The Social Research and Demonstration Corporation is a non-profit organization primarily involved in the design, research, and evaluation of social programs and policies. Since 1991, we have been building a base of knowledge and experience about what works in employment, education, health, and social policy. While SRDC is recognized across Canada, and internationally, as a leader in the design, implementation, and evaluation of large-scale demonstration projects, we also conduct program evaluation, impact analysis, and cost–benefit analysis for a wide range of government and non-governmental organizations, in particular those involved in the delivery of services to economically disadvantaged populations.

We are currently seeking an experienced research director to develop and manage research and evaluation projects in policy areas aligned with SRDC’s mission and experience. The successful candidate will work in our Toronto office and will actively develop partnerships and projects primarily with local non-profit organizations and government departments.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Developing research and evaluation proposals in response to calls for proposals or needs expressed by prospective clients;
• Leading a small team of researchers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of small and large demonstration projects using mixed research methods;
• Guiding the development of evaluation frameworks, work plans, research instruments and protocols, data collection and analysis plans, and project budgets;
• Supervising quantitative and qualitative analysis and report-writing;
• Presenting research rationale and findings to various audiences, including government senior officials;
• Interacting regularly with project funders and partner organizations over the course of the projects; and
• As a member of the Senior Management team, contributing to SRDC’s business development strategies and corporate policies.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Postgraduate degree (Masters degree or PHD) in economics, sociology, psychology, education, criminology, public policy studies or any other relevant field of study;
• A minimum of ten years’ experience carrying out advanced analytical or evaluation studies and a minimum of five years of experience managing research projects and program evaluations;
• Solid experience using a variety of evaluation tools and methods in a variety of contexts;
• Demonstrated ability to plan, organize and coordinate a wide range of activities leading to the design and implementation of research projects and program evaluations;
• Strong leadership skills; ability to identify employees’ strengths and assign tasks accordingly to maximise overall team effectiveness and efficiency;
• Experience developing partnerships and networks; demonstrated entrepreneurship;
• Ability to effectively manage multiple projects simultaneously and to keep within fixed budgets;
• Experience working on projects involving Indigenous people, or in partnerships with Indigenous organizations, will be considered an important asset;
• Excellent writing and communications skills in English; ability to communicate in a clear and concise manner with policymakers; the capacity to communicate in French will be considered an asset.

We take pride in our employees and in their commitment to excellence. Our reputation for professionalism, methodological rigor, integrity and ethics, objectivity, and exceeding clients’ expectations is based in no small part on our high-calibre staff. We offer our employees competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package as well as a stimulating work environment and a collegial approach to doing challenging and important work.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter providing a short description of their research interests and skills, and explain how they relate to SRDC’s mission statement and research priorities. Candidates may be required to complete an assignment as part of the selection process.

We are prepared to fill this position through an interchange programs (minimum secondment of
two years) if potential candidates have access to such programs with their current employer.

Please submit applications (preferably by e-mail) by January 23, 2017 to:

Elizabeth Rodgers, Director, Human Resources and Corporate Services
Social Research and Demonstration Corporation (SRDC)
55 Murray Street, Suite 400, Ottawa, ON  K1N 5M3
hr at srdc.org

SOURCE: Social Research and Demonstration Corporation