Manager, Research and Evaluation

United Way Greater Toronto; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Life insurance

Disability insurance

EFAP

Paid time off

Hybrid work environment

Well-being programs

Job summary

United Way Greater Toronto is seeking a Manager, Research and Evaluation to lead social research and evaluation initiatives in the GTA. The role focuses on design, analysis, and knowledge mobilization, including spatial analysis with ArcGIS and informing policy with evidence.

You will coordinate projects, mentor colleagues, and integrate equity and reconciliation goals into priorities while engaging with partners and stakeholders across the region.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years’ experience in social science research and evaluation
• Master’s level degree or higher in the social sciences, public policy, urban studies, or related field, or equivalent work-related experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, develop, and implement research and/or evaluation projects
• Demonstrated ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and conduct simple statistical analysis
• Demonstrated ability to conduct spatial analysis through ArcGIS
• Knowledge and experience with community-informed and community-engaged research methods and approaches
• Prior experience in solutions-based research, public policy analysis, and advocacy will be an asset
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and demonstrated experience with key software such as SPSS, NVivo, and similar analytical tools
• Knowledge of current social, economic and policy research and public policy issues affecting the community services sector and a preference for expertise in income security, housing, wellbeing, neighbourhood revitalization and/or community infrastructure
• Sound knowledge of the community services sector in the Greater Toronto area and of the socio-economic challenges facing the communities of Peel, Toronto and York Region
• Highly developed analytical skills with ability to conduct research and use independent judgement to problem solve
• Political acuity and ability to influence, negotiate and manage contentious issues to resolution
• Ability to coordinate and modify projects, and work with both internal and external stakeholders
• Proven organizational abilities and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to think through problems strategically and anticipate and identify needs
• Proven ability to take initiative and carry projects to completion with minimum supervision
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and constituent service skills including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with diverse populations and multiple partners
• Excellent attention to detail and proven track record of accuracy
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Experience working with Statistics Canada data sources is an asset
• Willingness to actively contribute to the organizational Reconciliation and Equity framework through participation in learning opportunities and implementing anti-oppressive and anti-racist learnings into action internally and externally

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and/or carry out social and systems change research and evaluation projects
• Assist in the design of research and evaluation project proposals and work plans
• Perform spatial analysis, using ArcGIS
• Conceptualize and support monitoring and evaluation design and theories of change
• Bring an assets-based and solutions-focused lens to all research and evaluation projects
• Integrate United Way’s Equity and Reconciliation Action Plan goals into research and evaluation priorities
• Select and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research methods
• Perform simple statistical analysis and data analysis
• Provide advice and coaching to colleagues on research and evaluation plans
• Monitor major research activities, public policy developments and evaluation practices
• Prepare background reports and briefing notes on selected studies and policy developments
• Prepare briefing materials for senior management on research findings and policy implications
• Assist in identifying and stewarding key partner relationships
• Help to create forums for dialogue with government, funders, agencies and donors
• Represent the United Way on community, coalition and collaborative research initiatives
• Participate in United Way projects and teams with colleagues across units

Skills

Social science research

Evaluation

Data analysis

ArcGIS

Qualitative methods

Quantitative methods

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Project coordination

Team leadership

Education

Master’s degree or higher in social sciences/public policy/urban studies

Tools

ArcGIS

SPSS

NVivo

Excel

PowerPoint

Job description

We are a values-driven employer, with staff members who are proud to play a part in building a better region. We’re always looking for great people who want to combine their professional talents with a commitment to our mission.

Position: Manager, Research and Evaluation

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Job Id: 1106

# of Openings: 1

Manager, Research and Evaluation

We are committed to pay transparency and equity. The hiring range for this role is $75,000 - $85,000 annually.

United Way Greater Toronto is currently seeking a Manager, Research and Evaluation to join our team.

How you will make a difference:

• Coordinate and/or carry out social and systems change research and evaluation projects, including conceptualization, design, selection of methodology (qualitative and quantitative), information gathering, data analysis, report writing, presentation of findings and other knowledge mobilization activities, and post-project evaluations
• Assist in the design of research and evaluation project proposals and work plans, and preparation of resource and budget estimates for projects undertaken by United Way
• Perform spatial analysis, using ArcGIS
• Conceptualize and support monitoring and evaluation design and theories of change that are grounded in the appropriate
• Bring an assets-based and solutions-focused lens to all research and evaluation projects
• Integrate United Way’s Equity and Reconciliation Action Plan goals into research and evaluation priorities and work plans
• Select and apply the appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative research methods required to carry out social, economic and policy research and evaluations
• Perform simple statistical analysis and data analysis
• Provide advice and coaching to colleagues on the development of research and evaluation plans, including data collection methods, analysis, and use of theories of change and performance measurement tools
• Monitor major research activities, public policy developments and evaluation practices relevant to United Way
• Prepare background reports and briefing notes on selected studies, reports, articles and policy developments
• Prepare briefing materials for senior management on research findings and their policy implications and on evaluation findings and the project management implications
• Assist in identifying and stewarding key partner relationships to advance the organization’s research, evaluation and public policy agenda
• Help to create forums for dialogue with government, funders, agencies and donors on topics impacting the human services sector and our strategic priorities
• Represent the United Way on community, coalition and collaborative research, public policy and evaluation initiatives, as well as on external committees and working groups
• Participate in United Way projects and teams and work closely with colleagues in other units and departments

What you bring to the role:

• 3-5 years’ experience in social science research and evaluation
• Master’s level degree or higher in the social sciences, public policy, urban studies, or related field, or equivalent work-related experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan, develop, and implement research and/or evaluation projects
• Demonstrated ability to apply qualitative and/or quantitative research methods and conduct simple statistical analysis
• Demonstrated ability to conduct spatial analysis through ArcGIS
• Knowledge and experience with community-informed and community-engaged research methods and approaches
• Prior experience in solutions-based research, public policy analysis, and advocacy will be an asset
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and demonstrated experience with key software such as SPSS, NVivo, and similar analytical tools
• Knowledge of current social, economic and policy research and public policy issues affecting the community services sector and a preference for expertise in income security, housing, wellbeing, neighbourhood revitalization and/or community infrastructure
• Sound knowledge of the community services sector in the Greater Toronto area and of the socio-economic challenges facing the communities of Peel, Toronto and York Region
• Highly developed analytical skills with ability to conduct research and use independent judgement to problem solve
• Political acuity and ability to influence, negotiate and manage contentious issues to resolution
• Ability to coordinate and modify projects, and work with both internal and external stakeholders
• Proven organizational abilities and the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines under pressure
• Ability to think through problems strategically and anticipate and identify needs
• Proven ability to take initiative and carry projects to completion with minimum supervision
• Excellent teamwork, interpersonal and constituent service skills including the ability to work respectfully and inclusively with diverse populations and multiple partners
• Excellent attention to detail and proven track record of accuracy
• Strong communication skills (both written and verbal)
• Experience working with Statistics Canada data sources is an asset
• Willingness to actively contribute to the organizational Reconciliation and Equity framework through participation in learning opportunities and implementing anti-oppressive and anti-racist learnings into action internally and externally

Being part of our team:

• Defined benefit employer-matching pension
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits
• Employee and family assistance program (EFAP)
• Generous paid time-off package including vacation, personal and cultural days, summer hours and hybrid work environment
• Commitment to the well-being and work-life balance for our employees
• Collaborative, high-performing, team focused on long-term and collective success
• Largest United Way world-wide
• Work with the GTA’s top philanthropic leaders

As part of our recruitment process, United Way Greater Toronto offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities. If we contact you about an opportunity, please let us know if you require accommodation.

UWGT is committed to the ethical and responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI). While we currently do not use AI for decision-making that produces legal or similarly significant effects, we may use analytics or automation tools to improve donor engagement, personalize experiences, or optimize internal processes.

As per our recruitment policy, internal candidates are encouraged to let their current manager know that they have applied for another role.

About United Way Greater Toronto:

As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.

Diversity & Inclusion:

United Way is committed to creating an inclusive workplace that reflects our diverse community to ensure we’re best equipped to serve it. We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and those who may need accommodation to apply to join our team. Our commitment to excellence in diversity goes beyond promoting equity. By incorporating a variety of experiences and perspectives, we create opportunities for innovative solutions and maximize the impact of our work.

We care about the individuals who work in each of our teams and their personal and professional development. We invite you to learn more about how we recognize the great work our employees do!