Research Associate - Blueprint ADE

Company name: Blueprint
Position title: Research Associate
Physical location: Toronto, ON
Hybrid role – Available to work at least three days per week in office
Travel – Occasional travel within Canada
Employment status: Full-time, Regular
Hiring Range: $60,000 - $80,000
Vacancy status: Existing

About Blueprint
Blueprint helps decision-makers use data and evidence to tackle complex public policy challenges and improve outcomes for people across Canada. As trusted advisors to government, community, and industry leaders, we work across a wide range of policy areas, including employment, income security, mental health, child and youth development, housing, community safety, and justice.

Using an interdisciplinary approach, we deliver solutions that integrate policy analysis, strategic program review, applied research, data analytics, measurement, and evaluation—ensuring policies and programs maximize public value and make life better for Canadians.

About the role

As an Associate, you will play a central role in delivering high-impact work for our public sector and nonprofit clients. You will work as part of an inter-disciplinary team on projects that span strategy, policy design, strategic program review, service transformation, measurement, evaluation and performance improvement. You’ll engage directly with clients, conduct research and analysis, develop evidence-based insights, and contribute to practical solutions that inform decision-making and drive better outcomes.

You bring curiosity, strong analytical and reasoning skills and a familiarity with research methods. You are adaptable, organized, and able to manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines efficiently. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, that blends rigorous research and analysis with a collaborative, client-oriented approach. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants to work at the intersection of consulting, public policy and social impact – and who is excited by the challenge of using data and evidence to help governments solve complex problems.

Key responsibilities

• Work with clients to understand their challenges, define problems, identify goals and create project work plans
• Conduct research including literature reviews, evidence reviews and jurisdictional scans
• Facilitate client and stakeholder workshops, focus groups and interviews
• Support primary data collection and analysis (e.g., programming and fielding surveys and cleaning and analyzing data)
• Contribute to project coordination and logistics including organizing meetings, taking minutes, updating workplans and tracking budgets
• Work collaboratively to interpret findings from multiple lines of inquiry and translate them into actionable insights, options and recommendations for our clients
• Draft client deliverables including briefing notes, presentation decks, reports, and knowledge mobilization materials
• Contribute to business development activities including project proposals and pitches

The successful candidate will demonstrate Blueprint’s values of being evidence-driven, people-centred, curious, accountable, and optimistic. They will contribute to communities of practice and professional networks both within and outside of Blueprint.

What we’re looking for
Minimum requirements

• Master’s degree in the Social Sciences (e.g., Economics, Urban Planning, Psychology, Public Health, Political Science), Public Policy, Global Affairs or Public Administration
• 2-5 years experience working in a public sector consulting, applied research or a program evaluation setting

Knowledge and skills

• Policy domain expertise in at least one of the following areas: employment, income security, mental health, child and youth development, housing, community safety, and justice
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise client-facing materials
• High standards for accuracy, attention to detail and professional judgement
• A collaborative team player who brings curiosity, humility and an ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic and agile work environment
• Strong time management and organizational skills; able to navigate tight timelines, actively communicate progress, proactively problem-solve.
• Familiarity with a range of applied research techniques and evaluation methodologies is an asset
• Eagerness to contribute to a high-performance, feedback-oriented team culture
• Proficiency with Microsoft software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and willingness to learn and use other tools and platforms (e.g., Qualtrics, Miro, Condens)

What we offer
To ensure team members are supported to do their best work, Blueprint provides:

• A mission-driven culture focused on public good and values learning and impact
• Growth opportunities and mentorship in a supportive environment
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, plus life and disability insurance and mental health supports through GreenShield+.
• RRSP matching of up to 6%.
• Monthly cell-phone allowance and a one-time stipend to support home-office set-up.
• Up to 18 days vacation annually, plus six universal leave days and year-end office closure (December 25 and January 1)
• Annual stipends for professional development, conferences, memberships and certifications.

How to apply
We take care in ensuring that new team members align with our mission and are positioned for success in their roles. Please apply by April 29, 2025. Selected candidates will be invited to:

1. Complete a short assignment that reflects the type of work an Associate would do
2. Submit two writing samples
3. Participate in an in-person interview at Blueprint’s Toronto office

Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Blueprint is strongly committed to equal opportunities in employment and reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We recognize that diversity enriches our approach to problem solving and contributes to an inclusive work environment. Thus, we welcome and encourage applications from people of all identities and lived experiences, including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. If your background or lived experience equips you for this role but doesn't exactly match the listed qualifications, please highlight this in your responses to the application questions.

Accommodations
Blueprint is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive workplace. We are committed to providing barrier-free and accessible employment practices in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in the selection process. Please contact careers@blueprint-ade.ca to ensure that we can best meet your needs.