Executive Researcher, Mowat Centre - University of Toronto

Executive Researcher: Non-Profit Sector Policy

Posted on Tuesday, January 24th 2012

Overview

This project, sponsored by the Metcalf Foundation, the Atkinson Foundation, United Way Toronto, Maytree and the Mowat Centre, in partnership with the Ontario Nonprofit Network, is to establish an independent research hub to support the not-for-profit sector and the government in improving public policies that affect the sector.

The research hub would be located at the Mowat Centre, staffed by an
Executive Researcher (senior) and a Policy Associate (junior), and governed by a steering committee of funders and partners. The following job posting is for the position of Executive Researcher.


Description of Position

Under general guidance from the Mowat Centre's Director, the Executive
Researcher: Non-Profit Sector Policy will conduct evidence-based research and analysis on structural, foundational, and systemic issues facing the non-profit sector in Canada, with a particular focus on how those play out in Ontario and the GTA. This work would be designed to help support the federal and provincial governments and the sector in policy development.

The research agenda would be developed in partnership with the steering
committee and with input from the sector. The Ontario Nonprofit Network
(ONN) will play a leading role in facilitating this collaboration. The
research agenda would be defined with the objective of modernizing and
clarifying the key policy, legislative, and regulatory frameworks that would enable Ontario's charities and non-profit sector to flourish.

The Executive Researcher, with the assistance of a Policy Associate, will be tasked with building and drawing on a network of government and sector leaders to advance the dialogue on the non-profit sector. The Researcher's work will take place in a complex political environment and the successful candidate must demonstrate the ability to command the respect of the sector and policy-makers. The Researcher will produce independent, authoritative research that will be considered thought leadership by the sector.

Key duties include conducting research, publishing the results of this
research, and organizing conferences with participation from the sector,
government, and civil society. The Researcher will be responsible for
developing concrete policy recommendations intended to influence government decision-making for the medium- and long-term. The Researcher will also be tasked with hiring and managing a Policy Associate to support these goals.


Qualifications

A graduate degree in Political Science, Economics, or a related discipline.
Candidates with a Ph.D. will be given preference, however those with
equivalent work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Experience that includes a combination of applied policy research in a
public sector, non-profit and/or academic setting. Publication record is an asset.

Expert knowledge of Ontario and Canadian non-profit sector and understanding of international policy trends. Excellent research, writing and communication (verbal and written) skills. Demonstrated ability to present ideas in both an academic and journalistic style and lead the organization of events such as conferences.

Strong networking/interpersonal skills with the ability to interact
professionally with senior government, business, academic, and non-profit leaders. Demonstrated ability to meet tight deadlines. Political acumen and capacity to operate in an environment of sophisticated stakeholders. Strategic policy-thinking. Ability to command the respect of the non-profit sector through demonstrated experience in independent thought leadership.

Ability to work independently and manage a small team; ability to set and manage priorities wisely; keen attention to detail; initiative, tact and creativity required; commitment to excellence and to the Mowat Centre's values, vision and priorities. Quantitative skills and knowledge of statistical methods is an asset.


Campus: St. George (downtown Toronto)

Schedule: Full-time

Appointment Type: Research Associate (Limited Term) - 3 year term (start
date TBC)

Posting Date: January 24, 2012

Closing Date: February 13, 2012

Salary: Commensurate with experience


Interested persons are requested to forward their CVs to:

Matthew Mendelohn,

Director, Mowat Centre

School of Public Policy and Governance, University of Toronto

720 Spadina Avenue, Suite 218

Toronto, Ontario M5S 2T9

Fax: 416.978.7858

Email: director@mowatcentre.ca


About the Mowat Centre

The Mowat Centre is an independent, non-partisan public policy research
centre located in the School of Public Policy and Governance at the
University of Toronto. The Centre undertakes collaborative applied policy
research and engages in public dialogue on Canada's most important national
issues, informed by Ontario's reality. The Mowat Centre has a mandate to
propose innovative, research-driven public policy recommendations.

The Mowat Centre believes that the development of a dynamic, next-generation
policy agenda for Canada will be facilitated by the best academic research,
a deep knowledge of international practice, an awareness of the realities of
government decision-making, and an appreciation of the real work of program
delivery in communities. The Centre undertakes its work in a manner that
supports engaged and thoughtful public debate on policy issues and connects
leading public policy researchers with government decision-makers and
practitioners to ensure that research is relevant, timely, and informed by
an understanding of government and practice.