The Fraser Institute, has an opening for Director of the Centre for Studies in Risk, Regulation and Environment.

The Fraser Institute has been changing the way people think about government and the role of markets for over 30 years.

The Fraser Institute is looking for a Director of the Centre for Studies in Risk, Regulation and Environment, a position that offers the opportunity to make a difference to the environmental and economic future of Canada. This position offers considerable scope to help set and contribute to the Fraser Institute’s leading edge work on risk, regulation and environmental issues in Canada. The successful candidate may be based in either one of the Institute’s Canadian offices in Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver depending on preference.

Roles and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Executive Director, and working as a peer with the Institute’s other Directors, the Director of the Centre for Studies in Risk, Regulation & Environment will:

• Shape the Centre’s research areas and identify specific research proposals;


• Undertake and lead research projects;


• Direct work performed by staff researchers;


• Write and edit research reports and documents;


• Contribute articles to Institute publications;


• Build relationships with other market-oriented researchers working in the risk, regulation and environment area;


• Communicate the Centre’s work to funders, public policy officials, other researchers, Institute members, and the public through public presentations and speeches, and media articles and interviews.


• Build funding for the Centre and the Institute through meetings and discussions with organizations interested in market solutions for economic challenges;


• Manage the Centre’s budget responsibly;


• And encourage the professional development of staff researchers working in the Centre.

Candidate Qualifications and Background

Strong candidates will have these qualifications and experiences:

• A Ph. D. or Master’s degree in economics, environmental economics or policy, or a related field;


• Theoretical and empirical grounding in the role of property rights and incentives, and their role as key determinants of sound public policy;
• A solid grounding in environmental science;


• A strong track record in establishing and stimulating a research agenda, and in producing sound, well regarded, and insightful research;


• Skills in supervising the work of others and in developing the skills of others;


• Demonstrated success in establishing and managing a budget;


• An interest in contributing to the debate around public policy issues;


• The ability to communicate complex issues to the public and the media;


• Experience in being interviewed by the media and in producing op/eds for publication.


• The ability to identify potential sources and funds and to participate in proposals and meetings designed to raise funds.

Reporting Relationships

The Director reports directly to the Institute’s Executive Director, and will also oversee the staff researchers and interns who will assist in the Centre’s work. The Director will participate in the Institute’s management committee.

The Director will generally work to build the Institute’s place in the public policy debate.

Centre for Studies in Risk, Regulation & Environment

The Centre seeks to ensure that Canadian environment and safety policy is based on sound science; is prioritized for effectiveness and efficiency; is flexible and cooperative; harnesses the role of markets and incentives; and makes best use of the local knowledge of stakeholders.

Current research topics include climate change, urban planning, and various topics in environmental and natural resource policy. Upcoming research includes renewable and conventional energy, property rights, and emerging waste policy. The Centre will continue to extend a research agenda in topics of international importance.

How to apply

Letters of application, including resume, writing sample, and salary expectation, should be submitted in confidence to: Director of Administration & Human Resources, The Fraser Institute, 4th Floor, 1770 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 3G7 Canada or via email to careers@fraserinstitute.ca with the words “Director Risk & Environment” in the subject header. We regret that only finalists’ applications will be acknowledged.

Interviews will be conducted on an on-going basis until the position is filled. Therefore, interested individuals are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Remuneration, which includes an attractive benefits package, will be commensurate with experience.

www.fraserinstitute.ca