Policy & Research Analyst

Posted on: Mar 13, 2026
Posted by: Rural Municipalities of Alberta

Summary

Purpose

As part of the Policy and Advocacy Department and reporting to the Manager of Policy and Research, you will be an integral part of RMA’s efforts to advocate on behalf of rural municipalities on a wide range of policy issues, from rural healthcare to community safety. You’ll use your strong research and writing skills and problem-solving to provide ongoing research, data collection, and analysis on an ever-changing range of issues impacting rural Alberta.

This is a full-time, permanent position. The position will be working directly from the RMA offices in Nisku, AB.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and Activities
  • Conducting qualitative and quantitative research, including the following:
    • Jurisdictional scans
    • Municipal financial data analysis
    • Legislative research and analysis
    • Reviews of secondary and primary documents (media articles, municipal plansand bylaws, provincial strategies, political platforms, academic articles, and others).
  • Developing and administering member surveys on a variety of topics.
  • Summarizing research and highlighting key conclusions relevant to advocacy/policy issues.
  • Presenting research in a variety of forms, including informally through email or verbally, or formally through briefing notes, formal reports, presentations, or other means.
  • Collaborating with your colleagues to determine research priorities and methods.
  • Understanding and integrating the rural municipal perspective into research activities.
  • Managing RMA’s member resolution process, including resolution review and resolution research and reporting.
  • Other duties as required

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The following are qualifications we’re seeking:

  • A post-secondary degree in political science, public policy/administration, sociology, economics, or a related field.
  • Demonstrated professional or academic research experience.
  • Able to work with minimal supervision; self-motivated and self-directed.
  • Able to work proactively and recommend new or novel research and advocacy approaches.
  • Proficient in quantitative and qualitative research methods.
  • Familiar with survey design and analysis tools and techniques.
  • Comfortable in a Microsoft Windows working environment.
  • Excellent English written and oral communication skills.
  • Excellent critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Demonstrated organizational and planning skills.
  • Personable and able to build and maintain professional relationships.
  • Able to work in a team environment, including keeping others appropriately informed.
  • Able to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced and changing environment.
  • Some knowledge and appreciation of rural issues would be an asset.

 

Contacts

Works with the Policy & Advocacy team, including: Policy & Research Analysts, Policy Advisors, Manager of Policy & Research Manager, and the General Manager of Policy & Advocacy.

The RMA is an equal opportunity employer. Any applicant that meets the qualifications above is encouraged to apply. Priority will be given to those already legally entitled to work in Canada.

To apply, please send a resume and cover letter in PDF format outlining how you meet the above qualification requirements, to the attention of Janelle Lopushinsky at janelle@RMAlberta.com.

This posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

We thank all applicants, but due to the high volume of responses expected, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls, please.

 

Job Type

Full time

Employer Contact

Name: Janelle Lopushinsky
Email: janelle@rmalberta.com

Salary Range

No salary range listed.

Closing Date

March 27, 2026
Posting ID: 37519