Under general guidance from the Mowat Centre’s Director, the Executive Researcher directs and conducts evidence-based research and analysis on structural, foundational, and systemic issues facing the non-profit sector in Canada, with a particular focus on how those play out in Ontario and the GTA. This work is intended to support the federal and provincial governments and the sector in policy development.

The research agenda is shaped in partnership with the steering committee and with input from the sector. The Ontario Nonprofit Network (ONN) plays a leading role in facilitating this collaboration. The research agenda is broadly defined with the objective of modernizing and clarifying the key policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworks that would enable Ontario’s charities and non-profit sector to flourish.

The Executive Researcher, with the assistance of a Policy Associate, is responsible for building and drawing on a network of government and sector leaders to advance the dialogue on the non-profit sector. The Researcher’s work will take place in a complex political environment and the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to command the respect of the sector and policy-makers. The Researcher will produce independent, authoritative research that will be considered thought leadership by the sector.

Key duties include conducting research, publishing the results of this research, and organizing conferences with participation from the sector, government, and civil society. The Researcher will be responsible for developing concrete policy recommendations intended to influence government decision-making for the medium- and long-term.

Qualifications:

• A graduate degree in Political Science, Economics, or a related discipline;
• Candidates with a Ph.D. will be given preference, however those with equivalent work experience will be considered;
• Experience should include applied policy research in a public sector, non-profit and/or academic setting;
• Publication record is an asset;
• Expert knowledge of Ontario and Canadian non-profit sector and understanding of international policy trends;
• Excellent research, writing and communication (verbal and written) skills;
• Demonstrated ability to present ideas in both an academic and journalistic style and lead the organization of events such as conferences;
• Strong networking/interpersonal skills with the ability to interact professionally with senior government, business, academic, and non-profit leaders;
• Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Political acumen and capacity to operate in an environment of sophisticated stakeholders;
• Strategic policy-thinking;
• Ability to command the respect of the non-profit sector through demonstrated experience in independent thought leadership;
• Ability to work independently with a small team;
• Ability to set and manage priorities wisely;
• Keen attention to detail;
• Initiative, tact and creativity required;
• Commitment to excellence and to the Mowat Centre’s values, vision and priorities;
• Quantitative skills and knowledge of statistical methods is an asset.

Overview:

Mowat NFP is a research hub within the Mowat Centre that supports the not-for-profit sector and the government in improving public policies that affect the sector. The research hub is staffed by an Executive Researcher (senior) and a Policy Associate (junior), and governed by a steering committee of funders and partners. The following job posting is for the position of Executive Researcher.

Mowat NFP is currently funded by the Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration Partnership Grant Program, and sponsored by the Metcalf Foundation, Atkinson Foundation, United Way Toronto, Maytree and the Mowat Centre, in partnership with the Ontario Nonprofit Network.

Mowat Centre, School of Public Policy and Governance
Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto)
Schedule: Full-time
Appointment Type: Research Associate (Limited Term) – 3 year term (start date TBC)
Posting Date: Thursday, October 2nd, 2014
Closing Date: Thursday, November 6th, 2014
Salary: Commensurate with experience

Application Procedure:

Interested persons are requested to forward their CVs to:

MATTHEW MENDELSOHN, DIRECTOR
Mowat Centre
School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto
Suite 218, 720 Spadina Avenue
Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9
Fax: 416.978.7858
Email: director at mowatcentre.ca