Senior Specialist, Public Policy and Research

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Posting Reason:

Replacement of a temporary position

Job Type:

Employee

Anticipated Duration in Months (for contracts and temporary assignments):

24

Job Family:

Academic Delivery Support

# of Open Positions:

1

Faculty/Service - Department:

Public Policy, Research and Outreach

Campus:

Main Campus

Union Affiliation:

N/A

Date Posted (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/07/02

Applications must be received BEFORE (YYYY/MM/DD):

2026/07/13

Hours per week:

35

Salary Grade:

Non-Union Grade NR8 - 35 hrs

Salary Range:

$96,570.00 - $120,712.00The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation sets the strategic direction and oversees the administration of the University of Ottawa’s research enterprise, including funding, equipment and facilities, international collaborations, partnerships and business development.

Position Purpose

As a key position in the Office of Public Policy Research and Outreach (OPPRO), the Senior Specialist, Public Policy and Research will support the Director in initiatives and partnership-building, internally and externally, to support the development of evidence-based public policy in Canada and advance initiatives within the framework of the Alex Trebek Forum for Dialogue. They will integrate critical perspectives about the future of policies related to the University of Ottawa’s strategic areas of research and help develop innovative research and training initiatives to increase research impacts on public policy. Working closely with researchers and external partners from government, industry and civil society, the candidate will work with others to advance the goals of a) promoting the University of Ottawa among senior thought leaders, policymakers and influencers of the federal and provincial departments on broad public policy issues; b) achieving tangible, evidence-based improvements to Canadian policy; and, c) unlocking new Canadian-orientated research and funding opportunities.

Specific Accountabilities

• Provide analysis on Canadian policy development issues of relevance to uOttawa researchers and support them in producing policy related, evidence-based material for government officials and the public.
• Responsible to keep OVPRI staff and scholars regularly and continually informed about Canadian government positions and priorities on relevant issues including facilitating physical or virtual meetings as needed.
• Advance OPPRO objectives in providing guidance to university administrators and researchers on issues relating to public policy or legislation of significance to OVPRI or other uOttawa priority areas.
• Prepare and present written and verbal analysis and advice that support uOttawa goals of advancing evidence-based public policy in Canada.
• Advise on advancing OPPRO strategic objectives including through coordination and support of initiatives and events that enhance and showcase uOttawa policy-related research.
• Collaborate with uOttawa research centres and institutes, as well as individual or groups of researchers, to develop capacity for effective and influential relationships and engagement with policy makers and associated partners.
• Help to identify and leverage opportunities for OVPRI to influence policy debates and outcomes.
• Develop and nurture productive working relationships with key relevant offices, officials, and staff members at all levels of government and in the wider circle of policy influencers.
• Enhance uOttawa researcher engagement with key Canadian officials and staff and the policy community in Canada, including by supporting researcher participation in public meetings and forums.
• Collaborate within the OPPRO to support positive exposure and knowledge mobilization activities relating to uOttawa research including speaker events, panels, conferences, workshops and other events for academic, government and public audiences.

Knowledge, Experience and Skills

• Master’s Degree in public policy studies, or in a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Seven years experience in areas relating to public policy including policy networking and building internal and external partnerships to support the strategic priorities of a large institution.
• A knowledge of government structures, operations and policy-making processes.
• Excellent bilingual oral and written communications skills
• Knowledge of project management practices.
• Knowledge of a university multi-disciplinary research environment.
• Experience implementing strategic plans in multi-disciplinary and multi-sectoral contexts.
• A detailed knowledge of software including Microsoft office, e-mail, and contact management.

Prior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as defined in Policy 129 – Covid-19 Vaccination. This policy was suspended effective May 1, 2022 but may be reinstated at any point in the future depending on public health guidelines and the recommendations of experts.