Vice President, Research

The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank whose peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis influence policy makers to innovate. With the engagement of a global network of experts and contributors, CIGI tackles the governance challenges and opportunities of data and transformative technologies, including AI, and their impact on the economy, security, democracy and, ultimately, societies. CIGI delivers independent world-leading research and analysis to influence policy on cutting-edge issues that intersect transformative technologies and governance.

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, the Vice President, Research provides executive leadership for CIGI’s research function and overall research agenda. The role leads CIGI’s Research Directors and Director of Programs, ensuring strong coordination across portfolios and maintaining high standards of research quality, relevance and policy impact.

The Vice President, Research also contributes to broader organizational strategy, advises the President on research priorities and emerging opportunities, and serves as a senior representative of CIGI with funders, partners, governments and other external audiences. The role also supports the development and execution of CIGI’s fundraising strategy.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and oversight of CIGI’s overall research agenda, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mandate and strategic plan.
• Work with the President and Research Directors and Director of Programs to identify emerging governance challenges, research priorities and opportunities.
• Ensure coherence and collaboration across research portfolios while supporting the independence and subject-matter expertise of Research Directors.
• Maintain high standards of research quality, relevance, integrity and policy impact.
• Oversee the delivery of research programs, ensuring priorities are supported by appropriate resources, funding and organizational capacity, and addressing significant risks or barriers to delivery.
• Guide the development of research priorities and resource requirements for CIGI’s annual Program of Work and Budget.
• As a member of the Senior Management Team, contribute to organizational strategy, long-term planning and major organizational decisions.
• Represent CIGI with governments, academic institutions, funders, policy organizations and other external partners, including through conferences, public speaking, media engagement and other external activities.
• Support the development and execution of CIGI’s fundraising strategy, including identifying funding opportunities and engaging funders.
• Build and maintain senior-level relationships and develop opportunities for collaboration and partnerships that advance CIGI’s research objectives and institutional reach.
• Lead and manage Research Directors and the Director, Programs, establishing expectations, providing direction and feedback, assessing performance and supporting professional development.
• Build a cohesive and high-performing research leadership team, while supporting succession planning, leadership development and the recruitment and retention of research talent.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND QUALIFICAITONS REQUIRED

• Advanced graduate degree in public policy, political science, economics, law, international affairs or another discipline relevant to CIGI’s work.
• 15+ years of relevant experience, including significant senior leadership experience within a research, public policy, academic, government, international, not-for-profit or similar organizations.
• Demonstrated experience leading senior professionals, leaders and multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to provide leadership across multiple research or policy areas while respecting and drawing on the expertise of subject-matter leaders.
• Experience developing and implementing organizational or research strategies.
• Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs, portfolios, budgets and organizational resources.
• Experience contributing to organization-wide strategy and decision-making.
• Strong understanding of public policy, international governance and the role of independent research in informing policy.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with external partners, including funders, governments, academic institutions and policy organizations.
• Experience representing an organization publicly through conferences, public speaking, media engagement or other external activities.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate complex research and policy issues to diverse audiences.
• Strong strategic judgement, relationship-building, diplomacy and influence skills.

PERKS AND BENEFITS

• Comprehensive group benefits plan, including health and dental coverage, short- and long-term disability, basic life insurance, and AD&D.
• Generous group RRSP program.
• Annual Flexible Spending Account.
• Continuing education and professional development support.
• Generous vacation policy, paid sick days, family care days, personal days, and a paid volunteer day.
• Work-from-anywhere weeks.
• On-site wellness offerings, including yoga classes and access to a registered massage therapist.
• On-site café with complimentary beverages every Tuesday.

Note: This position is based at our CIGI Campus in Waterloo, Ontario, where employees have a hybrid work environment which requires them to be in the office a minimum of 2 days per week.

CIGI is committed to providing an inclusive, equitable and accessible environment. Our goal is to attract and retain highly talented employees from diverse backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and members of visible minorities. We are committed to providing accommodation to applicants throughout the recruitment and hiring process.