WE ARE HIRING!

Job Title: Director of Policy and Research (Maternity Leave Coverage – 14 Months)

Organization: Canadian Arab Institute (CAI)

Location: Virtual (Remote Position)

Start Date: March 1, 2025

Application Deadline: February 14, 2025

About the Canadian Arab Institute:

The Canadian Arab Institute is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that fosters a more inclusive and informed Canada by focusing on issues pertinent to the Arab-Canadian community. We engage in research, policy development, and community initiatives to promote understanding and address challenges Arab-Canadians face.

Position Overview:

The Director of Policy and Research will oversee CAI’s government relations, policy development, and research initiatives during a 14-month maternity leave period. This role involves managing related projects, advising on strategic directions, and reinforcing CAI’s position as a thought leader on topics related to the Arab community in Canada. The Director will report to the Chair of the Board of Directors.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Policy and Research Development:

  • Set strategic goals and formulate policy positions focused on Arab-Canadian youth issues.

  • Develop and implement CAI’s youth engagement research and policy strategy, concentrating on areas such as online hate, employment, gender-based violence, and anti-Arab racism.

  • Conduct comprehensive desk research to support CAI’s mission, including literature reviews and commissioning primary research from academics or consultants.

  • Collaborate with CAI’s communications team to draft communication materials, such as press releases, outlining the Institute’s policy positions.

  • Work closely with the communications team to ensure policy initiatives are effectively communicated to key stakeholders and the broader public.

Government and Stakeholder Relations:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive government relations strategy, maintaining regular communication with federal, provincial, and municipal officials, including elected representatives, political staff, and civil servants, regarding Arab-Canadian policy priorities.

  • Prepare formal communications to government bodies, including feedback on bills and policies.

  • Represent CAI at government briefings, hearings, and related events.

  • Identify and engage with stakeholders in Canada and abroad who are influential on topics related to CAI’s policy agenda.

  • Attend and present at relevant events such as conferences, forums, and conventions on topics of interest to the Institute.

Project and Research Management:

  • Manage all research and policy volunteers, ensuring the successful delivery of research projects and initiatives.

  • Recruit volunteers for the National Arab Youth Council and other initiatives related to policy development, including policy and research fellows.

  • Oversee desk research activities, including coordinating research assignments, reviewing drafts, and ensuring alignment with CAI’s strategic goals.

  • Develop clear research plans and timelines, monitor progress, and provide regular updates to stakeholders.

  • Ensure high-quality outputs from desk research efforts, including summarizing findings, drafting reports, and preparing actionable recommendations for CAI’s leadership.

  • Work closely with research volunteers to provide training and mentorship on effective research practices and methodologies.

  • Report on quarterly outcomes to the Communications/Policy committee of the CAI board.

Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.

  • Minimum of 5 years of experience in policy development, research, and government relations, preferably within a non-profit or governmental setting.

  • Demonstrated experience in project and research management, with the ability to lead complex initiatives and manage multiple priorities effectively.

  • Strong understanding of issues affecting the Arab-Canadian community, with a commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.

  • Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with government officials, stakeholders, and community partners.

  • Experience in supervising and mentoring staff or volunteers, fostering a collaborative and inclusive team environment.

  • Ability to work effectively in a remote/virtual environment.

Application Process:

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and a cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position by February 14, 2025. Applications should be sent to Noura Hamade at noura@canadianarabinstitute.org.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.