Social Planning Toronto (SPT) is an independent social planning organization. SPT challenges inequality in our city through knowledge generation, debate, civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration, to spark social and policy change.
Social Planning Toronto is looking for a one-year contract full-time researcher & policy analyst (35 hours per week), with the possibility of extension.
The general responsibilities of the position are to conduct community-based, action-oriented research on a variety of issues, including social and economic inequality, the nonprofit sector, developing community and neighbourhood profiles using census and other data, collaboration across stakeholder groups, and more. This research supports and promotes system-level changes, advocacy and community mobilization on social and economic justice issues. Other responsibilities include convening around and analyzing public policy and developing reports to spark social and policy change that addresses inequality across Toronto.
The policy work of SPT involves the analysis, synthesis, and interpretation of government policy and legislation, particularly at the municipal level. This position requires a candidate who can conduct research provide and analysis on a wide range of social and economic justice issues, with an intersectional equity lens. Ideally the candidate is familiar with immigration and settlement policy, and issues facing newcomers and those that work with them.
Key skills required:
- Strong writing skills and effective communication skills, including the ability to produce clear language reports
- Research and analytical skills
- Data analysis skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with diverse communities and stakeholders
Qualifications required:
- Graduate degree or equivalent experience
- At least three years experience as a researcher
- Experience with both primary and secondary research
- Experience designing and implementing quantitative and qualitative research projects, including survey and questionnaire design; focus group design, in a community-based setting
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Experience working under pressure and to deadline
- Some familiarity with the roles and functions of the different orders of government
- Experience with community-based research
- Awareness of and commitment to equity issues
- Understanding of the non-profit sector and funding models
- Knowledge and experience with standard statistical and/or qualitative research software (such as SPSS, SAS, NVivo)
- A command of a second or third language would be an asset
- Awareness of immigration policy and the immigrant serving sector would be an asset
- Experience using mapping software (such as ArcGIS) and conducting spatial analysis would be an asset
- Excellent time management skills, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with competing demands
SPT is committed to employment equity, and welcomes applicants from the full diversity of the community.
The successful candidate will become a CUPE 1777 member.
Salary range $48,705.58 to $66,754.99 plus benefits.
Interested candidates are asked to submit a resume and cover letter outlining how they meet the above criteria. Please note that the cover letter should include in bold a list of published reports.
Maria Serrano
Director of Operations
e-mail: [email protected]
The deadline for applications is Thursday, November 18th, 2021 at 5:00 p.m.