Job opportunities and tenders

Reports to: President and CEO

Direct reports: 

• Lead, Programs (Level E)
• Lead, Policy EDID (Level E)
• Policy Officer (Level F)

Salary range: $81,900 - $115,500

Start date: January 2, 2025

Job Summary

Reporting to the President and CEO, the Director, Policy & Programs leads the Federation’s policy, programs and advocacy, manages research initiatives, provides strategic oversight on programs that benefits our members and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID) objectives in support of our mission, values, and strategic priorities. The incumbent develops and implements the Federation’s policy, program and advocacy strategies; oversees research and reporting on the Federation’s EDID Action Plan and related initiatives; provides leadership on programmatic activities that advance Federation policy, program and EDID priorities; develops key messages and advocacy content and resources; advises and supports the Federation standing committees on Policy & Programs and EDID; and builds relationships with the federal government and key stakeholders.

The Director, Policy & Programs has strong expertise in overseeing priority policy areas of the Federation, including funding for Social Science and Humanities (SSH) research, EDID, and the impacts of research and education in SSH disciplines.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Leadership

• Work collaboratively with senior leadership team and other departments as necessary to develop a strategy
  and implement plans to foster the growth and evolution of the Federation’s policy, programs and EDID alignment with the Federation’s strategic and financial objectives.
• Actively monitor media and government announcements in identified priority areas.
• Provide analysis of research and statistical work undertaken by diverse governmental and non-governmental entities in priority Federation issue areas, and undertake or coordinate research projects as needed.
• Provide strategic advice and draft positions for senior management and the Board in the Federation’s portfolios.
• Provide strategic leadership in the development of the Federation’s policy and advocacy work.

Financial Management

• Work collaboratively with the finance team to achieve financial targets (both revenue and expenses).
• Provide input into budgets.
• Manage approved budgets.
• Establish contracts for pricing and services.

People Management and Team Leadership

• Ensure that resources are used efficiently to deliver Federation strategy.
• Lead with empathy to build and foster an inclusive culture of engagement, respect and trust that contributes to a motivated, respectful, healthy and supportive workplace for all employees.
• Coach, mentor, develop and empower all employees to build an environment in which the team can thrive and bring their best every day.
• Onboard and offboard employees. Provide input into hiring, performance management and career development.

Policy, Programs and EDID

• Develop and implement Federation policy and advocacy strategies, including leading the Policy & Programs team to conduct research, analysis and statistical work on emerging trends and major issues related to social science and humanities research, EDID, science and technology, and post-secondary education at the national and international levels.
• Lead research projects to serve and develop the Federation’s policy and advocacy work and EDID priorities.
• Draft positions and provide strategic advice on emerging trends and developments in post-secondary education and in Federation policy priorities.
• Oversee key program initiatives to advance Federation objectives.
• Oversee the monitoring, evaluation and reporting on the implementation, outcomes and impacts of the Federation’s Action Plan on Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDID).
• Provide direction on the measurement, collection and analysis of EDID-related data of Federation programs.
• Support the Board of Directors’ standing committees on Policy & Programs and EDID. Develop memos and briefing material; plan and attend meetings; develop and advise on agendas in consultation with the Chair, and serve as the primary staff contact for the Policy & Programs committee members.
• Draft articles, op eds, blog posts, briefing notes, correspondence, social media posts and other communication products in priority Federation policy areas.
• Undertake member, stakeholder and decision-maker engagement and relationship building as it relates to the Federation’s policy and advocacy work, with particular emphasis on the university and research policy community.
• Additional duties as required.

Congress and Engagement

• Liaison to host university for Federation programming at Congress.
• Lead development of programming for Big Thinking at Congress and Big Thinking podcast
• Lead development of initiatives to engage members and other stakeholders in Federation policy, research, and advocacy work (e.g. webinars, forums, advocacy campaigns).
• Provide oversight in managing the EDID Initiatives Fund program to support Federation members in building their EDID capacity.

Job Requirements

• A graduate degree or extensive related professional experience.
• A graduate degree in the arts, humanities, social sciences, or related field; or an undergraduate degree and extensive related professional experience.
• Five or more years of related progressive experience in a medium sized organization with multiple stakeholders; ideally within a NGO or non-profit membership environment, and 2 years of supervisory experience.
• In-depth understanding of the university research environment and familiarity with core issues facing the social science and humanities disciplines.
• Experience or familiarity with areas such as Indigenous issues, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion especially as it pertains to research, education, policy or society more broadly.
• Experience presenting and articulating policy positions to a wide variety of audiences including Executives, Board of Directors, and stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to perform research-related tasks (library research, interviews, analysis and synthesis of documents, writing and editing skills) is an asset.
• Travel will be required for up to two weeks during the annual Congress event, and potentially overnight stays on a periodic infrequent basis.

Competencies

• Bilingualism in English and French is preferred.
• High ethical standards and a desire to work with like-minded high achievers.
• Exceptional communication skills to convey thoughts, ideas and vision in a clear and compelling manner both written and orally.
• Excellent project management, prioritization, and multi-tasking skills.
• Ability to work effectively with minimal supervision and efficiently under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to work with multiple team members and stakeholders.
• A detail-oriented mind, with a strong focus on organization, planning, follow-up.
• Ability to learn and work with new and evolving technology.
• Proven collaboration experience and mindset, to seek out the opinions of others with a view to finding the
  best solutions for the organization.
• Highly motivated to provide quality results that have a positive impact on the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strong and trusted relationships with colleagues and external partners at all levels.
• Recognizes and respects the values and differences that all members of a small team bring to an office environment.
• Flexible and adaptable to different approaches.
• Demonstrates a willingness to continuously develop skills and knowledge.
• Demonstrates a good sense of humour and humility

To apply:

Submit your cover letter and resume to hr@federationhss.ca.

The Federation for the Humanities and Social Sciences is seeking a qualified consultant to lead the development of a strategic plan that will guide our organization in 2026-2030.

The consultant will work closely with the Federation's leadership to establish a clear vision, mission, and values, along with strategic priorities and actionable goals. The scope includes conducting environmental scans, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and drafting a comprehensive strategic plan by March 2026. Applicants should demonstrate expertise in strategic planning for not-for-profit organizations and/or postsecondary institutions, bilingual facilitation, and knowledge of the university/academic community. 

For details and submission instructions

View the Request for Proposal (RFP)

Proposals are due by January 20, 2025.