Vice President, Research, Development and Community Impact

All; Toronto; On-site; CAD 162,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading community charity in Toronto seeks a Vice President, Research, Development and Community Impact. The role involves advancing research and measurement functions to enhance community outcomes. Ideal candidates will have a graduate degree, at least 10 years of leadership experience, and a strong background in applied research methods. The YMCA emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from underrepresented groups. This leadership position requires strategic advocacy and collaboration to drive impactful community initiatives.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a relevant field is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience.
• Experience in community impact and research methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead applied research and performance measurement functions.
• Develop key performance indicators for organizational priorities.
• Act as an ambassador for YMCA’s mission and impact.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder Engagement

Strategic Planning

Applied Research Methodologies

Program Evaluation

Education

Graduate degree in social sciences, public policy, or related field

Job description

Salary Range: $162,000-$200,000

To Apply - To fill this existing vacancy, YMCA of Greater Toronto has partnered with leadership advisory firm Odgers.
Applications are encouraged immediately and should be submitted online at Careers Odgers. For more information, please contact Gaiana Chan of Odgers at [e-mail]. We thank all those who express an interest, however only those chosen for further development will be contacted.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is one of the largest and most impactful charities in Canada, with a vision to build vibrant communities where everyone can shine. Rooted in a history of service that spans over 170 years, the YMCA is a trusted community partner, dedicated to fostering belonging, personal growth, and social well‑being for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Vice President, Research, Development and Community Impact is a key member of the senior leadership team, responsible for advancing YMCA’s research, planning, and performance measurement functions to strengthen community impact. The role leads applied research, environmental scanning, community needs assessments and contributes to the development of key performance indicators to inform organizational priorities and demonstrate measurable results. By combining rigorous research with strategic advocacy and relationship‑building, the VP ensures the YMCA’s voice and impact are recognized in the conversations shaping communities across the Greater Toronto Area.

The ideal candidate is a visionary and strategic leader with a graduate degree (PhD preferred) in social sciences, public policy, community development, or a related field, and at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience in research, evaluation, and community impact. They bring deep expertise in applied research methodologies, program evaluation, and performance measurement, coupled with the ability to translate insights into actionable strategies that strengthen service delivery and advocacy.

Highly skilled in stakeholder engagement, consensus‑building, and external representation, this individual will be a compelling ambassador for the YMCA’s mission and impact. They are experienced in establishing KPIs, modernizing community research, and integrating evidence‑based insights into organizational strategy. The successful candidate is both collaborative and innovative, able to align research with strategic goals, secure funding, and communicate outcomes in ways that inspire funders, partners, and the public, while also motivating and mentoring a high‑performing team.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels they belong. We celebrate diversity and strive to remove barriers so that all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ability or background, can thrive. Our hiring practices reflect our values of inclusiveness, integrity, kindness, optimism, respect, and well‑being. We encourage applications from members of equity‑deserving groups, including Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialized communities, persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals.

Odgers is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all the work that we do. As part of our efforts to better understand our ability to reach as broad a pool of candidates as possible for our searches, our DEI team would like to encourage you to take a moment and access our Self‑Declaration Form.