Community Research Coordinator (Associate level)

About this position

Company name: Blueprint

Position title: Community Research Coordinator (Associate level)

Location: Toronto, ON

Employment status: Full-time

About Blueprint

Blueprint collaborates with policymakers and practitioners to shape visionary ideas into evidence-informed policies and programs. Our pragmatic and rigorous approach enables our team to design, execute and evaluate strategies that create meaningful—and measurable—change. Complex and dynamic problems require real-time, real-world evidence to foster innovative, agile and responsive solutions that work. With ambitious leaders, we’re on a mission to improve the lives of Canadians.

At Blueprint, you’ll work alongside a multi-disciplinary team of researchers who bring curiosity and deep commitment to learning what works and developing practical solutions that generate lasting impact.

Blueprint offers a collaborative and supportive work environment where we value diversity and people showing up as their whole selves. Together, we are dedicated to building an organization that is geared toward continuous learning and development of our practices, methodologies and people.

Role description

We are currently seeking a candidate to provide coordination, research and evaluation support to a portfolio of Blueprint projects with a municipal government client. The ideal candidate would have exceptional organizational and relationship-building skills, some experience in and/or knowledge of research and evaluation (preferably in a community context), and be comfortable in a fast-paced, agile and client-centered work environment. 

The successful candidate will:

• Define portfolio and project-level objectives in collaboration with senior staff, informed by a deep understanding of client and community needs and priorities, as well as Blueprint’s strategic priorities
• Collaborate with Blueprint’s team to ensure that trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, anti-colonial and anti-racism approaches are integrated into all of our work and how we show up for one another and our clients
• Develop and maintain project charters, plans and schedules to meet these objectives, and flag changes to scope or other risks to senior staff
• Develop strong, trusting relationships with client teams and proactively coordinate all project activities in partnership with the portfolio director
• Communicate updates, tasks, and deadlines to project teams, track progress, and provide regular updates to senior staff
• Organize and participate in client and stakeholder meetings, ensuring that agendas are set and reviewed by senior staff and minutes are taken
• Document and follow up on important actions and decisions from meetings
• Contribute to the preparation of accessible and high-quality presentation materials
• As needed, contribute to research and evaluation activities such as jurisdictional scans, data monitoring, evaluation planning, and evidence reviews

Qualifications

• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, exercising good judgement in complex situations
• Experience navigating ambiguity and balancing multiple priorities and projects at the same time
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills, and the ability to establish rapport and strong communication channels with clients, stakeholders, and team members
• Strong business writing, presentation, and facilitation skills, with an ability to communicate complex information clearly, succinctly, and in a way that is tailored to different audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work in a highly collaborative environment and exercise strong, empathetic communication skills, especially when working with teams executing complex work in the face of tight timelines
• Interest in, experience in and/or knowledge of: community-based research, public policy and evaluation
• Experience in project coordination and portfolio management within a research, consulting, or other professional services environment

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Blueprint is strongly committed to equal opportunities in employment and reflecting the diverse communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from all minority group members, women, First Nations persons, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We recognize the value of non-traditional education and work experience. If you feel that your experiences position you to excel in this role but do not meet the requirements above, please highlight this in your cover letter.

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.

How to apply

Please email your resume and cover letter outlining your interest in Blueprint and the role to careers@blueprint-ade.ca by May 28, 2021.

We thank all who apply, however due to the expected volume of candidates, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.