Research Director, Economic Policy

Location: Montreal (hybrid) or remote within Quebec and Ontario

Annual salary range: $100,000 to $125,000, depending on experience and qualifications.

The Institute for Research on Public Policy, one of Canada’s most trusted and influential think tanks, is looking for a research director to lead its work on economic policy.

In the near term, the research director will work with the IRPP team to support a two-year research project focused on diversifying Canada’s trade. The initiative will entail researching and analyzing various aspects of the topic, liaising with an expert advisory council, engaging with businesses, governments, and other organisations, organising events, and publishing data analysis, reports, and commentaries.

The IRPP is an independent organisation that supports evidence-based policy-making and inclusive dialogue. It fulfils its mission through a variety of activities, including high-quality in‑depth research publications, events, its digital platform Policy Options, and through the work of its Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation.

The IRPP research team produces rigorous, in‑depth research on Canada’s toughest and most pressing policy challenges.

Roles and responsibilities

Reporting to the Vice President, Research, research directors collaborate with IRPP staff and external partners to produce high quality, rigorous, relevant research and mobilise knowledge to inform public debate and government policy decisions.

The research director will be responsible for:

- leading research that aligns with the IRPP’s strategic direction and research projects, in consultation with the VP Research;
- engaging with experts, governments, and stakeholders to understand issues and policy options, and to communicate research findings;
- ensuring publications meet the IRPP’s high standards for quality and relevance through literature review, data analysis, peer review and engagement;
- leading the publication process in collaboration with staff that work on editing, design, translation and communications;
- mentoring and guiding research associates; and
- writing articles, newsletters,



and social media posts to disseminate knowledge from research projects.

Qualifications

Education

- Graduate degree in social science (e.g., economics, public policy, public administration, statistics) or business, or a graduate degree in another discipline combined with equivalent experience in research on economic policy.

Experience

- At least five years of experience undertaking policy research in Canada, with previous publications linked to trade or economic policy a significant asset.

Skills and competencies

- Superior writing and editing skills in French or English, with an ability to convey detailed research findings in a clear and concise manner to a variety of audiences (e.g., government, industry, public).
- Ability to find, analyse and visualise data relevant to policy research, with advanced statistical skills a significant asset.
- Because the Institute is a bilingual organisation, ability to speak in both French and English is essential, but the role can be performed primarily in either language.
- Strong verbal communication and presentation skills.
- Keen interest and understanding of Canadian economic policy and trade issues and debates, actively following current developments.
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills, with significant attention to detail and accuracy.
- Organised project manager, able to lead multiple concurrent research projects and meet deadlines.
- Cooperative team player with a track record of building effective internal and external working relationships.
- Solid understanding of equity, diversity and inclusion principles both within the workplace, and in policy research.

Why join the IRPP?

The IRPP is one of Canada’s leading independent voices in public policy. Through research, publications, events, and public engagement,



the Institute contributes to informed public debate and evidence-based policymaking across the country.

Joining the IRPP means becoming part of a collaborative, intellectually rigorous, and mission-driven organisation committed to strengthening public policy and democratic discourse in Canada.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, and a collegial work culture that is rooted in creativity, inclusivity, integrity, and flexibility. Members of our team work on a fascinating range of different initiatives across our operations and have the opportunity to develop their own projects when they align with strategic directions. We thrive on the exchange of ideas, both internally and with external partners.

The IRPP offers a hybrid workplace based in Montreal. Candidates should expect to spend at least two days a week in the Montreal office. For candidates applying from outside Montreal, remote work arrangements are negotiable. Candidates must be Canadian, a permanent resident or possess a valid work visa for Canada.

The IRPP is committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse staff. We encourage applications from Indigenous, Black, and other racialised persons; 2SLGBTQIA+ persons; and Canadians living with disabilities. Please let us know if you have accommodation requirements to facilitate participation in the selection process by reaching out to us at the email address below.

Candidates are invited to self‑identify in their applications. Please let us know if you have accommodation requirements to facilitate participation in the selection process by reaching out to us at the email address below.

Recruitment process

If we receive a high volume of applications, we may use AI to extract information from CVs and cover letters into structured, sortable tables. Candidate data is never uploaded to public tools or shared with providers for training future models. All decisions throughout the hiring process – shortlisting, interviews, and final hiring choices – are made by humans.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Interviews will be scheduled as applications are received.

📌 Research Director, Economic Policy (Montreal)
🏢 e Institute for Research on Public Policy
📍 Montreal