Researcher

Socket.dev; Mississauga; Hybrid; CAD 54,000 - 71,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Mississauga is seeking a Researcher / Research Analyst to support AI and CX strategy initiatives. You will conduct research, benchmarking, and performance measurement to inform decisions and develop actionable recommendations for leadership across the organization.

Responsibilities include environmental scans, policy analysis, KPI development, and preparing briefing notes and executive materials. Hybrid work setup and a focus on public sector innovation are offered.

Qualifications

• University degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline.
• Experience in research, policy analysis, strategy planning, performance measurement, or program evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research, environmental scans, and jurisdictional reviews on AI, customer experience, emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and public sector leading practices.
• Benchmark strategies, governance models, policies, and implementation approaches across municipalities and other organizations.
• Analyze regulations and guidance related to AI and assess implications for the City.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, and executive-level materials.
• Monitor industry trends and provide timely updates and recommendations.

Skills

Research

Analytical

Communication

Time management

Education

University degree in Public Policy / Public Administration / Political Science

Tools

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Req ID:28575 Vacancy Type: Temporary Contract Duration: Up to 18 months Number of Positions:1 Closing Date:09/24/2026

Job Summary

The City of Mississauga is seeking a Researcher / Research Analyst to support the development and implementation of strategic initiatives at the City. Reporting to the Manager, Digital Strategy and Experience, the successful candidate will conduct research, benchmarking, policy analysis, and performance measurement activities to inform strategic decision-making and support the adoption of strategic priorities across the organization.

This position will play a key role in identifying leading practices from municipalities and other public sector organizations, evaluating emerging legislation and standards, and developing recommendations that support various strategic initiatives, including the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy and Customer Experience (CX) Strategy. The role requires strong analytical, research, and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical recommendations for leadership and staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

Reporting to the Manager, Digital Strategy and Experience, the successful candidate will:

• Conduct research, environmental scans, and jurisdictional reviews on artificial intelligence, customer experience, emerging technologies, regulatory requirements, and public sector leading practices.
• Benchmark strategies, governance models, policies, and implementation approaches across municipalities and other organizations to identify trends, risks, opportunities, and lessons learned.
• Analyze provincial, federal, and international regulations, standards, and guidance related to AI, and assess implications for the City.
• Review existing City strategies, policies, procedures, and frameworks to identify opportunities for alignment with the City’s AI and CX strategies and priorities.
• Research and recommend enterprise performance measurement approaches, including key performance indicators (KPIs), reporting frameworks, and evaluation methodologies.
• Gather, analyze, synthesize, and interpret quantitative and qualitative information from a variety of sources to support strategic recommendations and decision-making.
• Prepare briefing notes, reports, presentations, discussion papers, and executive-level materials for project teams, governance bodies, and senior leadership.
• Monitor industry trends, emerging technologies, and leading practices, providing timely updates and recommendations to support informed decision-making.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities by conducting research, preparing materials, documenting findings, and responding to information requests.
• Collaborate with internal departments and external partners to gather input, validate findings, and support project objectives.
• Maintain project documentation, research records, and reporting materials in accordance with corporate policies and procedures.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

• University degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Political Science, or a related discipline, with a minimum of 1 year of experience in research, policy analysis, strategic planning, performance measurement, program evaluation, or a related analytical role, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience conducting environmental scans, benchmarking studies, literature reviews, and policy research.
• Demonstrated knowledge of research methodologies, analytical techniques, and performance measurement frameworks.
• Knowledge of artificial intelligence, customer experience, emerging technologies, digital transformation, or public sector innovation is considered an asset.
• Exceptional research, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills with a demonstrated ability to develop evidence-based recommendations.
• Excellent written communication skills with the ability to prepare clear, concise, and well-structured reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
• Strong verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present findings and engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in using Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Hourly Rate/Salary: $ 38.90 - $ 51.87 Hours of Work: 35 Work Location: Civic Centre Hybrid Workplace Organization Unit: CMO/Web Development Department/Division/Section: CMO/City Manager's Office , CMO/Strategic Communications&Initiatives , Digital Strategy & Experience Non-Union/Union: Non Union

The City of Mississauga may use artificial intelligence (AI) technology in sourcing and/or screening candidates for some positions; however, it is not used in selecting final candidates.

All personal information is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act.

The City of Mississauga is committed to creating a respectful and supportive workplace that fosters a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion which broadly reflects the communities and residents we serve. Throughout the employee life cycle, the City is working to include an EDI lens to attract, retain and support the growth of diverse talent.

Learn more about the City’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

The City of Mississauga is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to removing barriers in our selection process for people with visible and invisible disabilities. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, the City of Mississauga will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.