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.

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.