5+ years in policy analysis or public policy focused on digital governance, media, or AI technology.
Experience in managing teams of policy professionals or researchers.
Proven engagement with senior policymakers in government or civil society.
Demonstrated ability to design and lead multi-stakeholder processes.
Strong communication skills for translating complex research for policy audiences.
Graduate degree in public policy, law, political science, or a related field.
Responsibilities
Set and co-lead the policy research agenda in line with institutional goals.
Identify emerging challenges and coordinate the Centre's responses.
Produce and oversee impactful policy outputs like reports and briefs.
Develop strategies that integrate research with public engagement.
Supervise and mentor policy staff, fellows, and contractors.
Manage budgeting and reporting for the policy stream's operations.
Cultivate relationships with government officials and international stakeholders.
Benefits
Full-time contract position with the possibility of renewal.
Engagement with high-level policymakers and stakeholders internationally.
Opportunity to influence public debate and regulatory frameworks.
Work in a bilingual environment with emphasis on both English and French.
Full Job Description
Academic Associate - Policy
Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy (CMTD) | Max Bell School of Public Policy | McGill University
The Academic Associate - Policy leads the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy's policy stream, shaping its strategic direction and driving its impact on digital governance in Canada and internationally. This role is responsible for translating cutting-edge research into actionable policy interventions, advancing evidence-based solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy.
Working closely with the Centre's Executive Director and leadership team, the Academic Associate - Policy oversees the development of high-impact policy outputs, cultivates relationships with policymakers and stakeholders in Canada and internationally, and ensures that the Centre's work meaningfully informs public debate and regulatory development.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Policy Strategy and Research
Set and co-lead CMTD's policy research agenda, in alignment with institutional priorities across online harms, AI governance, platform regulation, and information integrity;
Identify emerging policy challenges and coordinate the Centre's response;
Produce and oversee the development of high-quality policy outputs, including policy reports, briefs, consultation submissions, and op-eds; and
Develop integrated strategies that connect research, policy design, and public engagement.
2. Team Leadership and Management
Supervise and mentor policy staff, fellows, and contractors; set project plans, deliverables, and accountability structures across the policy stream; and
Manage the operational dimensions of the policy stream, including budgeting, funder reporting, and impact tracking.
3. Government, Stakeholder, and International Engagement
Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, senior civil servants, regulators, and parliamentary staff at the federal and provincial levels, and with key international counterparts;
Represent CMTD in legislative consultations, government briefings, regulatory proceedings, and parliamentary committee appearances;
Design and lead multi-stakeholder roundtables, expert working groups, and commissions; and
Expand CMTD's engagement in international technology governance fora, including at the OECD, UN, and EU levels.
4. Policy Communication and Representation
Translate technical and academic research into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and the public
Represent CMTD in media interviews, conferences, and public forums; and
Develop CMTD's policy positions in collaboration with the leadership team and research leads, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and clearly communicated.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Required Qualifications
Five or more years of experience in policy analysis, government affairs, or public policy, with substantial experience in digital technology, media, platform governance, or AI policy;
Experience managing a team of policy professionals, researchers, and/or fellows;
A track record of direct engagement with senior policymakers - as a government official, policy analyst, senior researcher, or civil society advocate;
Experience designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, including roundtables, expert panels, or commissions;
Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or academic research for policy audiences; and
A graduate degree (Master's or equivalent) in public policy, law, political science, communications, or a related discipline.
Assets
An existing network of relationships with federal government officials, parliamentary staff, or digital policy regulators in Canada and internationally;
Familiarity with international technology governance processes, including the EU Digital Services Act, OECD AI governance frameworks, or UN-level digital policy;
Bilingualism in English and French (strongly preferred given CMTD's Montreal location and sustained engagement with federal institutions); and
A doctorate in public policy, political science, communication studies, or a related field.
Personal Qualities
We are looking for someone who engages seriously with the substance of CMTD's work - not just its process. The right candidate is comfortable in both research and policy environments, holds multi-stakeholder relationships with integrity, and understands that building an effective policy stream requires as much investment in people and culture as in ideas.
Contract Details
This position is a full-time contract position for 1 year with the possibility of renewal.
Salary
The salary will be commensurate with experience and education level, with a range between $90,000- $110,000 annual plus benefits.
The following supporting documents are required:
A cover letter
Curriculum vitae
A writing sample
The names and contact information of two references
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.
Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.
McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.
