Who Is CIGI & How Are They Changing the World
The Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) is an independent, non-partisan think tank based in Waterloo, Ontario. Through peer-reviewed research, foresight and trusted analysis, CIGI influences policy makers to innovate. With 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 societies. Its work delivers independent research and analysis on cutting-edge issues at the intersection of transformative technologies and governance.
How Will I Make An Impact?
Reporting to the President and serving as a member of the Senior Management Team, you will provide executive leadership for CIGI’s research function and overall research agenda. You will:
- 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, Research Directors and Director of Programs to identify emerging governance challenges, research priorities and opportunities.
- Ensure coordination 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.
- Contribute to organizational strategy, long-term planning and major organizational decisions as a member of the Senior Management Team.
- Represent CIGI with governments, academic institutions, funders, policy organizations and other external partners 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 collaborations and partnerships that advance CIGI’s research objectives and institutional reach.
- Lead and manage the Research Directors and Director of Programs, establishing expectations, providing direction and feedback, assessing performance and supporting professional development.
- Build a cohesive, high-performing research leadership team while supporting succession planning, leadership development, and the recruitment and retention of research talent.
How Do I Know If This Is For Me?
- You enjoy leading established experts, helping them connect their work while respecting their independence and subject-matter expertise.
- You can move comfortably between research discussions, public policy conversations and organizational decisions.
- You want your work to inform real policy questions and are energized by the intersection of transformative technologies and international governance.
- You bring a collaborative approach to leadership, balancing autonomy with clear expectations, accountability and professional development.
- You enjoy representing an organization publicly and building relationships with governments, researchers, funders and policy partners.
- You are comfortable translating research priorities into programs supported by realistic budgets, resources and organizational capacity.
- You can work from CIGI’s Waterloo campus at least two days per week and travel for external engagement. Relocation can be discussed.
Our Ideal Candidate Looks Like:
- An advanced graduate degree in public policy, political science, economics, law, international affairs or another discipline relevant to CIGI’s work. A PhD is an asset, rather than a requirement.
- 15+ years of relevant experience, including significant senior leadership experience within 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, alongside contributing to organization-wide strategy and decision-making.
- Demonstrated experience overseeing complex programs, portfolios, budgets and organizational resources.
- 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.
We understand, accept, and value the differences between people of different backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ages, beliefs, and abilities. We are happy to make any accommodations you may need throughout the interview process. We aim to create an inclusive environment and encourage diverse individuals to apply.
Vacancy: This role is a newly created position.
The Process:
- Initial conversation with Artemis Canada.
- An initial 30-minute conversation with CIGI’s President, with further conversations as needed.
- An in-person interview at the CIGI campus, with participants and additional steps shared as confirmed.
- References, CIGI background checks and offer discussions. The final sequence will be shared as confirmed.
And of course, your Artemis Canada Executive Recruitment Consultant, Alex Daminato, will work closely with you throughout every step of the process.
We’d love to hear from you - even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements!
Send a note to alex@artemiscanada.com if you or someone you know is interested!
