Senior Policy Communications Editor & Writer

Company name: Blueprint
Position title: Senior Policy Communications Editor & Writer
Physical location: Bloor and Avenue Road, downtown Toronto, ON
Blueprint follows a hybrid work model. Remote (within Canada) candidates will be considered
Employment status: Permanent, Full time
Salary range: $106,000 - $125,000 per annum
Reporting to: VP, Public Affairs and Partnership
 
About Blueprint

Blueprint was founded based on the simple idea that evidence is a powerful tool for change.
We work with policymakers and practitioners to create and use evidence to solve complex policy and program challenges. Our vision is a social policy ecosystem where evidence is used to improve lives, build better systems and policies and drive social change.

Our team brings together a multidisciplinary group of professionals with diverse capabilities in policy research, data analysis, design, evaluation, implementation and knowledge mobilization.

Blueprint’s passionate, forward-thinking team of leaders, researchers, and practitioners is our greatest strength. We are an innovative organization with a start-up mentality, proven track record of success, and commitment to moving the needle on Canada’s most pressing social challenges.

Role Description

As our Senior Policy Communications Editor & Writer, you will play a pivotal role in building awareness of Blueprint, our evidence generation approaches and our insights as a leading evidence organization in Canada. As a senior member of the Public Affairs and Communications team, you will marshal your experience and skills to collaboratively develop outstanding public-facing reports and translate research insights into compelling briefing materials and other communication products for an audience of senior Canadian decision makers.

Success in this role means connecting Blueprint’s portfolio of work to the broader policy landscape in Canada while also enhancing the overall quality of our communications. You will shape project-specific communications, as well as overarching narratives that span multiple portfolios and communications products. Previous experience working with researchers and technical experts to develop communications will be key to success in this role. Previous exposure to social policy, including areas such as workforce development, skills training or newcomer settlement, will be a valuable asset. 

The ideal candidate thrives on both strategy and execution for communications. You are highly adaptable and prepared to work both collaboratively with teams, as well as independently, to deliver compelling content about how evidence can improve public policy and programs for everyone living in Canada. You excel at considering the communications needs of senior audiences, enjoy the challenge of crafting narrative that will resonate and take pride in bringing narrative to life in the form of high-quality communications products from reports and web copy to op-eds and presentation decks. You will be comfortable working with both executive leaders, as well as editing and coaching colleagues in their communications in a manner that is constructive and engaging. You like variety, and tackle challenges with curiosity, creativity and optimism. You will join a small, impact-oriented Public Affairs team, reporting to the Vice President of Public Affairs and Partnerships.

What you will do:

1.     Communications Planning

• Work with Blueprint’s senior leadership and Public Affairs team to develop and refine Blueprint’s overarching narratives and key messages with attention to key senior stakeholders
• Lead research teams though a product scoping and definition process for reports, and advise on editorial process improvements
• Drive alignment of report generation with overarching narratives, understanding how the different reports complement and reinforce one another within portfolios, and across Blueprint’s work
• Strategize knowledge mobilization priorities and accompanying plans to share reports with key senior audiences, particularly within government
• Actively monitor policy developments for relevance to Blueprint’s work and identify opportunities that Blueprint could leverage to reach senior audiences with our insights and approaches

 
2.     Communications Content Creation and Execution

• Work collaboratively with Blueprint’s researchers and designated writers to craft in-depth reports that distill projects and their findings into clear, concise and well-structured documents that illuminate “why this matters” and connects to Canada’s policy landscape while remaining technically accurate
• Lead the knowledge translation of research findings into compelling engaging briefing materials for meetings with senior policy decision makers and other non-experts, such as briefing notes, presentations, speaking notes, etc.
• Generate supporting web copy, LinkedIn posts and other relevant communications content to share insights and shape Blueprint’s digital presence and reputation 
• Work with Blueprint’s Communications Coordinator to oversee roll out of content

 
3.     Policy Communications Practice Development

• Support tracking and assessing key results vis-à-vis Blueprint’s communication objectives to build awareness and engagement among senior decision makers
• Deepen Blueprinters’ awareness and understanding of the communication needs of senior decision makers
• Through effective editing and coaching, support fellow Blueprinters to strengthen their written and verbal communications
• Provide policy communication counsel to Blueprint’s senior leadership
• Assist on special projects, as required

Qualifications

You bring:

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in public policy settings such as public sector, politics, public affairs or research-based organizations, where communications and writing formed core responsibilities
• Graduate degree in Public Policy, Social Sciences, Public Relations, or Journalism or other social sciences
• Candidates with a Bachelor’s degree with significant work experience are also welcome to apply
• A track record of translating more technical research into accessible language and effective communications targeting senior policy makers and social sector leaders
• Extensive experience working directly with senior leaders and subject matter experts to craft public-facing reports. Additional experience with strategic communications, briefing materials and other knowledge mobilization approaches is welcome
• Considerable exposure to the public policy process and social policy in Canada, either through political staffing, public sector or other research experiences
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, and strong verbal communications skills
• A demonstrated passion for communicating evidence that is human-centred, solutions-oriented, innovative and rigorous to inspire great policy making
• Strong organizational skills and the proven ability to manage multiple projects, workflows and timelines
• Comfortability with evolving project strategies and tactics
• Strong computer proficiency including Microsoft Office Suite. Graphic design an asset

 
We offer:

An opportunity for impact.

• Our work is focused on innovation and evidence practices and pipelines that directly shape program design and create better outcomes for Canadians. Together with our partners, we have seen concrete results and this role is a part of our investment to achieve that impact at scale

An inclusive workplace focused on developing talent.

• You’ll work with great colleagues in an organization committed to growth, development and inclusion. Our culture is collaborative curious, and values-based

A nimble organization.

• While Blueprint has grown considerably since we started five years ago, we move quickly to respond to new ideas, initiatives and opportunities.
• We offer a flexible hybrid remote and in-office work environment plus generous benefits package and RRSP matching

Our Recruitment Process

Blueprint is strongly committed to equal opportunities in employment and reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and lived experiences, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We honour the lived experiences of intersecting identities and recognize that diversity enriches our approach to problem solving and contributes to an inclusive work environment. If you feel that your experiences position you to excel in this role but do not meet the requirements above, please highlight this in your cover letter.

After you apply, you will be assessed and then contacted if you have been selected for the next rounds which will include a telephone interview, a panel video interview(s) and a short-written assignment.

We will support you in every stage of the recruitment to help you shine and show your true capabilities.

Accommodations

Blueprint is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available on request for candidates at any point in the hiring process, i.e., application, selection, interview, etc. Please contact Christiana Oladeselu at coladeselu@blueprint-ade.ca to ensure that we can best meet your needs.

How to apply

Please submit your resume and cover letter by October 6, 2023.

As a part of the selection process, please submit a past writing sample or report that you feel demonstrates your policy communications skills. You may be the lead author, but not necessarily. This writing sample should not exceed 2000 words (i.e. if a longer piece, please identify an excerpt). Feel free to explain your role and why you selected it in your cover letter.

We thank all who apply, however due to the expected volume of candidates, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.