The Opportunity: Help translate transformative public policy and research for the greatest positive impact for people in BC. This role is responsible for two closely related and equally important functions: translating complex policy research into accessible content for general audiences, journalists and partners and leading a rigorous editing process for all BC Policy Solutionsā written communication. Working closely with the Communications Lead and the research team, this position is essential to uphold the editorial standards that protect BC Policy Solutionsā reputation as a credible, independent source of research and commentary. The position will be involved in broad communications planning for regular vehicles like webinars and newsletters. BC Policy Solutions is a small organization, and this role is expected to contribute across the team, including providing backup support to the Communications Lead and participating in public events, webinars and broader communications planning. We are seeking a skilled communicator with expertise in research translation, editorial standards, and media relations who is passionate about making complex policy ideas accessible to the public.
Application deadline: May 28th, 2026
Desired start date: Summer 2026 (exact date is flexible)
BC Policy Solutions is committed to ensuring that equity, diversity and inclusion are valued in our decision-making, in our internal work and in our work across British Columbia. We recognize that people from communities that experience marginalization (e.g., on the basis of ethnicity, citizenship/immigration status, gender, sexual orientation, ability, socioeconomic status, etc.) bring valuable lived experience to our organization. We strongly encourage you to apply if you have a passion for our mission and meet the core requirements below.
About BC Policy Solutions: BC Policy Solutions is an independent, non-partisan research institute committed to advancing transformative solutions to the most pressing challenges facing people in British Columbia. Through research, convening and public engagement, we seek to build a more just, equitable and sustainable future for all. Our work addresses many of the most pressing issues facing people in BC, including labour precarity and workersā rights, decolonization, housing, living wages, poverty and welfare, tax fairness, health care, seniors care, education, climate and energy policy and more.
We acknowledge that we work for a more just future on the lands of many Indigenous nations. Our head office is located on the lands of the shared, unceded, ancestral territories of the xŹ·mÉĪøkŹ·ÉyĢÉm (Musqueam), SįøµŹ·xĢ±Ź·Ćŗ7mesh (Squamish) and sÉlilwÉtaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We affirm our belief that progressive policy solutions can only be truly just and effective when designed and implemented in right relationship with Indigenous nations, peoples, and rights holders.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Role Purpose: The Communications Specialist, Writer and Editor translates complex policy research into formats that resonate with journalists, general audiences and partner organizations. The editorial standards that protect BC Policy Solutionsā reputation as a credible, independent source of research and commentary must be upheld. This position reports directly to the co-Executive Directors and works in close, ongoing collaboration with the Communications Lead.
Content Production and Research Translation
Translate long-form research reports and presentations into shorter web articles and accessible summaries for general audiences (such as op-eds, policy briefs, media advisories, social media content, etc.), ensuring key findings and policy implications are clearly communicated.
Produce consolidated content from ally and sector roundups such as budget analyses and policy recommendations, distilling complex multi-source material into concise, well-structured documents.
Develop first-draft op-eds from long-form research reports, working with researchers to identify the most newsworthy and publicly relevant aspects of their work and adapt findings for editors and so they will appeal to a general readership.
Support researchers in communicating their findings effectively to non-specialist audiences, including preparation of media talking points, explainers and interview guides.
Contribute to storytelling for supporters and prospective supporters in the Policy Forward magazine by helping to articulate the value and impact of BC Policy Solutionsā work in compelling, accessible terms.
Monitor the news cycle, policy developments and trending issues to identify timely opportunities for BC Policy Solutions to contribute commentary or analysis in the media. Work with the research team and co-Executive Directors to develop rapid-response communications when the organizationās expertise is relevant to breaking news or emerging policy debates.
Editorial Standards and Quality
Work with the Communications Lead to develop and maintain BC Policy Solutionsā editorial style guide, editorial standards for publication, and monitor their consistent application across all written output.
Edit research reports to ensure they are authoritative, clear, well-structured and compelling, maintaining research integrity while improving accessibility and readability.
Maintain rigorous standards around source citation and referencing across all BC Policy Solutionsāpublications, applying at minimum university-level academic standards to avoid plagiarism and protect organizational credibility.
Advise researchers and colleagues on editorial best practices, accessible language and framing that reflect BC Policy Solutionsā values without compromising research integrity.
Communications Support
Contribute to BC Policy Solutionsā social media presence with a particular focus on media-facing and current-events-driven content, coordinating with the Communications Lead on social media strategy and developing the editorial calendar.
Support the dissemination of published research to key audiences, including organizational allies, opinion leaders, academic networks and supporters.
Assist with the coordination of the sign-off and release process for research reports in collaboration with the Communications Lead and report authors.
Post materials and updates to the BC Policy Solutions website.
Provide backup support to the Communications Lead as needed and contribute to events and webinars, including administrative and technical support and on-the-day coordination.
Participate in BC Policy Solutionsā overall communications planning and strategy discussions.
Media Relations
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors and producers across print, broadcast and digital media outlets, positioning BC Policy Solutions as a credible, go-to source for policy research and commentary in BC.
Continue to develop and manage the BC Policy Solutionsā media list, maintaining up-to-date contact records and distribution lists across relevant beats and outlets.
Write and distribute media releases and media advisories for BC Policy Solutions research outputs and public interventions, including for key annual events such as pre- and post-BC Budget activities and the annual release of the Living Wage report.
Proactively pitch BC Policy Solutions research, commentary and expert voices to relevant media, developing and executing media release plans that identify target outlets to maximize coverage.
Manage media inquiries and coordinate interview logistics for researchers and spokespeople.
Manage and keep current the media page on the BC Policy Solutions website.
Track and analyze media coverage of BC Policy Solutionsā work and produce regular summary reports for the team.
QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
We strongly encourage you to apply if you have a passion for our mission and meet the following core requirements:
A strong passion and alignment in values with our work.
Demonstrated experience in journalism, communications or a related field, with strong writing, editing and research translation skills.
Ability to translate complex policy research into clear, compelling content for general audiences without compromising accuracy or research integrity.
Excellent copyediting skills with a strong command of editorial standards, style guides and citation practices.
Experience in monitoring news cycles and developing rapid-response communications in a fast-paced environment.
Due to the fast-paced media environment, this role requires a person with initiative who is a quick learner and a creative problem solver.
Ability to work collaboratively and to adapt to shifting priorities.
Strong digital literacy and comfort level in adapting to new online tools. Experience using content management systems is an asset.
Familiarity with BCās policy and media landscape is a strong asset.
Additional assets (we do not expect any one candidate to have all of these!):
Ability to create digital communications content, including graphics, infographics, data visualization and videos for online sharing.
Experience in media relations, including writing media releases and advisories and pitching and building relationships with journalists across print, broadcast and digital outlets.
Research experience in academic contexts.
Knowledge of the progressive, labour and social justice sectors in BC.
COMPENSATION
The salary for this position is $76,951. Starting salary set as per our salary grid and Collective Agreement.
Paid time off in accordance with the Collective Agreement, currently:
Vacation starting at 4 weeks annually and increasing up to 6 weeks annually, with a bonus 2 weeks off every five years.
18 sick days annually.
12 special leave/family illness days annually.
Complete office shutdown for 2 weeks during Winter Break (matching the 2-week closure in the K-12 school system).
Extended health benefits.
Pension plan.
HIRING PROCESS
Please apply here by 11:59 pm, May 28th, 2026 https://careers.risepeople.com/bcpolicysolutions/.
Initial phone interviews will take place the week following the application deadline. Only those selected for phone interviews will be contacted.
Following an initial phone interview, shortlisted applicants will be asked to submit a sample of their writing and invited to a virtual interview with our hiring committee.
In your cover letter, please specifically address your approach to research translation, how your professional and lived experience prepare you for this role and the values you bring to this kind of work.
Questions? If you have carefully reviewed this posting and have outstanding questions, please contact hiring@bcpolicy.ca.
The hiring team intends to contact all candidates who submit a complete application with updates on their progress through our selection process. We ask that candidates not call the office. Thank you to all candidates for your interest in joining our team.