Jobs

We are committed to training and collaborating with great people in a variety of fields and disciplines. We are always looking to support and engage with creative, thoughtful scholarship at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy.

Associate Director, Policy

Pour consulter l'offre d'emploi en français, cliquez ici.

Start Date: TBD

Position Start and End Dates: 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.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Associate Director, 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 Associate Director 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.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your application and supporting documents at the link below.

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.

APPLY HERE