The Canadian SHIELD Institute Managing Director, Research

Location : Virtual, with convenient access to Toronto / Waterloo corridor

About The Canadian SHIELD Institute

The Canadian SHIELD Institute is a newly established policy institute focused on strengthening Canada’s economic resilience, sovereignty, and global competitiveness. Founded by the Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI) with an initial $10 million donation from Jim Balsillie, the institute is dedicated to Securing Homegrown Innovation, Economic Leadership, and Defence. It serves as a platform for thought leadership, expert research, and impactful communication, addressing a broad spectrum of policy areas. Key priorities include sovereign approaches to economic development, national security leadership, transformative tax policies, modernizing governance, and fostering innovation in critical sectors such as energy, housing, health care, and technology. Through these efforts, the Canadian SHIELD Institute aims to position Canada as a global leader in innovation while championing democracy, culture, and national values.

The Role

As the inaugural Managing Director, Research, you will lead the strategic development and execution of The Canadian SHIELD Institute’s research agenda, shaping policy and thought leadership on critical issues such as economic resilience, national security, transformative tax policy, and sectoral strategies. You will set research priorities, develop frameworks, and manage key projects to align with the institute’s mission and strategic goals. Working closely with experts, policymakers, and industry leaders, you will expand the institute’s influence by engaging diverse perspectives. Your leadership will foster a culture of innovation, accountability, and collaboration. Additionally, you will oversee the production of impactful policy papers, briefs, and publications that position the institute as a leader in advancing Canada's resilience and long-term prosperity.

In addition to driving the research agenda, you will build strategic and funding relationships while championing The Canadian SHIELD Institute’s vision in both internal and external engagements. You will represent the institute in public forums, academic settings, and with policymakers, driving its profile and positioning it as a leading voice on Canada’s most critical policy challenges. Through these efforts, you will amplify the institute’s influence and impact on the national stage.

The Ideal Candidate

You are a strategic and results-driven leader with expertise in applied policy research and a proven ability to turn complex insights into actionable policy solutions. With a graduate degree in a relevant field and at least five years of leadership experience, you have successfully led large-scale research projects while managing diverse stakeholder interests. Your strong communication and presentation skills allow you to engage and influence key audiences, including policymakers, industry leaders, and institutional partners.

A natural collaborator and team builder, you lead with a motivational and inclusive style, fostering high performance and innovation. Known for your integrity, emotional intelligence, and organizational strength, you thrive in environments that demand both strategic vision and hands-on execution. Confident and adaptable, you are ready to represent The Canadian SHIELD Institute on national and international stages, driving impact through bold policy leadership.

To apply for this position, please submit your application to Eric Lathrop and Alain Pescador ([email protected]) and state the title of the position in the subject line of your e-mail.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however only those under consideration for the role will be contacted.

The Canadian SHIELD Institute is committed to building diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible working environments and welcomes those who would contribute to the further diversification of staff including, but not limited to, women, racialized persons, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity to apply.