Research Manager - Socio-Economic Assessment

The Firelight Group; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and socially responsible organization dedicated to community-based research and consulting services across Canada. As a Research Manager, you will leverage your expertise in project management and Indigenous engagement to lead innovative consulting projects that prioritize socio-economic assessments. This role offers an exciting opportunity to enhance client experiences while contributing to the advancement of Indigenous knowledge and values. Be part of a passionate team committed to making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve, and enjoy a fulfilling career where your contributions truly matter.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in project management and community-based research.
• Fluency in English and experience working with Indigenous communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and execution of consulting projects with a focus on socio-economic impact.
• Oversee project budgets and ensure timely delivery of high-quality work.
• Foster positive relationships with clients and community partners.

Skills

Project Management

Community-Based Research

Indigenous Engagement

Technical Advising

Client Relationship Management

Education

Masters Degree

PhD

Job description

Position Title: Research Manager

Team: Socio-Economic Assessment (SEA)

Reports to: Business Lead

Job Location: Edmonton

Start Date: February 3, 2025

JOB OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Business Lead, the Research Manager is a technical specialist on their team. With expertise in research, project management, engagement, and implementation, the Research Manager supports and/or leads their own consulting files, informing the design, strategy, and execution of projects. The Research Manager provides consistently superior client experience, enhancing the image and reputation of the company and ensuring Firelight’s values guide project strategies and processes.

COMPETENCY

The candidate will have a focus on socio-economic impact assessment - understanding impact assessment, and methods and approaches for community-based research.

ORGANIZATIONAL STATUS

The Firelight Group is an Indigenous-owned, dynamic, socially responsible business providing community-based research and consulting services across Canada. Since 2010, we have been trusted by our clients to do high-quality work that centers Indigenous knowledge and values to protect rights and advance self-determination. We have a growing team of over 100 professionals, and offices in Xwmélch’tstn, xʷməθkʷəy̓əm and Tsleil-Waututh Territory, Lkwungen, Tkarón:to and ᐊᒥᐢᑿᒌᐚᐢᑲᐦᐃᑲᐣ (Amiskwacîwâskahikan).

RESPONSIBILITIES + DUTIES

Technical Advising

1. Lead the design, strategy, and execution of consulting projects within the business area under the supervision of the Technical Lead.
2. Work with the Technical Lead and other Research Managers to provide strong technical skills in research, strategy, and evaluation to ensure innovative and high-quality deliverables.
3. Support and lead the application of best practices, Indigenous research methods, engagement, and implementation.
4. Lead the development of research materials and reports for clients and external stakeholders.
5. Lead discussions with clients to define client requirements and priorities on complex financial and/or organizational issues.
6. Support the implementation of innovative practices that are aligned to emerging trends and best practices in their business area.

Project Management

1. Oversee the development, execution, and evaluation of complex, multi-methods projects aligned to Firelight values and client expectations.
2. Develop and monitor project scope, plans, budgets, and schedules to ensure successful project delivery; ensure timely execution of current, planned, and/or adjusted tasks in alignment with the project scope and schedule.
3. Identify and allocate fiscal and human resources, developing workplans and delegating tasks and work appropriately to achieve project success.
4. Oversee and coordinate the work of Researchers and Research Analysts, providing feedback to identify areas for further development and growth.
5. Oversee and manage project budgets to ensure project profitability and healthy cash flow.
6. Coordinate with the Finance Department to ensure timely invoicing.
7. Manage information, data, and documents following established procedures; assure quality control and security of research data.
8. Oversee logistical coordination of multi-day community engagement with research teams.

Client Engagement

1. Represent Firelight to clients, communities, and in expert technical meetings with minimal supervision and review.
2. Work with and coordinate the activities of community partners and others, including Firelight team members and external consultants to develop, design, and implement projects.
3. Nurture and cultivate partner and client relationships through service excellence, knowledge transfer, and skills development.
4. Support and coach others in effective community engagements aligned to Firelight’s values and with shared objectives.
5. Commit to travel regularly up to 6 days per month, not necessarily consecutively, sometimes in remote communities.

People Leadership

1. Foster a positive and respectful workplace, aligned to Firelight’s values and objectives.
2. Provide feedback on Researcher and Research Analyst staff performance to Program Managers to inform performance management and professional development.
3. Supervise Researchers and Research Analysts on project-specific work, including quality review and mentorship.
4. Ensure the workplace, including while traveling for in-community and on-territory work, meets all health and safety guidelines and regulations.
5. Support the development of Firelight’s organizational learning and knowledge.
6. Mentor Researchers and Research Analysts in support of their growth and development.

QUALIFICATIONS + EXPERIENCE

1. 5 years of recent, relevant experience.
2. 5 years of experience working with and for Indigenous Nations and communities.
3. Masters degree or equivalent in experience.
   • PhD highly valued.
   • Equivalent experience includes long-term, senior positions with a focus on community-based research with or for Indigenous communities, organizations, governments, or Nations.
4. Fluency in spoken and written English.
5. Must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Please respond to our online ad with a resume, cover letter, and a writing sample. Please upload the cover letter and writing sample in 1 document. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals with a full package (resume, cover letter, and a writing sample) will be considered.

At Firelight, we are committed to developing a diverse and inclusive team and we welcome all cultures, ages, genders, sexual orientations, and abilities. We recognize and celebrate the diversity of all peoples and actively promote the development of inter-cultural competence within our team.

As an Indigenous-owned organization, we are particularly committed to supporting the employment of Indigenous individuals because we recognize the unique challenges and barriers faced by Indigenous people and because we feel it is necessary to reflect Indigenous perspectives and values in the work that we do. We encourage all Indigenous applicants to self-identify in their cover letter so that we consider their application accordingly as preference may be given to these applicants.

If any candidate requires accommodation or support to participate in the application process, please contact our HR Department via email at [e-mail].

Working at the Firelight Group means being passionate about what we do. Be part of our amazing team, with a very exciting future.