Research and Operations Associate

Job Title: Research & Operations Associate

An entry-level role designed for curious generalists who want to build consulting, research, and financial skills while contributing to meaningful projects in northern and remote communities.

Location: Remote or Whitehorse, YT

Type: Anticipatory Hire: Full-time, Part-time, and Contract opportunities being explored | Entry-level

Timeline: This is an anticipatory posting tied to contracts in our pipeline with a high likelihood of proceeding. We expect to move quickly once confirmation is received, anticipated in late January.

Salary: $50-60K annually plus project-based bonuses, or an equivalent contractor rate.

Other benefits: training budget, mentorship, potential conference attendance

About Us

Polar Coordinates is a boutique management consulting firm that helps organizations with business strategy, financial management, operational improvement, project management, and research. We offer a unique blend of tactical support and strategic advisory, and are often called upon to navigate challenges beyond our core expertise. Polar Coordinates is committed to inclusive hiring, continuous learning, and supporting the professional development of early-career talent from diverse backgrounds.

Role Overview

We're seeking a sharp, curious, conscientious, considerate and adaptable individual to join our team. This is a hybrid role that combines research, business and policy writing, client support, problem solving and financial analysis. You'll work directly with the founder, gaining exposure to high-level consulting while building foundational skills in finance, research, information technology, and client engagement. If you thrive in a continuous learning environment with meaningful work supporting government, for-profit and non-profit companies or first nations organizations, this role could be of interest to you.

Responsibilities

Business Writing & Research

• Conduct internal and external research to inform strategic decision-making and policy, including literature reviews, stakeholder interviews, environmental scans, and program assessments
• Draft client reports, reviews, assessments, proposals, and presentations
• Help shape thought leadership content (articles, policy papers, etc.)

Bookkeeping & Financial Operations

• Support financial work (e.g. bookkeeping, financial analysis) for select clients using tools like QuickBooks, MS Excel
• Help identify financial trends and insights that inform strategic decisions

Client Support & Engagement

• Assist in preparing for client meetings and workshops
• Help manage project timelines and deliverables
• Contribute to client communications and follow-ups
• Engage in business development activities including proposals and pre-engagement discussions

What We're Looking For (Required)

• Bachelor's degree in Arts
• Strong research, writing and analytical skills
• Willingness to learn and engage with finance, quantitative analysis, and digital tools. Training will be provided.
• High attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks
• Curiosity, humility, conscientiousness, and a desire to grow into a strategic role

What We're Looking For (Preferred)

• Master of Arts (MA) degree specializing in economics, or MA degree with other specialization
• Experience in client-facing or stakeholder engagement roles
• Experience working with teams (in-person or remote)
• Experience developing surveys and working with data and quantitative information
• Experience with industry sectors such as technology, construction, natural resource development, or energy
• Experience working with non-profits, first nations, or government clients
• Volunteer experience

What You'll Gain

• Mentorship and direct exposure to consulting work
• Training in bookkeeping, financial analysis, and digital tools
• Opportunity to shape a growing firm and take on increasing responsibility
• A front-row seat to how strategy meets execution in real-world organizations
• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that support innovation, equity, and capacity-building in northern and remote communities

Working Conditions

• May be required to work occasional evenings or weekends depending on project needs.
• Travel may be expected, up to 4 times per year
• Flexibility to adapt to projects across a diverse set of clients

Application Directions

• We encourage applications from candidates who may not meet every preferred qualification but are eager to learn and grow with us
• Submit your application with resume and academic transcripts (scanned copy or image acceptable)
• Please include a cover letter indicating why this role interests you, what type or role you are interested in (contract, full time, or part time) and how you can help
• Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the Canada at the time of hire
• We thank all applicants for their interest; we know that applications can be time consuming and we intend to respond to all applicants