The position provides leadership in Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada's (CMC) programming concerning research and education including, but not limited to educational/research conferences, educational materials and publications, training events, the Community-University Research Alliance (CURA), special research projects, consulting and project management contracts as well as CMC’s participation in strategic research events and networks. The position oversees all aspects of the design, development, promotion, execution, financing and management of the above program areas.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Research

1. Manage all aspects of the Community-University Research Alliance including:
   1. Reporting to and ensuring grant compliance with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council      
   2. Oversee the financial and project management systems to ensure achievement of objectives and transparency of the network’s activities
   3. Building and maintaining partnerships with university and community partners and act as the central resource person for all partners
   4. Managing processes for accountability and transparency with all funded partners and overseeing process of evaluation and monitoring of engagement
   5. Convening meetings of the Management Committee and ensuring materials and resources are prepared for effective meetings and decision-making and serving as the key resource between meetings for the committee
   6. Lead knowledge mobilization activities including conferences, webinars, publications and the website
   7. Manage contracts of paid parties, supervise students and provide oversight for consultants
   8. Serve as project lead for appropriate research projects 
2. Manage CMC’s participation in the Canadian Co-operative Research Network (CCRN) by:
   1. Serving as a project manager for the network
   2. Serving as the key resource to the CCRN Management Committee (and serving as chairperson)
   3. Liaising and managing the Working Group to ensure the network website, library and social media spaces are current
   4. Managing stakeholder relations among the network membership as well as researchers, students and co-operative practitioners
3. Manage relationships and engage in projects with research partners including consulting groups, research associations (such as the Canadian Association for Studies in Co-operation) and university partners.
4. Serve as the key resource for staff, member and public research requests.
5. Other duties as assigned by Executive Director.
6. Represent CMC at conferences and research events and promote programming. 

Education

1. Take leadership and serve as project manager for educational initiatives, including online and in-person events as well as resources materials.
2. Oversee the design, financial management, reporting, stakeholder relations and execution of the above projects.
3. Manage contracts of partners and consultants.
4. Serve as trainer/facilitator within programming as needed.
5. Other duties as assigned by Executive Director. 

COMMUNICATIONS:

Liaise with staff and members of CMC, CURA management committee and cluster project collaborators and partners as well as SSHRC project officers and personnel.  Communicate with partner organizations including provincial co-operative associations, research associations, symposia and other conference speakers, government officials, associate consultants and service providers. 

SUPERVISION:

Oversee the work and assign tasks to temporary personnel, as may be required from time to time. 

WORKING CONDITIONS

Some domestic travel will be required.

Weekend and evening work may be required during peak periods and during travel outside the office. 

QUALIFICATIONS

The Manager, Research & Education must possess a well-balanced combination of management, project management, leadership, administrative, partnership-building, and facilitating skills, and be committed to using participatory approaches.  The ability to set strategic direction, plan, multi-task, problem-solve and work with multiple teams, consultants and partners is required, as well as the ability to relate to the needs of academics, consultants, co-operative staff and management.  

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a social science or related field and experience managing and coordinating complex research projects (5+ years).  The Manager, Research & Education will also have completed formal education and have 5+ years experience in adult education. Other requirements include: 

1. Demonstrated excellent written and oral communications skills in English.  French language skills are considered an asset.
2. Demonstrated financial planning, budget, and human resource management expertise.
3. Experience and/or knowledge of co-operatives and the wider social economy.
4. Strong interpersonal, organizational and teamwork skills.
5. Ability to plan, organize and administer projects, exceptional time management skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to prepare presentations and write reports for a variety of audiences.
7. Demonstrated keyboarding skills and competence with MS Office products.
8. Positive attitude, strong work ethic, creative and strategic/goal oriented thinker, tactful, discrete, composure under pressure.
9. Knowledge and experience with community-based research, education and training programs as well as community capacity building and research methods is desirable.
10. Experience in writing funding proposals/grants and consultancy.
11. Experience managing contracts and consultants.

To apply for this position, please send cover letter and resumé to: apply@canada.coop

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.