The Canadian Community Economic Development Network (CCEDNet) is seeking a Director of Policy and Research. This is a leadership position that will report to the Executive Director, leading CCEDNet’s advocacy and research strategies.   

ABOUT THE CANADIAN CED NETWORK

CCEDNet is a values-based, non-profit association committed to connecting people and ideas for action that builds local economies, strengthens communities, and benefits everyone. We have members throughout Canada working at the grassroots level in rural, urban, Indigenous, and northern settings.  

CCEDNet engages a broad and inclusive range of community interests in common efforts to influence policy, create stronger and fairer local economies, tackle poverty and homelessness, and invest in sustainable communities.  

CCEDNet and our members are committed to the values of inclusion, diversity and equity, and promote approaches that are participatory, democratic, innovative and entrepreneurial.  Together, we are working towards sustainable and inclusive communities directing their own social, environmental, and economic futures through our Theory of Change. 

Find out more at https://ccednet-rcdec.ca

The Director of Policy and Research

• supports the Executive Director of CCEDNet and participates in CCEDNet’s Leadership Team towards the achievement of strategic priorities;
• develops and implements a government relations plan and manages effective federal government relations based on the policy priorities of CCEDNet and our members; 
• builds strong collaborative relationships with federal government representatives and other stakeholders, networks and advocacy groups, especially member organizations; and
• identifies research opportunities that advance CCEDNet’s strategic objectives, and manages projects that are part of the research strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Government Relations and Public Policy Advocacy

1. Lead CCEDNet’s government affairs activities by establishing positive relationships with elected officials and civil servants for the purpose of the development of community economic development in Canada.
2. Initiate and lead CCEDNet’s efforts to align and complement member and key stakeholder public policy positions and strategies.
3. Identify strategies to engage members in public policy input, lobby campaigns and government relations.
4. Develop and implement strategies to profile CCEDNet and members to secure funding and enable policy development and legislation to support community development and growth.
5. In collaboration with the Executive Director, secure revenue sources to grow CCEDNet’s policy capacity.  
6. Co-ordinate the CCEDNet Committees that engage members and stakeholders, such as the National Policy Council and People-Centred Economy Group.
7. Monitor news media and government sources (House of Commons, Senate, Committees, Gazettes) for potential changes in regulatory and legislative areas to ensure CCEDNet reacts effectively and advises its members of the resulting impact on their operations.
8. Support members in their own lobbying efforts through advice and sharing networks of elected officials and civil servants and capacity building activities for their own policy and advocacy activities.
9. Write briefs on particular initiatives for educational, promotional and policy development.

Research and Development

1. Oversee R&D projects and programs, including direct supervision of relevant staff and contractors, and responsibility for reporting requirements to funders and partners
2. Develop new R&D projects and revenue streams to advance strategic objectives and Theory of Change outcomes

QUALIFICATIONS

• Organized, efficient and eager to contribute to CCEDNet’s mission
• Demonstrated competence in project management, staff supervision, member engagement and team building. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, superior oral and written capabilities, including the ability to build professional relationships with a range of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of audiences (members; academics; government; media) and the ability to strategically and constructively respond to member needs as well as exercise leadership and diplomacy amongst diverse perspectives and priorities. 
• An understanding of community economic development, social economy, social enterprise, social innovation and social finance in Canada and the policy and program areas most relevant to community-based stakeholders in the field an asset.  
• Knowledge, experience and commitment to gender equity, poverty reduction, reconciliation, anti-racism / anti-oppression, diversity and inclusion.  
• Fluently bilingual (English and French) – both spoken and written. 
• Government relations experience coupled with a strong understanding of federal government processes and institutions an asset.  
• University degree, preferably a Master’s degree in political science, public policy, Canadian studies, economics or a related discipline is an asset.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Occasional evening and weekend work
• Occasional overtime work
• Occasional domestic travel

THE PERKS

• A competitive benefit package
• RRSP contributions
• Supportive work environment with flexible hours
• 3 weeks vacation
• Time off with pay between December 25 and January 1
• Paid time off including sick time and personal obligation leave
• Professional development opportunities
• Being part of an awesome team dedicated to community empowerment and economic justice.  

Location:  For federal government relations activities (in the hope that we one day get back to in-person meetings) candidates with easy access to Ottawa have an advantage.  CCEDNet staff teams are located in Victoriaville (Québec), Winnipeg, Toronto and Ottawa, with staff currently working primarily remotely.  Applications from individuals anywhere in Canada who can make the case that they’ll be able to do the job effectively are welcome.  

This is a full-time position (37.5 hours / week) starting as soon as possible.  Base salary range is $62,218 - $83,278 annually, adjusted for regional cost of living variances, plus extended benefits. 

Send resume and cover letter to info (at) ccednet-rcdec.ca with “Director of Policy and Research” in the subject line. Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until a successful candidate is selected. 

CCEDNet is an equal opportunity employer offering a fair, co-operative, respectful, safe, and healthy work environment.  
Do not hesitate to contact us if you require alternative arrangements to submit your application. 

CCEDNet provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with stated needs. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

We appreciate all applications. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.