Position Information

Position Title

Palmer Fellowship in Public Policy

Research Project

Palmer Chair in Public Policy & Law

Department/Unit

Schulich School of Law - General

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Posting Number

S136-26

Employee Group

Grant-Paid (PSAC Local 86001)

Position Type

Term

Duration of Contract (if applicable)

1 year with possibility of renewal

Employment Type

Full-time Equivalency (FTE)

1.0

Salary

$85,000 per annum at 35 hours per week

Classification

Provisional Statement

About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university and a driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development. Located in the heart of Halifax, Nova Scotia, with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our almost 21,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a vibrant, purpose-driven community, that celebrated 200 years of academic excellence in 2018.

Job Summary

As the first university-based common law school in the nation, the Schulich School of Law offers a unique and enlightened approach to legal education. Diverse curriculum, leading specializations, and internationally recognized faculty provide exceptional opportunities in all facets of legal education.

Reporting to the James S. Palmer Chair in Public Policy & Law, thePalmer Fellow in Public Policy will work to safeguard and promote foundational democratic rights through a variety of strategies, and will work closely with the Chair to develop a strategy for impactful programming.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify priority areas of Canadian democracy at risk, including issues affecting vulnerable or marginalized communities. Develop a strategic work plan that sets clear goals, timelines, and outcomes for policy and advocacy initiatives.

• Research, draft, and submit policy papers, briefs, and reports to federal and provincial legislative committees. Analyze proposed legislation, regulations, and policy frameworks for impacts on democratic rights, the Charter of Rights and Freedoms, and vulnerable communities.

• Develop evidence-based policy recommendations grounded in legal analysis, comparative research, and stakeholder consultation. Present policy positions in formal hearings, consultations, and invited policy forums.

• Build and maintain constructive relationships with key policy actors to support effective advocacy and policy influence. Engage directly with government officials, policymakers, industry leaders, civil society organizations, and advocacy groups.

• Convene and participate in meetings, roundtables, and collaborative initiatives focused on complex public policy challenges. Coordinate advocacy strategies with partners to align messaging, timing, and objectives.

• Actively contribute to the scholarly and professional life of the Schulich School of Law and affiliated institutes. Mentor and supervise senior law students engaged in public policy research, advocacy projects, or related placements.

Note

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work from within Nova Scotia) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.

Required Qualifications

• J.D., LL.B, LL.M or other law degree plus a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in policy advocacy.

• Exceptional interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills.

• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem solving skills.

• Demonstrated sound judgment, strategic thinking, and initiative.

Assets

• Substantial engagement with constitutional matters, a familiarity with questions in relation to emerging technologies, and a demonstrated commitment to human rights and democracy and/or public interest law.

• An additional degree related to the technology field.

• A license to practice law in either Ontario or Nova Scotia.

Job Competencies

The successful candidate is expected to demonstrate proficiency in Dalhousie’s core and leadership competencies, in particular:

• Self-Awareness & Professionalism

• Respect & Inclusion

• Knowledge & Thinking Skills

• Communication

• Service

Additional Information

Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, a wellness allowance, an employee and family assistance program and a tuition assistance program.

Application Consideration

Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit.

We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.

Diversity Statement

Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with our Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to our Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

If you require any support for the purpose of accommodation, such as technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance. Dalhousie University is committed to ensuring all candidates have full, fair, and equitable participation in the hiring process. Our complete Accommodation Policy can be viewed here.

Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies

One (1)

Open Date

05/06/2026

Close Date

05/13/2026

Open Until Filled

No

Special Instructions to Applicant

Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting

https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/20995