting coordination, and travel logistics;
• Undergraduate degree or diploma in business administration, project management, public policy, or related field considered an asset;
• Extremely high organisational skills with a large capacity to work on a multitude of different tasks;
• Experience in handling confidential information and sensitive correspondence with discretion and professionalism;
• Clear experience in coordinating projects with competing deadlines;
• Must have working expertise in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, Google Calendar, Google Sheets, and Google Meet;
• Experience in using project management software such as monday.com, Zoho Projects, ClickUp, or others;

An ideal candidate may also possess:

• Event coordination experience;
• Knowledge of WordPress CMS.

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Pay & Benefits

• RRSP contribution
• Extended health care benefits
• Sick leave
• Professional development
• Paid time off
• Bonus pay

The Macdonald-Laurier Institute offers a pay and benefits package that is competitive with equivalent positions in Ottawa.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.