Location: Ottawa, ON (Hybrid)
Type: Full-time, 1-year contract with automatic conversion to permanent
Reports to: Vice President of Programs
Salary: $90,000–$105,000, commensurate with experience
Start date: Immediate
Position Summary
Canada’s electricity sector is experiencing significant growth and transformation. As Canadians electrify their homes and vehicles, integrate renewable energy technologies into the grid and embrace the impact of digital technology, it is crucial to bring together employers, unions, post-secondary institutions and policymakers to address the labour challenges confronting the sector.
Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) is working with its partners to build a world-class, safety-focused, innovative and inclusive electricity workforce. A key element of this work is forecasting future labour market needs and understanding the current context through evidence-based research and policy.
The Director of Research and Policy leads a national portfolio focused on EHRC’s research excellence, policy influence and labour market intelligence. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across key business areas, collaborating with executives, directors and cross-functional teams. The Director oversees the integration of policy research, economic modelling, labour market information (LMI), data science and program evaluation, delivering high-impact insights that shape Canada’s low-carbon electricity future.
Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Organizational Development
- Lead a diverse portfolio of initiatives across research, policy and economic strategy.
- Develop strategic plans to optimize EHRC’s research and policy functions, while identifying and cultivating the talent required to deliver on these goals.
- Contribute to overall organizational strategy, helping to shape EHRC’s impact agenda and national positioning.
- Foster cohesion, innovation and accountability across functional and matrixed teams.
- Identify and open new national opportunities to position EHRC as a leading voice in electricity industry policy and workforce strategy across provincial borders.
- Collaborate with Business Development to identify opportunities, prepare proposals, provide subject matter expertise and meet annual goals.
Research, LMI, Data, and Evaluation Oversight
- Originate, direct and actively engage in EHRC’s qualitative and quantitative research, data science, LMI and program evaluation teams.
- Oversee national labour market forecasting, modelling and the development of LMI tools (including AI and machine learning) for stakeholders.
- Analyze Canada’s productivity, innovation adoption and competitiveness gaps relative to international peers.
- Apply economic modelling (input-output, econometric, CGE) to assess the impacts of major projects, policies or infrastructure investments.
- Perform projections related to GDP, employment, inflation, trade, business investment and public finances as they relate to the electricity industry.
- Ensure methodological rigour, data integrity and evidence-based insights through advanced analytics, forecasting and evaluation frameworks.
- Promote innovation in research platforms and the responsible use of AI and automation in economic intelligence.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Translate technical outputs into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Serve as a spokesperson on issues of national economic relevance, including Canada’s electricity industry, digital transformation, workforce development and skills.
- Build and maintain credibility with senior stakeholders in government, industry, academia and international organizations.
- Represent EHRC in national policy discussions, panels and working groups.
- Deliver practical recommendations for senior decision-makers.
Financial Stewardship, Risk and Performance Management
- Oversee departmental financial planning and resource allocation, in alignment with strategic priorities.
- Ensure sustainability and growth through strong financial acumen, scoping, and business planning.
- Lead risk, performance and impact evaluation processes, ensuring transparency, accountability and results.
Qualifications
- Master’s or PhD in Economics, Public Policy, Political Economy, Data Science or a related field.
- 10 years of progressive leadership experience in policy, economic research, LMI or innovation strategy in an applied setting.
- Proven ability to manage multidisciplinary teams, influence executive stakeholders and grow a national or international portfolio.
- Expertise in qualitative and quantitative methods, economic modelling, evaluation design and labour market forecasting.
- Strong strategic and financial planning skills, with experience in multi-year portfolio development and stakeholder engagement.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of delivering high-impact reports, briefings, and public presentations.
- Familiarity with R and SQL.
- Bilingualism in English and French is an asset.
Work Environment
- Ottawa-based, hybrid work environment (minimum 3 days in office per week).
- Small office with a team of about 15 staff.
- Close to public transport, paid parking available and local amenities nearby.
- Some travel across Canada is required.
Compensation and Benefits
- One-year contract with automatic conversion to permanent upon successful completion of year one deliverables.
- Salary: $90,000 to $105,000 annually, commensurate with experience.
- 15 days of paid vacation annually, 1 paid volunteer day and 3 bonus days in December.
- Flexible health benefits package upon the completion of probation, including prescription drugs and a Health Care Spending Account.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Employer-matched RRSP contributions after one year of service.
- Professional development and career growth opportunities.
Applications
To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter and resume via email to [email protected].
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.
Do you only meet some of the requirements but still think you are a good fit? At EHRC, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. If you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly match every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
EHRC is an enthusiastic equal-opportunity employer. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodations, please let us know. We thank all candidates for their interest; however, we will contact only those selected for an interview.
About EHRC
Electricity is an essential component of the Canadian economy, powered by over 100,000 Canadians who generate, transmit and distribute it to homes and businesses nationwide. As demographics and technology evolve, the industry must adapt and grow its skilled workforce. Electricity Human Resources Canada (EHRC) supports this transition by providing objective research, information and tools on labour market trends, helping the workforce remain innovative and improve service quality. EHRC is a trusted partner, offering evidence-based solutions to the human resource challenges in the electricity sector.
We respectfully acknowledge that we conduct business on the ancestral and unceded territories of all First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples across Turtle Island. EHRC’s head office is located on the traditional, unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe people, whose enduring presence and contributions we honour.