Policy and Research Analyst

Policy and Research Analyst at Canadian Credit Union Association

The Canadian Credit Union Association (CCUA) serves as the national trade association for the Canadian credit union industry, fostering a competitive and growing environment for financial services across Canada. As the authoritative voice and central forum for Canadian credit unions, CCUA is committed to driving initiatives that strengthen the sector. Our team of experts provides essential support through robust advocacy, insightful research, and the delivery of high-value services to our members.

We are dedicated to hiring talented and driven individuals who are eager to contribute to the dynamic Canadian financial services industry. We are currently seeking a Policy and Research Analyst to join our team.

The Policy and Research Analyst role is pivotal in advancing CCUA's research and policy agenda. This position offers critical analytical, methodological, and strategic support for various research initiatives, benefiting both the Policy team and the broader organization. The Analyst will play a key role in developing and executing the organization's overarching research and policy strategy. This involves delivering high-quality analysis, facilitating evidence-based policy development, and ensuring all research outputs are rigorous, consistent, and aligned with CCUA's strategic priorities. Additionally, this role supports advocacy efforts, ensuring the credit union sector's perspectives are clearly articulated and effectively represented.

Key Responsibilities

1. Policy Analysis & Development

• Support the development of policy positions and strategies through comprehensive research, analytical writing, and data analysis.
• Contribute to policy development by conducting rigorous research, analyzing complex regulatory and policy issues, and synthesizing findings to prepare influential policy submissions that support the cooperative financial sector. This includes actively engaging with member credit unions to understand their unique challenges and opportunities.
• Conduct cross-jurisdictional analysis through independent research and collaborative efforts with colleagues across CCUA.
• Monitor policy, legislative, and regulatory developments, proactively identifying emerging trends, potential risks, and strategic opportunities pertinent to the competitiveness of the credit union sector.
• Track and support the progress of government consultations and legislative initiatives.
• Assist in shaping evidence-based policy positions that effectively reflect and advance the interests of the credit union sector.
• Prepare essential briefing materials for both internal and external audiences, draft consultation submissions, and produce research reports to inform organizational positions and strategic decision-making.

2. Stakeholder & Partner Engagement

• Collaborate with key stakeholders to facilitate effective communication, advocate for the sector's needs, and foster strong, productive relationships.
• Assist with the administration and coordination of internal member committees and working groups.
• Attend industry-relevant meetings and credit union events, sometimes outside regular work hours, to effectively represent CCUA.
• Support the management of relationships with external research and policy partners, including legal advisors, domestic and international policy experts, and contracted research providers.
• Coordinate input from external partners to ensure timely, high-quality deliverables that align with organizational needs.

3. Research, Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

• Provide comprehensive support for various research projects, ensuring consistency, high quality, and alignment with organizational standards and priorities.
• Support the design, execution, and interpretation of both qualitative and quantitative research, including environmental scans, literature reviews, surveys, and detailed data analysis.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams to support cross-organizational initiatives that require specialized research or policy input.
• Contribute to internal knowledge sharing by meticulously maintaining research documentation, data sources, and policy intelligence databases.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences, economics, political science, or public policy.
• Advanced education, such as a Master’s degree, or specialized certifications in writing, research, and policy analysis are highly desirable.

Experience

• 2–5 years of progressive experience in research, policy analysis, regulatory affairs, or a closely related role.
• Experience gained from within government or crown agencies is considered a significant asset.

Qualifications, Certifications or Designations

• Proficiency with various research tools, data analysis software, and the Microsoft Office suite (or equivalent).
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, crucial for conveying complex information clearly.
• Demonstrated experience in applying both qualitative and/or quantitative research methodologies effectively.
• Strong analytical and synthesis skills, with a proven ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights.
• Solid understanding of public policy and regulatory processes, both domestically and internationally.
• Meticulous attention to detail and a strong commitment to research quality and methodological rigor.
• Effective relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong service orientation, prioritizing the needs of members and partners.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a team, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the functioning of provincial governments and their policy and legislative apparatuses.
• Strong presentation skills to effectively communicate findings and recommendations.
• Familiarity with the association environment and/or the financial services sector is considered an asset.

Other Information

Working Conditions, Physical Requirements, or Other Special Requirements

• This is a remote-first opportunity, offering the flexibility to work from the comfort of your home or location of choice within Canada.
• While primarily remote, CCUA maintains office spaces in select provinces across Canada, available for team members who prefer or require an in-office setting for occasional work, collaboration, team meetings, or community-building activities.
• The work arrangement ensures employees can choose an environment that best supports their performance, valuing flexibility.
• The majority of work is performed in a hybrid manner, predominantly from a home office or remotely, with occasional in-office presence.
• No significant physical effort is required beyond typical day-to-day movements.
• Moderate audio/visual effort requirements, involving repetitive tasks and some switching of concentrated attention between tasks.

Communication

Internal:

• Liaise with counterparts within the organization and other members of the advocacy team to coordinate and collaborate on government relations advocacy and public policy efforts.
• Communicate with peers and colleagues across CCUA to problem-solve and determine optimal courses of action.

External:

• Communicate with credit unions, government officials, regulators, research and policy partners, and other stakeholders to understand their concerns and priorities, and to build broad consensus when developing policy initiatives.
• Engage with legislators and regulators to increase awareness of the credit union sector and achieve positive outcomes.

The target start date for this role is Monday, April 13th, 2026.

This is a Full-time, Permanent position.

The salary range for this position is $73,000 - $92,000, based on a 35-hour work week. The final salary will be commensurate with the successful applicant’s education and/or experience relevant to the role.

Location: Remote-first, with flexibility to access offices across Canada as needed.

The closing deadline for applications is March 2nd, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT).

We are committed to fostering an inclusive culture where diversity is celebrated as a strength driving our collective impact and success. Our goal is to honor and embrace authentic stories, including those of our members. At our core, we respect and appreciate diverse perspectives and are dedicated to cooperative values, serving our members and advancing our communities.

CCUA is an equal employment equity employer and encourages applications from qualified candidates. Recruitment-related accommodations for organizational positions will be provided upon request.

We thank all applicants in advance; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Key skills/competency

• Policy analysis
• Regulatory affairs
• Research methodology
• Stakeholder engagement
• Data analysis
• Public policy
• Financial services knowledge
• Communication skills
• Legislation monitoring
• Briefing materials development