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Academic Associate - Policy

Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy (CMTD) | Max Bell School of Public Policy | McGill University

ABOUT THE CENTRE & THE OPPORTUNITY

The Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy (CMTD) is an interdisciplinary research centre within the Max Bell School of Public Policy at McGill University works at the intersection of rigorous research, technology policy, and democratic governance. What sets us apart is an end-to-end model — from large-scale data analysis to policy development to broad public engagement — that translates scholarship into democratic impact. Over five years, we have grown to a team of more than 25 and built an international reputation at the intersection of technology governance, information integrity, and participatory democracy.

CMTD integrates three complementary streams:

• Empirical Research — The Media Ecosystem Observatory (MEO) uses large-scale data analysis to study the health of the digital public sphere. MEO has monitored the last three major Canadian federal elections and coordinates the Canadian Digital Media Research Network.
• Policy Engagement — CMTD produces evidence-based analysis and recommendations at the intersection of digital governance, information integrity, and democratic legitimacy and translates research into policy through sustained engagement with governments and democratic institutions. Its work spans platform regulation, AI governance, climate disinformation and the future of journalism.
• Public Engagement — CMTD stays active in the public conversation through reports, policy memos, and strong media relations — serving as a trusted voice on digital governance, information integrity, journalism, and climate disinformation. We also work to translate these complex topics accessibly across social media, events and our newsletter. Through Paradigms, a McGill non-profit, CMTD produces podcasts, convenes citizens’ assemblies, and runs deliberative processes — including the GenZ AI forum, which brought together 100 young Canadians across four cities to develop policy recommendations on AI.

The Academic Associate - Policy leads the Centre for Media, Technology, and Democracy’s policy stream, shaping its strategic direction and driving its impact on digital governance in Canada and internationally. This role is responsible for translating cutting-edge research into actionable policy interventions, advancing evidence-based solutions to complex challenges at the intersection of media, technology, and democracy.

Working closely with the Centre’s Executive Director and leadership team, the Academic Associate - Policy oversees the development of high-impact policy outputs, cultivates relationships with policymakers and stakeholders in Canada and internationally, and ensures that the Centre’s work meaningfully informs public debate and regulatory development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Policy Strategy and Research

• Set and co-lead CMTD’s policy research agenda, in alignment with institutional priorities across online harms, AI governance, platform regulation, and information integrity;
• Identify emerging policy challenges and coordinate the Centre’s response;
• Produce and oversee the development of high-quality policy outputs, including policy reports, briefs, consultation submissions, and op-eds; and
• Develop integrated strategies that connect research, policy design, and public engagement.

2. Team Leadership and Management

• Supervise and mentor policy staff, fellows, and contractors; set project plans, deliverables, and accountability structures across the policy stream; and
• Manage the operational dimensions of the policy stream, including budgeting, funder reporting, and impact tracking.

3. Government, Stakeholder, and International Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with elected officials, senior civil servants, regulators, and parliamentary staff at the federal and provincial levels, and with key international counterparts;
• Represent CMTD in legislative consultations, government briefings, regulatory proceedings, and parliamentary committee appearances;
• Design and lead multi-stakeholder roundtables, expert working groups, and commissions; and
• Expand CMTD’s engagement in international technology governance fora, including at the OECD, UN, and EU levels.

4. Policy Communication and Representation

• Translate technical and academic research into clear, actionable recommendations for policymakers and the public
• Represent CMTD in media interviews, conferences, and public forums; and
• Develop CMTD’s policy positions in collaboration with the leadership team and research leads, ensuring they are grounded in evidence and clearly communicated.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in policy analysis, government affairs, or public policy, with substantial experience in digital technology, media, platform governance, or AI policy;
• Experience managing a team of policy professionals, researchers, and/or fellows;
• A track record of direct engagement with senior policymakers — as a government official, policy analyst, senior researcher, or civil society advocate;
• Experience designing and facilitating multi-stakeholder processes, including roundtables, expert panels, or commissions;
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate technical or academic research for policy audiences; and
• A graduate degree (Master’s or equivalent) in public policy, law, political science, communications, or a related discipline.

Assets

• An existing network of relationships with federal government officials, parliamentary staff, or digital policy regulators in Canada and internationally;
• Familiarity with international technology governance processes, including the EU Digital Services Act, OECD AI governance frameworks, or UN-level digital policy;
• Bilingualism in English and French (strongly preferred given CMTD’s Montreal location and sustained engagement with federal institutions); and
• A doctorate in public policy, political science, communication studies, or a related field.

Personal Qualities

We are looking for someone who engages seriously with the substance of CMTD’s work — not just its process. The right candidate is comfortable in both research and policy environments, holds multi-stakeholder relationships with integrity, and understands that building an effective policy stream requires as much investment in people and culture as in ideas.

Contract Details

This position is a full-time contract position for 1 year with the possibility of renewal.

Salary

The salary will be commensurate with experience and education level, with a range between $90,000- $110,000 annual plus benefits.

The following supporting documents are required:

• A cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• A writing sample
• The names and contact information of two references

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

Before applying, please note that to work at McGill University, you must be both authorized to work in Canada and willing to work in the province of Quebec at the campus where the position is based / located.

McGill University is an English-language university where most teaching and research activities are conducted in the English language, thereby requiring English communication both verbally and in writing.

McGill University is committed to equity and diversity within its community and values academic rigour and excellence. We welcome and encourage applications from racialized persons/visible minorities, women, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and persons of minority sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as from all qualified candidates with the skills and knowledge to engage productively with diverse communities.

At McGill, research that reflects diverse intellectual traditions, methodologies, and modes of dissemination and translation is valued and encouraged. Candidates are invited to demonstrate their research impact both within and across academic disciplines and in other sectors, such as government, communities, or industry.

McGill further recognizes and fairly considers the impact of leaves (e.g., family care or health-related) that may contribute to career interruptions or slowdowns. Candidates are encouraged to signal any leave that affected productivity, or that may have had an effect on their career path. This information will be considered to ensure the equitable assessment of the candidate’s record.

McGill implements an employment equity program and encourages members of designated equity groups to self-identify. It further seeks to ensure the equitable treatment and full inclusion of persons with disabilities by striving for the implementation of universal design principles transversally, across all facets of the University community, and through accommodation policies and procedures***. Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing accommodations for any part of the application process may contact, in confidence,accessibilityrequest.hr@mcgill.ca.*

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply; however, in accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.