About Pillar

Pillar Nonprofit Network is a charity based in London, Ontario, committed to driving positive change and amplifying the impact of the nonprofit sector. We empower nonprofits, charities, grassroots organizations, and social enterprises through advocacy, capacity building, and collaboration.

Our programs provide professional development in leadership, board governance, strategic planning, policy and advocacy, and equity, diversity, and inclusion. By sharing knowledge and resources, we empower organizations to advance their missions and create meaningful, lasting impact.

We also operate Innovation Works, London’s leading co-working and event space, fostering connection and collaboration among social changemakers. Through public policy efforts, we amplify the voices of the sector, advocating for systemic change and equitable support.

Grounded in anti-racism, anti-oppression, and equity principles, we strive for excellence and sustainability in all we do, fostering innovation and resilience to tackle community challenges.

Role & Responsibilities

About the Role

Pillar Nonprofit Network is seeking a knowledgeable and strategic Policy Analyst to join our dedicated team and play a critical role in advancing meaningful change. This position is central to shaping and supporting the organization’s policy priorities, driving advocacy efforts, and championing public policy objectives that strengthen the nonprofit sector. If you are passionate about creating systemic change and amplifying the voice of the sector, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Policy Analyst will lead in-depth research and policy analysis to uncover actionable insights that influence decision-making and advocacy strategies. Collaborating closely with the internal team and external partners you will develop and support initiatives that address pressing issues and opportunities at the local, provincial, and national levels. Your work will help shape innovative solutions and position Pillar Nonprofit Network as a thought leader and advocate for meaningful community transformation.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of research, strategy, and collaboration - moving policy conversations into community action. Join us in driving forward impactful policy and advocacy work that empowers nonprofits, strengthens communities, and inspires change.

Duties & Responsibilities

Policy Research and Analysis (40%)

• Conduct in-depth research on policy issues relevant to the nonprofit sector

• Develop and implement strategic advocacy plans to prioritize and guide the organization’s policy efforts effectively

• Monitor legislative, regulatory, and public policy developments at the local, provincial, and federal levels to ensure our strategies remain relevant and effective

• Collect and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data to inform evidence-based policy recommendations

• Develop comprehensive policy briefs, position papers, and reports tailored to diverse audiences, including government officials, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders

• Develop and distribute Policy Alert newsletters to inform the Network of legislative changes, emerging trends, and advocacy opportunities

• Translate complex policy information into accessible language for diverse audiences, including grassroots organizations and marginalized communities

• Ensure policy recommendations and advocacy initiatives incorporate an intersectional and equity-focused lens to address systemic barriers

Stewardship and Engagement (30%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, grassroots organizations, academic institutions, and other supporters to amplify the sector's collective voice

• Represent the organization in consultations, coalitions and task forces to advance shared policy goals

• Engage with members and community partners to ensure their perspectives and needs inform policy initiatives

• Develop materials and facilitate educational workshops for sector workers who are in a position to influence the public policy direction of their organizations

Collaboration and Organizational Integration (30%)

• Work collaboratively with other team members to align policy initiatives with organizational mission, strategic goals and programs

• Support capacity-building efforts by integrating policy insights into training programs, toolkits, and resources for our members

• Provide analysis and insights to leadership to inform strategic planning and decision-making

Job Skills, Knowledge & Strengths  

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, or a related field

• Two or more years of proven experience in public policy, advocacy, community development and organizing, or government relations, preferably within an impact-driven or advocacy-focused environment

• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to develop evidence-based policy positions and recommendations

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, capable of crafting and presenting clear, persuasive written and verbal reports and communications 

• Demonstrated ability to build relationships, collaborate effectively with key partners, and work in coalitions to achieve policy goals, while consistently upholding and advancing the organization's reputation and mission

Preferred Knowledge & Skills

• Extensive knowledge of local, provincial, and national network of nonprofits

• Strategic thinker with strong organizational and project management skills, capable of handling multiple projects and priorities effectively

• Experience in public education and awareness campaigns, grassroots organizing, and strategic communications with the ability to develop and implement measurable outcomes 

Desired Knowledge & Skills

• Proficiency in G-Suite (Google Apps), Microsoft Office, project management software (e.g., Basecamp), and database software (e.g., CiviCRM)

• Experience working with Drupal or another similar content management platform

• Familiarity with digital tools and platforms (e.g., NewMode or similar) that amplify advocacy efforts, streamline operations, or help small organizations achieve significant impact 

Work Environment

Work Terms

• Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)

• Reports ​to: Chief Executive Officer

• Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

• Access to Pillar's Learning & Impact Centre program, which provides staff access to online and in person professional development opportunities 

• Based at Innovation Works (201 King Street, London), with a hybrid model (60% onsite, 40% remote)

• Compensation: 

• This position has been evaluated at a Band B level with a salary range of $50,000 (minimum) to $55,000 (midpoint) to $60,000 (maximum) per annum. Employment offers will normally be made between the minimum and the midpoint of the range and are determined by knowledge, experience and internal equity.

• As part of Pillar Nonprofit Network’s commitment to equity, all Pillar colleagues receive equal pay for equal work.

• RRSP contributions and enrollment in Pillar’s comprehensive employee benefits program will also be provided.

Candidates selected for a second interview may be asked to complete a short assignment. Pillar Nonprofit Network values candidates' time and will provide compensation for up to three hours of preparation at a rate of $31/hour.

Contribution to an equitable, inclusive, and anti-oppressive workspace:

• Demonstrates respect for people from all backgrounds

• Looks for the voices present and missing from projects and organizations, and seeks to fill the gaps

• Suspends judgment and challenges self and others to confront their assumptions and conscious and unconscious biases

• Committed to learning anti-oppressive practices, taking action, and holding self and others accountable

Our Approach to Equity & Inclusion 

Practicing anti-oppression work in real terms is not only confronting individual, institutional and societal examples, it is also confronting ourselves, our own roles of power and how we uphold and perpetuate these oppressive systems.

Our goal is to help members of our network to gain skills in navigating allyship and complex conversations that can involve race, privilege and power dynamics. Using an anti-racism approach, our work challenges inequities and injustices embedded in policies and practices that allow certain groups to dominate over others. We work with clients to go beyond discussion to implementable action plans that change mindsets, disrupt systems and respond to the communities we serve.

How to Apply

• Please submit resume and cover letter to by Friday, December 6, 2024, 5:00pm EST. Please reference "Policy Analyst" in the subject line of your email. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. 

• We recognize that candidates may not meet every qualification listed above. If you are passionate about public policy and advocacy, have relevant transferable skills, and are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply. At Pillar, we value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we believe in building a team that reflects the communities we serve.

• Pillar is committed to barrier-free recruitment and welcomes accommodation requests at any stage of the hiring process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

• We appreciate all applications; however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.