Senior Analyst, Research and policies

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

7d•CA$118,675 - CA$148,344•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the president, produces thorough analyses, position statements and summaries to help the president lead high-level meetings and deliver clear, consistent, proactive remarks on major issues affecting higher education in Ontario and across Canada. Conducts comparative analyses and institutional intelligence research, playing a direct role in bolstering the University’s credibility and influence within academic, government and sectoral forums. Performs ongoing business intelligence work on academic, legislative and regulatory issues to inform the executive team’s decisions. This term position will eventually be converted to a permanent position.

Requirements

Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, law, education, communication or a related field — PhD an asset. Although a PhD is considered an asset, if you have a graduate degree and you meet all other qualifications, you are strongly encouraged to apply
Seven years’ relevant experience in policy analysis, institutional affairs, government relations or a similar strategic advisory role
Proven experience in drafting high-level strategy documents (summaries, backgrounders, memos, briefing notes) for executives
In-depth knowledge of Ontario’s higher education sector, including the regulatory framework, funding and academic governance issues
Experience working for a university or a public-sector organization — a strong asset
Excellent writing skills in English and French (bilingualism required), and ability to draft clear, precise, impactful documents for a variety of audiences
Strong ability to summarize large amounts of complex information and determine its strategic implications
Ability to explain complex issues simply as well as adjust tone and format for different situations (internal document, speech, public submission, etc.)
Thorough analytical thinking skills, systems thinking and ability to formulate nuanced, well-supported arguments
Strategic vision and strong diplomacy skills as well as ability to anticipate implications of developments for an institution
Interpersonal skills for establishing and maintaining high-trust relationships with high-level internal and external partners
Self-sufficiency, strong work ethic, initiative and ability to handle multiple projects at once while under pressure

Nice To Haves

PhD an asset
Experience working for a university or a public-sector organization — a strong asset

Responsibilities

Conducts routine monitoring of trends, government policy, sectoral reports and legislative developments related to universities in Ontario and across Canada.
Identifies and prioritizes emerging issues that could affect the University’s strategic directions.
Prepares summaries, analyses, backgrounders and speaking notes for the president and other members of the executive team on key issues (funding, accessibility, equity, internationalization, academic governance, priority and emerging research areas, etc.).
Turns complex analyses into clear, concise, strategically useful recommendations.
Develops talking points and assists with developing speaking notes and arguments for the president to use during events, consultations or sectoral committees.
Anticipates questions and counter-arguments to prepare well-supported, consistent responses that align with the University’s position.
Maintains an organized knowledge base on strategic issues, including a history of policies, positions taken and regulatory changes.
Ensures consistency in the University’s positions over time and across various senior leadership teams.
Co-ordinates input gathering from various vice-presidents or subject matter experts during consultations or invitations to comment on positioning.
Summarizes internal stakeholders’ perspectives to develop a unified response for the University.
Conducts comparative analyses against other universities in Ontario and across Canada to identify best practices and determine where the University stands in the competitive landscape.
Produces dashboards and analytical reports to support strategic decision-making.
Contributes to fact-finding research and events by providing comments on articles and internal documents shared ahead of speeches or remarks by the president at different forums.
Makes proactive recommendations on issues that could have a major impact on the University, and advises the president on related risks and opportunities.
Maintains working relationships with academic associations, government organizations and sectoral partners (Council of Ontario Universities; Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security; U6; U7+; U15; etc.).