Careers

Work with us

The Public Policy Forum is a 35-year-old non-profit organization and charity that works with all orders of government, particularly the public service, as well as the private sector, trade unions, post-secondary institutions, foundations, NGOs and Indigenous groups to improve policy outcomes for Canadians. As a non-partisan, member-based organization, we work from “inclusion to conclusion,” by convening discussions of emerging and established thinkers, doers and deciders on fundamental policy issues (inclusion) and by identifying fresh policy options and paths forward (conclusion). PPF researches and convenes around topical public policy challenges as well as celebrating great contributions to policy and public service at our testimonial dinners. We believe policy choices and execution directly impact the quality of life of Canadians. Our motto is Good Policy, Better Canada.

Please send your CV and cover letter to: careers@ppforum.ca

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process. We ask applicants to make their needs known in advance.

Policy Lead

Term: Permanent – Full-time

Reporting to: VP, Policy

Salary Range: $70,000 – $80,000

PROFILE

Policy Leads comprise a team of motivated policy professionals at the heart of PPF.

Our team members are strong policy generalists with considerable project management experience and solid organizational skills.

Background in one or more policy fields is an important asset, including for example, health, economic policy and finance, social policy, labour market and future of work, Indigenous issues, international affairs, innovation, technology, environment and energy.

The Policy Lead must be confident and capable of providing direction and guidance to the project team, anticipate problems and develop solutions with minimal direction. Initiative, strong organizational skills, and good judgement are key to succeeding in the role.

Responsibilities

The Policy Leads’ principal duties include:

  • overall project leadership, management and coordination, including budget oversight, communications, publications and event execution;
  • coordinating and briefing chairs/facilitators/speakers for events;
    • designing and developing project proposals including researching the issue, developing budgets, and critical path development;
    • coordinating research and preparation of major reports and other key documents for projects such as background papers, discussion guides, case studies, interview guides, agendas, website content, presentation decks, blogs, op-eds;
    • building and maintaining strong relationships with external project partners (funders, researchers, advisory council etc.) to develop and deliver projects;
    • Briefing, advising and supporting senior management on key issues and events;
    • Developing and maintaining thorough and current knowledge of trends and dynamics, as well as established and emerging experts, decision makers and influencers in various sectors;
    • Other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

The Policy Lead works collaboratively with PPF staff, management and Fellows, as well as external partners and research collaborators, to deliver multiple projects at a consistently high level, on time and according to budget. The Policy Lead builds and develops professional relationships with external stakeholders, including PPF members, funding partners, experts, academics and others to carry out project deliverables.  This position will have the opportunity to lead work on a varied portfolio of exciting projects that fulfill PPF’s strategic objectives and may provide the opportunity to explore new areas of policy.

Policy Leads report to the Vice-President, Policy.

Education, skills, knowledge and experience

  • Post-secondary education in a relevant discipline, and at least five years of relevant work experience;
  • Experience and skill in complex project management, from conception and development through execution and conclusion;
  • Experience in public policy research, analysis and development;
  • Qualitative and quantitative research skills;
  • Ability to help conceive, develop and implement multi-stakeholder, non-partisan engagement projects, on time and within budget;
  • Knowledge of public service, public administration and political science;
  • Strong communication skills, including writing skills and ability to prepare and edit documents to a high standard;
  • Strong analytical skills: ability to identify relevant materials and main trends, and to prepare succinct summaries of main findings;
  • Confidence in cultivating and managing relationships with external partners;
  • High level of relevant computer literacy;
  • Proficiency in Canada’s official languages.

Director, Policy

Term: Permanent – Full-time

Reporting to: Vice-President, Policy

Salary Range: $118,000 – $123,000

PROFILE

The Public Policy Forum is seeking a broadly inquisitive person with a passion for public policy to oversee PPF’s policy, research and engagement activities in support of the organization’s mission to improve public outcomes through better policy. The Director of Policy plans, coordinates and undertakes research and engagement activities by building on PPF’s work and seeking out opportunities to review or refresh Canadian public policy thinking at the federal or provincial level.

The Director will manage a team of four policy leads/associates and will work as a member of the management team. The successful candidate will report directly to the Vice President, Policy and will work closely with the Vice President of Strategic Engagement, as well as the Vice President of PPF Media and Communications, members of PPF’s management team, board members and other staff to deliver PPF’s mandate.

Responsibilities

Scope and objectives of position

The Public Policy Forum conducts research and engagement activities on a wide variety of public policy issues of relevance to Canadians. A primary task of the Director is to co-ordinate the policy and programming activities of PPF staff in order to identify gaps in the current federal or provincial policy environment that lead to opportunities for new projects, and to enable PPF to continue to build areas of depth. Working closely with the Vice President of Strategic Engagement, the Director of Policy also has a responsibility to integrate policy areas of interest and importance for our roughly 200 members into the work of PPF.

The major activities of the Director are as follows:

Research and Policy Analysis

  • In conjunction with the VP of Policy, as well as the President & CEO, and in consultation with the policy team, plan PPF’s research and engagement activities, ensuring the projects fulfill PPF’s goal to improve policy outcomes for Canadians;
  • Provide oversight and guidance on reports, briefs, submissions and letters and ensure they are of consistent high quality;
  • Through readings and consultations with colleagues, members and key contacts in government and elsewhere, ensure the ongoing monitoring of trends and issues in the areas of priority concern for the Public Policy Forum; identify and bring to the attention of the Vice President of Policy, emerging issues requiring further attention; and
  • Collaborate with Membership and Communications teams, as required, to ensure the greatest impact for PPF’s research publications.

Outreach and project development

  • Collaborate with external partners in order to properly develop PPF’s projects and initiatives;
  • Build broad networks reaching into the various communities with a public policy interest;
  • Liaise with Foundations, private and public sector organizations and other external partners to attract funding to key PPF initiatives.
  • Represent the Public Policy Forum at external events, as appropriate;
  • Look for opportunities for PPF to participate in conferences, presentations, and/or briefings on priority and timely issues, both at the national and provincial levels; and,
  • Prepare and deliver presentations and briefings to conferences, membership meetings, and external parties as requested.

Management and Supervisory

  • Assign project work to project leads/associates, ensuring that staff capabilities and expertise are effectively used, work plans carried out and the results of the work are of consistent high quality;
  • Mentor the research team and ensure its work is of high quality;
  • Identify new approaches and resources for fulfilling our mission and share them with the team, as appropriate;
  • Administer the performance appraisal process of project managers;
  • Ensure professional development of the staff, as appropriate;
  • Achieve budget targets; and
  • Participate as an active member of the PPF team.

Skills and Education

  • Policy experience on issues related to productivity, technology and/or democracy would be an asset;
  • A graduate degree and a minimum of 6-10 years of relevant experience in a research or policy environment;
  • Exceptional interpersonal and inclusive skills and ability to work in a dynamic team environment;
  • High degree of initiative, discretion and insight;
  • Ability to help support the conception, development and implementation of multi-stakeholder, non-partisan dialogue projects;
  • Proven experience in delivering complex projects and overcoming obstacles;
  • Ability to communicate with people at various levels on complex matters and to bring conflicting points of view to consensus;
  • Ability to quickly develop a working knowledge of new subject matter;
  • Strong knowledge of topical public policy issues and the public policy process in Canada;
  • Strong research and analytical skills;
  • Excellent writing and oral communication skills;
  • Demonstrated experience in project development and management;
  • Ability to speak and write fluently in both English and French is preferred; and
  • Comfort with the MS Office suite, including Excel, Word and Outlook, as well as collaborative software.

Senior Director, Strategic Engagement

Term: Permanent – Full-time

Reporting to: Vice President, Strategic Engagement

Salary Range: $120,000 – $130,000

PROFILE

The Public Policy Forum (PPF) is seeking an exceptional relationship manager and strategic thinker who is driven by the organization’s mission- Better Policy, Better Canada. Developing strong partnerships with organizations and leaders across Canada is central to this role, as relationships are integral to ensure a sustainable business model for PPF and the quality of our research and recommendations. We regularly engage with a diverse and inclusive range of stakeholders across the country.

This role is responsible for working with the Vice-President, Strategic Engagement, in the development of sustainable business models, funding streams and relationships in market. The aim of this work is to scale the impact of PPF’s platforms: Policy Research Projects, Media, Academy, and Events. The VP and Senior Director of Strategic engagement will work collaboratively to ensure that PPF continues to develop sustainable business models and to engage diverse stakeholders together at one table to inform leading edge and implementable, policy ideas. The successful candidate will report directly to the Vice President, Strategic Engagement, and will work closely with members of the Strategic Engagement team, as well as PPF’s management team, Board members and staff, as required.

Responsibilities

Strategy & Business Model Development

  • Support the development and evolution of PPF’s business models across its engagement platforms, working closely with members of the management team to effectively position the organization in-market.
  • Lead the development and execution of PPF’s business models around Academy and Policy Programs.
  • Provide regular market feedback and insights to PPF’s management team and Board to inform the development of PPF’s business models, with the ultimate goal of fortifying finances and relationships across the public policy landscape in Canada.

Business Development

  • Lead business development conversations, partnership development, and grant proposal submissions for Academy and Policy Programs, with the aim of securing long term, multi-year, financial support from partners and donors.
  • Lead the preparation and delivery of market-facing materials such as pitch decks, backgrounders, and presentations at key industry conferences, meetings, and other forums.
  • Develop and cultivate a robust pipeline of prospective partners, providing clear line of sight to significant contributors and enablers for PPF’s growth.

Relationship Management

  • Develop and manage relationships with Academy and Policy Program partners to ensure ongoing engagement and support for PPF’s platforms.
  • Lead relationship management and renewal conversations with PPF partners.
  • Develop clear metrics and reporting structures to clearly communicate the impact and value of Policy Programs in relation to PPF’s mission and objectives.
  • Other duties as may be assigned to meet operational objectives.

Skills and Education

  • Undergraduate degree (ideally in a policy-relevant degree) and at least ten years of relevant work experience (including business development, account management, stakeholder relations).
  • Self-starter and entrepreneurial spirit, thrives in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proven track record of business development, revenue generation and previous success in partnerships and relationship management.
  • Excellent writing (particularly proposal writing), presentation, and communications skills.
  • Ability to help support the conception, development and implementation of multi-stakeholder non-partisan dialogue programs.
  • Ability to speak and write fluently in both English and French is preferred.
  • Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team environment.
  • High level of experience with CRM tools and the MS office suite, including Excel, Word and Outlook.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

In our early years, inclusion entailed gathering government, business, labour and civil society in the same room. Today, the proposition is far more ambitious. As much as possible, we aim to incorporate a broader cross-section of participants and contributors – reflecting factors such as identity and geography – in our research, convening and learning processes.

PPF recognizes the existence of systemic racism in Canada. We are firmly committed to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and social justice for all communities. We subscribe to the 50-30 Challenge and seek to live our core belief that good policy makes for a better Canada.

We recognize there is more progress to be made and that good policy outcomes for everyone mark the ultimate measure of a successful society. As Canada’s think tank about tomorrow, we take our responsibility seriously to use our work to illuminate inclusive and diverse policy pathways.