SPECIALIST, GOVERNANCE, POLICY & INFORMATION MANAGEMENT (18 MONTH CONTRACT)
ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM), and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
We have an ambitious mandate – to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation and advancement across all disciplines.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Specialist, Governance, Policy & Information Management supports the development and implementation of the Alliance’s enterprise policy framework and foundational governance practices. Reporting to the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), this role plays a key part in establishing consistent, practical approaches to policy development, documentation, and lifecycle management across the organization.
This role is primarily focused on policy governance and coordination, enabling departments across the Alliance to effectively develop, maintain, and apply policies for which they are accountable. The Specialist is responsible for establishing processes, tools, and discipline to ensure policies are current, accessible, and consistently applied.
The role also provides foundational support for privacy and information management practices, working in close collaboration with Legal, Finance (Risk), and IT. Privacy responsibilities are focused on operational coordination, awareness, and integration into organizational practices, with Legal retaining responsibility for regulatory interpretation and compliance posture.
This position is designed to support a growing organization by building a scalable governance foundation, with the flexibility to evolve over time as organizational maturity increases. This is a term position of 18 months.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Policy Governance & Frameworks
- Develops and maintains an enterprise policy framework, including templates, standards, and approval processes.
- Coordinates the full policy lifecycle, including drafting, review, approval, publication, and scheduled updates.
- Works with departments across the Alliance to support the development and maintenance of policies within their areas of accountability.
- Ensures policies are clearly documented, consistently structured, and aligned with organizational priorities.
- Maintains a centralized policy register and ensures version control and document integrity.
Governance & Accountability
- Establishes processes that support clear policy ownership and accountability across business areas.
- Tracks policy status, including review cycles, gaps, and outdated content, and follows up with policy owners.
- Supports governance processes related to policy oversight, including preparation of summaries and materials for senior leadership.
- Contributes to the development of governance practices appropriate to the size and maturity of the Alliance.
Privacy & Information Management (Coordinated Support)
- Supports the integration of privacy considerations into policies and operational practices, in coordination with Legal and IT.
- Assists in developing and promoting practical guidance related to data handling and protection.
- Coordinates privacy-related activities such as documentation, awareness initiatives, and tracking considerations in projects.
- Monitors developments in privacy practices and supports incorporation into organizational processes, in consultation with Legal.
Records Management & Information Governance
- Supports the development of foundational records retention and disposition guidelines.
- Assists in establishing consistent approaches to organizing and managing organizational information.
- Works with IT and business areas to promote effective and practical information management practices.
Training & Awareness
- Develops and supports policy-related communication and awareness materials.
- Promotes understanding and consistent application of policies across the organization.
- Assists with onboarding and ongoing education related to policy and governance expectations.
Monitoring & Continuous Improvement
- Tracks policy lifecycle activities and identifies opportunities to improve governance processes.
- Supports basic reporting on policy status, adoption, and gaps.
- Recommends improvements to tools, templates, and practices over time as organizational needs evolve.
- QUALIFICATIONS Post-secondary degree in Public Administration, Business, Policy, Governance, or a related field.
- 3 to 7 years of experience in policy development, governance, compliance, or a related coordination-focused role.
- Demonstrated experience supporting or administering organizational policies, procedures, or governance frameworks.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to draft, edit, and structure policy documents clearly and concisely.
- Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Ability to work collaboratively across functions, including HR, Legal, Finance, and IT.
- Sound judgment and discretion in handling sensitive information.
- Experience supporting privacy, records management, or information governance practices.
- Familiarity with policy governance tools or document management systems (e.g., SharePoint).
- Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP) designation considered an asset, with an expectation to obtain certification within 12–18 months of hire.
The Alliance is strongly committed to equity and inclusion within the community and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of racialized groups, people of colour, persons with disabilities, and Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ identified people.
The expected salary range for this position for candidates residing in Canada is between $96,000 CAD - $144,000 CAD. Placement within this range will be determined based on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, experience, demonstrated performance, overall alignment with the requirements of the role, and internal equity considerations, and other relevant organizational factors. The range reflects the Alliance’s commitment to equitable pay practices and to ensuring fair compensation for all employees.
Please apply here: Careers at the Alliance!
