Senior Policy Advisor
About The Position
The Senior Policy Advisor is a strategic thinker, researcher, and storyteller who will help support Mitacs’s evolution and implement its new strategic plan. A key function of this role is conducting original research that identifies emerging trends, risks, and opportunities—providing the organization with strategic advice for policy alignment and organizational transformation. You will translate complex data into actionable insights, develop compelling narratives for government funders, and support evidence-informed program design. You will lead priority policy files, drive forward-looking analysis, and help shape the strategic direction of the organization.
Requirements
- Graduate degree in public policy, economics, political science, sociology, or a related field preferred.
- 5–8+ years of experience in policy analysis, public-sector research, strategic planning, or government-related roles.
- Proven experience conducting original policy research that informs strategy or program design.
- Strong understanding of government decision-making, funding processes, and public-sector priorities.
- Exceptional writing and communication skills—able to distill complexity into compelling stories.
- Comfort working with data, evaluation findings, and qualitative/quantitative research methods.
Nice To Haves
- Experience contributing to organizational strategy or transformation initiatives is a strong asset.
- Knowledge of innovation, research, or economic development policy is an advantage.
Responsibilities
- Conduct original policy research, environmental scans, and jurisdictional analyses to inform Mitacs’s evolution and long-term direction.
- Identify new opportunities in research, innovation, talent development, and economic policy that should shape Mitacs programs and partnerships.
- Demonstrate how emerging federal/provincial priorities may impact Mitacs, and provide actionable recommendations for organizational alignment.
- Provide evidence-informed policy advice that supports organizational transformation, modernization, and alignment with stakeholder expectations.
- Identify policy gaps, risks, and opportunities to strengthen Mitacs’s positioning within the broader innovation ecosystem.
- Develop strategic insights that help executives make decisions about new directions, partnerships, and funding opportunities.
- Articulate the rationale behind new programs and pilots by grounding them in research, evaluation findings, and public priorities.
- Work with Program teams to interpret evaluation data and recommend whether programs should be scaled, adapted, or sunset.
- Contribute to theories of change, logic models, and other foundational policy materials.
- Produce intelligence briefs, strategic insights, and tailored messaging that help Government Relations engage funders.
- Co-author funding proposals that draw on policy analysis, program impact, and organizational strategy.
- Track government mandates, budget cycles, and policy developments to inform both immediate and long-term organizational strategy.
- Collaborate with Evaluations to translate program results into compelling stories for governments, partners, and internal stakeholders.
- Develop content for panels, events, and public communications to clearly articulate Mitacs’s impact.
- Ensure that data, insights, and narratives are aligned with Mitacs’s strategic objectives and funder expectations.
Benefits
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion - Mitacs
- Accommodations during the recruitment process
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
