Research Manager

Description:

The Research Manager is a self-motivated individual who is able to lead the planning, development and implementation of co-design initiatives from inception to completion. The Research Manager understands and applies best practices in co-design for research, education and practice, bringing together diverse experts in the field and those with lived experience. This role will collaborate closely with RIA researchers, RIA team members, external partners, and those with lived experience to support the effective development and guidance of co-design to improve the quality of life and care of older adults. 

The role will support RIA’s vision, mission, and values as well as have an interest and passion for enhancing quality of life and care for older adults and those who care for them.

Key Accountabilities

Co-Design: Provide leadership to the development, adoption and implementation of RIA’s co-design strategy based on best practices and principles in alignment with RIA’s strategic plan. Understand, develop and apply co-design strategies to initiatives that reflect the needs of the target audience and increase the uptake and impact of initiatives. Synthesize diverse content, expertise, and recommendations to ensure concise and consolidated content development to meet the needs of the target audience. Provide strategic oversight to the co-design working group and the development and delivery of co-design resources that support co-design with older adults and care partners in research, education and practice.
Project Management: Develop and implement work plans, manage day-to-day operations, develop budgets and monitor expenses, and ensure that all project timelines and objectives are achieved. Responsible for various initiative activities, funding applications, partner engagement, ethics applications, recruitment, data collection, interviews, workshop planning, developing recommendations, working with a team to achieve objectives. Document and maintain files to maximize information sharing.
Partner Engagement: Liaise and build strong relationships with multiple external partners including those with lived experience. Engage with key partners to identify needs within co-design in alignment with RIA’s strategic plan. Facilitate discussion and foster consensus decision making to move project decisions forward. Participate in external committees, working groups, communities of practice, and projects as required. 
Teamwork: Work collaboratively with RIA team members including the research team to meet organizational, program, and project goals by facilitating the adoption of a co-design framework. Share knowledge and best practices across the organization. Provide leadership and mentorship to support staff and/or casual staff as part of our pooled-resource staffing model. 
Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills for engagement with the RIA team and external partners, in the development of co-design practice and policy, presenting, chairing meetings, and report writing. Ability to communicate with diverse partners, including researchers, clinicians, community organizations, older adults, people with lived experience and their care partners. Pro-actively and regularly communicate with the project teams and leadership including obstacles and challenges as they arise. Document and maintain project files to maximize information sharing and to facilitate practice change. 
Other: Take on a variety of RIA projects and activities, as they arise.

Position Requirements 

Education: 

University degree in social sciences, public health, or health services research. 

Training or equivalent experience in research methods, evaluation and/or knowledge mobilization typically obtained through a Master’s degree or a research apprenticeship role.

Skills and Experience:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in co-design and relationship-building with various partners including researchers, clinicians and people with lived experience, specifically older adults and their care partners.
A minimum of 5 years of experience in project management, including project planning, management, budgeting and evaluation.
A minimum of 3 years of experience in a research setting, with an understanding of basic research methodologies and practices including recruitment, ethical consent, interview experience, as well as quantitative and qualitative analysis. 
Experience with facilitating consensus making discussion and fostering ongoing relationships with partners. 
Experience with report writing and communicating/presentation project findings.
Experience using various systems/technologies (CRMs, customized databases, and other platforms) to optimize project outcomes.
Understanding of co-design theories and best practices, and have experience developing and disseminating co-designed knowledge mobilization resources, tools and products.
Ability to work in a collaborative team environment.
Ability to adapt to changes and manage competing priorities.
Self-starter with a proactive attitude who can anticipate needs with strong organizational skills.
Experience and fluency using Microsoft and Google Workspace products.
Fluent in English. Fluency in French is an asset but not required.
Must have a valid driver’s license and be available for occasional travel.
Eligible to obtain a police background/criminal record check.