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About the Role

The Director, Policy and Research provides strategic leadership for WES Canada's policy, research, and advocacy agenda. This role involves leading major policy initiatives, developing evidence-based positions, managing research, and cultivating partnerships to enhance WES's influence in immigration and workforce development. It combines senior policy leadership with technical research capabilities, including the design and execution of applied economic research.

Responsibilities

Apply rigorous economic and quantitative analysis to strengthen policy positions.
Lead the development of policy positions, strategic analysis, consultation submissions, and advocacy strategies.
Identify emerging policy trends and assess strategic implications for WES.
Lead complex policy research projects supporting evidence-informed decision making.
Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on policy risks and opportunities.
Develop policy frameworks and recommendations to strengthen WES's influence with governments and partners.
Represent WES in external policy forums and stakeholder consultations.
Lead the preparation of executive briefing materials, policy papers, and strategic reports.
Design and lead applied economic research on immigration and workforce integration.
Direct strategic research initiatives supporting WES Canada's public policy and advocacy objectives.
Build and steward the team’s technical research capacity, including research design and quantitative methods.
Build and maintain senior relationships with governments, business associations, and other organizations.
Identify opportunities for collaborative research and strategic partnerships.
Lead the development and dissemination of thought leadership publications and research reports.
Provide strategic oversight of external research partnerships.
Represent WES as a recognized subject matter expert.
Lead strategic planning initiatives for WES Canada's policy, research, and advocacy agenda.
Direct cross-functional projects involving multiple departments and external stakeholders.
Lead strategic environmental scanning and scenario planning activities.
Support organizational governance through development of board materials and executive briefings.
Lead strategic planning and implementation of major policy, research and advocacy initiatives.
Develop systems and processes to strengthen knowledge management and policy coordination.
Lead, coach, and develop policy and research staff, consultants, and project teams.
Establish work plans, priorities, and performance expectations for direct reports.
Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performing team culture.
Support workforce planning, recruitment, and professional development within the Policy and Research function.
Promote effective collaboration across WES departments.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, or an acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in economic research or public policy within the social impact, public, or non-profit sectors.
Demonstrated technical research capacity, including experience designing and executing applied economic research on immigration and labour markets.
Strong econometric and quantitative skills, including regression analysis, causal inference methods, and labour market outcome analysis.
Working proficiency in statistical software such as Stata, R, or Python.
Minimum five (5) years of management or leadership experience leading teams, consultants, or complex cross-functional initiatives.
Demonstrated expertise in Canadian labour market policy, workforce development, credential recognition, immigration or related public policy fields.
Experience managing external research partnerships and commissioned research.
Experience working with Canadian labour market and immigration data, such as the Longitudinal Immigration Database (IMDB), Census, and Labour Force Survey.
Extensive experience leading policy development, consultation submissions, research projects, and strategic advocacy initiatives.
Proven ability to influence policy through research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior government officials, business leaders, funders, and sector organizations.
Excellent relationship-building skills and executive presence.
Strong strategic planning, analytical, and systems thinking capabilities.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing executive-level briefings, reports, and presentations.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple complex projects in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment.
Excellent judgment, political acuity, and ability to manage sensitive issues with discretion.
Knowledge of federal and provincial government decision-making processes.
A record of published economic or policy research, including peer-reviewed publications, working papers, or widely cited policy reports on immigration, economic policy, workforce development, and/or labour market topics (Desired).
Experience representing an organization publicly through conferences, media, or government consultations (Desired).
Functional bilingualism in English and French is considered a strong asset (Desired).

Skills

Economic analysis
Quantitative analysis
Econometrics
Regression analysis
Causal inference methods
Labour market outcome analysis
Stata
R
Python
Policy development
Strategic analysis
Consultation submissions
Advocacy strategies
Research design
Data strategy
Peer review
Publication
Stakeholder engagement
Relationship building
Strategic planning
Analytical skills
Systems thinking
Written communication
Verbal communication
Project management
Judgment
Political acuity
Knowledge of government decision-making processes

Location

Remote - Canada
Ontario

Work Type

Full Time
Remote

Experience Level

Director
Minimum 8 years of experience
Minimum 5 years of management or leadership experience

Education Level

Bachelor's degree in economics, Public Policy, Political Science, Social Sciences, or a related discipline, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Salary/Compensations

CAD102K - CAD131K

Benefits

Competitive compensation
Comprehensive benefits
Tangible rewards
Training programs
Tuition reimbursement
Remote work options
Flexible scheduling
Generous time-off policies
Wellness programs

About the Company

World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise that supports the educational, economic, and social inclusion of immigrants, refugees, and international students.
For 50 years, WES has set the standard for international academic credential evaluation, supporting millions of people.
WES has developed a wide range of tools to pursue social impact at scale, from evaluating academic credentials to shaping policy, designing programs, and providing philanthropic funding.
WES partners with diverse organizations, leaders, and networks to uplift individuals and drive systems change.
WES enables people to learn, work, and thrive in new places.

Equal Opportunity

World Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our communities, both in the US and Canada.
We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or genetics.
This commitment extends to every aspect of employment, from recruitment and hiring to promotions, training, and benefits.
We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws.
Diversity goes beyond compliance – it's about embracing unique perspectives and cultivating an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to reach their full potential.
We welcome all applicants, irrespective of their experience perfectly fitting the job description, as we value diverse and innovative viewpoints.
Individuals who thrive in a culture of continuous learning and inclusive teamwork excel.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply.
If you require assistance and/or accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please contact us at hiring@wes.org.