Director, Public Affairs

Ipsos in US; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous PTO

Health care plans

Wellness benefits

Flexible workplace policy

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Ipsos in US is seeking a Director for the Public Affairs Service Line in Ottawa, Canada. In this role, you will provide strategic insights to clients and lead a team in managing research projects from start to finish, fostering strong client relationships.

The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of research experience, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects. The position offers a generous benefits package, including flexible workplace options and wellness programs.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strong client service orientation.
• Highly motivated and self-directed.

Responsibilities

• Design research proposals and manage project execution from concept through reporting.
• Coordinate data analysis and prepare reports for client decision-making.
• Mentor and coach junior team members on best practices.

Skills

Quantitative research skills

Analytical skills

Client service orientation

Communication skills

Project management

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Graduate Degree (asset)

Tools

SPSS

R

Job description

Ipsos is a leading research organization that helps the largest companies solve complex problems by providing data-driven insights and research solutions worldwide.

About This Role

As a Director in the Public Affairs Service Line, you will lead the provision of strategic insight to clients in political, public opinion, and social policy research. You will design research proposals, manage large datasets, guide the analysis and interpretation of findings, and build strong client relationships. Your role involves coaching a small team of researchers and collaborating across Ipsos service lines to support and grow client engagements.

Responsibilities

• Design research proposals and manage project execution from concept through reporting.
• Coordinate data analysis and verification, test hypotheses, and prepare reports and presentations that inform client decision‑making.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional experts to integrate Ipsos service lines and support client needs, including business outreach and development plans.
• Mentor and coach junior team members on best practices and career growth.
• Develop and promote an internal “brand” for your area of expertise, positioning yourself as a thought leader within and outside of Ipsos.
• Act as the primary client lead on projects, handling complex conversations and ensuring client retention and incremental revenue generation.
• Lead and co‑lead final report writing, strategic client guidance, and presentation of findings to large datasets and advanced analysis.
• Provide day‑to‑day supervision and training for Account Managers or Senior Account Managers when required.
• Serve as a strategic leader for project teams, balancing client needs with optimal outcomes for Ipsos while identifying opportunities and risks.

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in a research environment.
• Ability to manage multiple projects while maintaining strong client service orientation.
• Strong quantitative research and analytical skills, with proficiency in SPSS or R preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to draw insights and tell a story with data.
• Highly motivated, self‑directed, and able to work within tight deadlines.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail, with a track record of accurate and complete information.
• Team‑oriented, collaborative approach; bilingualism is a plus but not mandatory.
• Bachelor’s Degree (Graduate Degree is an asset) or equivalent related experience.

Benefits

Ipsos offers opportunities for career development, an exceptional benefits package including generous PTO and health care plans, wellness benefits, a flexible workplace policy, and a strong collaborative culture.

EEO Statement

Ipsos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other protected class and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.