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.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Policy Research & Foresight
- 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.
Organizational Strategy & Transformation
- 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.
Program Development & Evaluation Integration
- 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.
Government Relations Support & Funding Proposals
- 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.
Impact Communication & Storytelling
- 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.
Qualifications & Experience
- 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.
- Experience contributing to organizational strategy or transformation initiatives is a strong asset.
- Comfort working with data, evaluation findings, and qualitative/quantitative research methods.
- Knowledge of innovation, research, or economic development policy is an advantage.
What You Bring
- A strategic mindset that connects research insights to organizational decision-making.
- Curiosity and the ability to uncover the "why" behind issues and programs.
- Strong analytical capabilities paired with excellent storytelling instincts.
- A collaborative approach and the ability to influence across teams.
- Comfort working in an evolving environment where policy, strategy, and program delivery intersect.
Hiring Range: $77,100 - $97,660
