Research and Policy Manager
Job No:
164423
Location:
Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta
- Great opportunity to apply your proven leadership experience in a social and health research environment!
- Don't miss this opportunity to see your work have a real-world impact!
- Enjoy a competitive remuneration package, PLUS a great host of benefits!
About Us
PolicyWise is a charitable, non-profit corporation established in 2003 to support the development of effective policies, programs, and services to benefit the well-being of children, families, and communities. We have a reputation for collaboration, inclusion, and broad stakeholder engagement approaches and strategies.
Our research and policy team has an in-depth understanding of the domains of well-being, the child and youth serving sector, provincial and local service delivery contexts, and the application of knowledge across these sectors and systems.
Our Vision
Children, youth, and families thrive in respectful, safe, and supportive environments shaped by wise decisions.
Our Mission
To inform, identify, and promote effective social policy and practice to improve the well-being of children & youth, families, and communities.
For more information about our work, please visit our website: www.policywise.com
About the Role
PolicyWise currently has an exciting opportunity for a Research and Policy Manager to join our team in either Edmonton or Calgary, Alberta. This is a full-time, permanent position with a 6-month probationary period.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Research and Policy Manager leads, manages, and develops teams to contribute to the overall mandate of the organization. The role requires advanced competencies in project delivery, knowledge mobilization, strategic and systems thinking, relationship and business development, and strategy, operations, and team management.
The Research and Policy Manager is responsible for leading teams that develop, implement, and manage projects with significant variation in focus and scope. Projects can range from research and evaluation, data analytics support, strategy and framework development, and capacity building. Projects focus on a multitude of subjects relevant to child, family and community well-being, including projects related to the strategic directions of PolicyWise.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Overseeing multiple high-level, complex projects led by 4-6 direct Research & Policy Associate reports
- Providing innovative methodological approaches and applying these to policy-relevant work
- Working with project teams to facilitate project-based Knowledge Mobilization
- Building connections and understanding across projects
- Identifying implications and analysis with a focus on audience and context
- Developing and nurturing relationships that promote business development
- Facilitating interaction and collaboration between and within researchers, policymakers, and practitioners
- Leading working groups and liaising extensively with stakeholders and internal teams
- Participating in long-term strategic planning initiatives that will help PolicyWise achieve our vision
- Ensuring that systems and processes are established and implemented for effective and consistent work processes and deliverables
- Leading, mentoring, and coaching direct reports to develop and accomplish goals
- Serving as a role model to staff, promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement
More About You
In order to qualify for this role, you will have a Master’s degree or Ph.D. in social science or other related disciplines (e.g., social work or public health) with a minimum of 5 years of related work experience, including a minimum of three years in a leadership position, including developing, mentoring, empowering teams, assessing performance, and identifying training needs.
You will also possess:
- Strong foundation in strategic and systems thinking
- An excellent ability to work collaboratively
- Strong organizational and multitasking skills, with high attention to detail
- Understanding policy and practice issues within relevant areas
- Experience solving complex problems using critical thinking
- Strong analytic abilities and sound judgment
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, along with strong listening and interpretive skills
- General computer skills (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Nvivo)
About the Benefits
In exchange for your hard work and dedication, you will receive a highly competitive annual salary plus a great host of benefits, including:
- Up to $200 monthly reimbursement for parking or transit
- $500 allowance to set up home office at the start of hire
- Hybrid work environment (3 days in office and 2 work from home)
- 50% employer-paid extended medical, dental, and vision benefits (after 3 months)
- Paid vacation starting at 3 weeks/year
- Holiday break during Christmas and New Year on top of vacation time
After the 6-month probationary period, you will also receive the following:
- Group RRSP matching program
- Health & Wellness account – up to $1,200
- Education account – up to $500
- 5 days professional development (with approval from supervisor)
- 10 days special leave (with approval from supervisor)
And that's not all! You will be welcomed into a supportive and highly collaborative environment. If you think you've got the skills to take on this rewarding and challenging role, apply today!
Please note that the closing date of this role will be the 24th of November 2022.