Director of Policy & Research

World Education Services

. Provide strategic leadership in advancing WES Canada's policy, research, and advocacy agenda .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeRemote • CanadaLead💰 CA$102,000 - CA$131,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in economic research and public policy, with a strong focus on Canadian labour market policy, immigration, and credential recognition. Proven ability to lead complex initiatives, manage strategic partnerships, and influence policy through evidence-based advocacy.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Economic ResearchPublic Policy DevelopmentQuantitative AnalysisStakeholder EngagementTeam Leadership

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Econometric AnalysisRegression AnalysisCausal Inference MethodsLabour Market Outcome AnalysisStatistical Software (Stata, R, Python)Policy Framework DevelopmentResearch Project ManagementData AnalysisKnowledge Management SystemsOrganizational Learning

Soft Skills

Strategic PlanningAnalytical ThinkingExceptional CommunicationPolitical AcuityJudgment

Tools & Technologies

Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB)CensusLabour Force SurveyStatistics Canada Research Data Centre

Industry Keywords

Canadian Labour Market PolicyWorkforce DevelopmentCredential RecognitionImmigration PolicyPublic SectorNon-Profit Sector

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Python

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide strategic leadership in advancing WES Canada's policy, research, and advocacy agenda
Lead major policy initiatives and develop evidence-based policy positions
Manage strategic research and cultivate high-impact partnerships
Lead complex cross-functional initiatives advancing WES Canada's strategic priorities
Design and execute applied economic research on immigration, economics, credential recognition, and labour market outcomes
Apply rigorous economic and quantitative analysis, including econometric evidence
Lead policy research projects supporting evidence-informed organizational decision making
Advise senior leadership on policy risks, opportunities, and emerging issues
Develop policy frameworks, recommendations, consultation submissions, advocacy strategies, and executive briefing materials
Represent WES in policy forums, advisory committees, stakeholder consultations, conferences, and meetings
Direct research initiatives supporting public policy, advocacy, and systems change objectives
Build the team's technical research capacity and oversee research quality assurance
Build and maintain senior relationships with governments, business associations, post-secondary institutions, regulatory bodies, employers, and sector organizations
Lead thought leadership publications, policy briefs, and research reports
Oversee external research partnerships and commissioned research
Lead strategic planning, environmental scanning, and scenario planning activities
Support governance through board materials, executive briefings, dashboards, and performance reporting
Develop systems and processes for knowledge management, organizational learning, and policy coordination
Lead, coach, and develop policy and research staff, consultants, and project teams
Establish work plans, priorities, and performance expectations
Support workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development
Promote collaboration across WES departments

Requirements

What you’ll need

A bachelor's degree in economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or another related discipline, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research or public policy within the social impact, public, or non-profit sectors
Demonstrated technical research capacity, including experience designing and executing applied economic research on immigration and labour markets
Strong econometric and quantitative skills, including regression analysis, causal inference methods, and labour market outcome analysis
Working proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python
Minimum five (5) years of management or leadership experience leading teams, consultants, or complex cross-functional initiatives
Demonstrated expertise in Canadian labour market policy, workforce development, credential recognition, immigration or related public policy fields
Experience managing external research partnerships and commissioned research
Experience working with Canadian labour market and immigration data, including the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB), Census, and Labour Force Survey
Experience with Statistics Canada Research Data Centre or administrative microdata environments
Extensive experience leading policy development, consultation submissions, research projects, and strategic advocacy initiatives
Proven ability to influence policy through research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships
Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, business leaders, funders, and sector organizations
Strong strategic planning, analytical, and systems thinking capabilities
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment
Excellent judgment, political acuity, and ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion
Knowledge of federal and provincial government decision-making processes
Experience developing organizational policy and advocacy strategies
A record of published economic or policy research is desired
Experience representing an organization publicly is desired
Functional bilingualism in English and French is considered a strong asset

Benefits

Comp & perks

Remote work and flexible scheduling
Generous time-off policies
Comprehensive wellness programs
Comprehensive benefits
Competitive compensation
Tangible rewards and recognition
Learning opportunities and pathways for personal and professional development
Comprehensive training programs
Tuition reimbursement opportunities
Career advancement opportunities
Employee-led resource groups
Town halls and collaborative team events
Meaningful volunteer opportunities
Inclusive and accessible work environment
Accommodation support during the recruitment process