Overall Job Description and Purpose:

The CTF research director (National) is responsible for providing background information and research for federal and provincial communications directors (CDs) and on occasion, providing public commentary at their request. Aside from upholding and carrying out the CTF's mission statement of fighting for lower taxes, less waste and accountable government the director will also share responsibility in the development and implementation of national goals and tactics as prepared and measured on an annual basis.


Reporting and Perameters:

The CTF is divided into four broad areas: board, communications, administration and field services. While the research director will interact with each, primary interaction will be with the communications staff. The research director will work directly with the federal communications director in Ottawa but will report to the national communications director (NCD) in Victoria. The NCD reports to the chief executive officer (CEO) in Regina. The research director along with all CTF staff and board members, are not permitted to hold a membership in, or support financially or otherwise, any political party or partisan affiliation. No staff member may seek elected office while in the employ of the CTF.


Major Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Internal:

a) Provide background information and research on issues used by CDs in the execution of their duties;
b) Prepare CTF reports for publication (whether in-house or contracted);
c) Prepare presentations to legislative committees or related bodies (this includes but is not limited to annual pre-budget submissions);
d) Regularly uses and understands FOI/ATIP, auditor general's reports, budgets, public accounts, StatsCan data, and related reports and data sources;
e) Keep an organized filing system and reference methodology;
f) Establish a research plan in conjunction with annual goals and tactics;
g) Handle contact with CTF supporters, field staff, and board members in a professional manner;
h) Provide material and support to field services division at the request of the NCD;
i) Provide materials and meet deadlines at the request of the NCD for CTF publications and member services including: The Taxpayer magazine 6 times a year and TaxAction updates 12 times a year. The NCD may request other material be reviewed or updated;
j) Be available for monthly conference calls of the communications staff as called by the NCD. Will also be expected to attend CTF annual planning meeting usually held in April;
k) Take part in staff committees and related assignments including help to coordinate events and campaigns;

2. External:

a) As directed by CDs may be asked to provide background information or commentary to media. This includes attending press conferences and events where CTF commentary may be sought;
b) As directed by CDs may be asked to present at a legislative or related hearing presenting a CTF proposal or position;
c) At request of CD may be asked to write a public commentary for publication;
d) Develop and nurture a contact base of stakeholders, media, bureaucrats and politicians to assist in advancing annual goals and tactics.

Working Conditions/Expectations:

1. The research director's job is a salaried position. And while the position can offer flexibility at the discretion of the NCD, it is generally expected that the director be in the Ottawa office during regular business hours. Some weekends and travel are required for work-related purposes however, they are the exception and not the rule;
2. In-house support is minimal and relies primarily on division of tasks among other directors, assistants and limited clerical assistance as budgeted;
3. Keep up with news and current events including reading magazines, newspapers, on-line updates, current affairs shows and following all legislative and related developments.
4. Must be current and knowledgeable with all relevant computer software programs - especially Excel, Word, Explorer (or related) and PowerPoint;
5. Research director must be self-motivated and prepared to work independently as peer interaction is limited;
6. As with all directors, the research director will be expected to assist with phones, errands and correspondence;
7. After a probation period, employees are entitled to participate in a group extended benefits and health plan. All expenses are covered as are warranted training and educational expenses.

Performance Measurement and Reporting:

1. Every two years the CEO (in consultation with the CD and NCD) conduct a comprehensive job evaluation that is discussed with the research director.