Director of Partnerships and Research

JOB DESCRIPTION | Director of Partnerships and Research

The Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The CRRF is Canada’s leading agency dedicated to eliminating racial discrimination and promoting harmonious race relations. Its mission is “to facilitate throughout Canada the development, sharing and application of knowledge and expertise in order to contribute to the elimination of racism and all forms of racial discrimination in Canadian society.

Position Summary

Job title: Director of Partnerships and Research

Job classification: Non-Unionized

Status: 2-year contract with the possibility of extension

Hours: Full time

Hours of work: Daytime hours

Ability to travel and attend weekend, early morning and evening meetings required

Work environment: CRRF office, 6 Garamond Court, Toronto, Ontario

Working from home during the Pandemic while the office is closed

Salary Range: The hiring salary range for the position is from $90,000 to $110,000 commensurate with experience and qualifications. CRRF offers a comprehensive benefit package which includes three weeks of vacation, 4% of annual income towards RRSP plan, and life, disability, medical and dental care insurance.

Probationary Period:180 days.

I. Position title: Director of Partnerships and Research

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director of Partnerships and Research is a member of the Senior Leadership Team for the Canadian Race Relations Foundation and provides leadership in setting strategic direction. The Director is responsible for cultivating partnerships with community organizations to provide supports through grants and collaborative ventures. In addition, the Director will oversee the public policy work of the organization, and oversee the research and advocacy work of the organization in collaboration with the Director of Communications and the Executive Director. The Director is also responsible for nurturing strategic relations with corporations, unions, and other organizations in support of the fundraising goals of the CRRF.

II Reports to: Executive Director

III. Supervises: up to 4 staff

IV. Job Summary:

To direct, manage and evaluate the activities and operations of the Partnerships, Research and Public Policy unit and take the leadership role in implementing and delivering programs and activities so as to meet the mandate and further the strategic goals of CRRF.

V. Job Duties and Responsibilities:

1. General Management

• Design, conceptualize and plan the Foundation’s research, granting, and public policy activities, taking into consideration the mandate, mission, goals and priorities of the Foundation
• Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of the operation of the unit; identify opportunities for improvement and direct the implementation of changes
• Ensure successful delivery of CRRF programs and projects, including but not limited to,
• Provide relevant and timely report and/or updates as required (Board meetings,Committee meetings, Annual Report, Newsletter and report in compliance with the Multiculturalism Act)
• Provide input and support to planning and presentations at Board meetings and community events
• Manage and develop subordinates including hiring, orientation, training, professional development and evaluation to ensure impact of the highest, cost effective quality, accountability and integrity
• Provide timely and regular updates on all relevant events and activities for publication in the newsletter and/or on the CRRF website

2. Research

• Oversee the Directions Journal
• Co-ordinate, monitor progress and maintain contact with researchers – facilitate review of final papers through Research Advisory Panel
• Recommend formats for announcing research findings through appropriate platforms
• Maintain currency with emerging race relations issues from research findings, users summary reports, community consultations and other sources
• Identify topics for potential commissioned research
• Develop and implement a marketing plan for Directions; and manage publishing of this journal
• Oversee and manage research staff

3.   Public Policy

• In collaboration with the Director of Outreach and Programs identify emerging public policy engagement opportunities for the Foundation.
• Create briefs on upcoming legislation and community groups involved
• Provide advice to the Executive Director on potential advocacy partners
• In collaboration with the regional staff, create community tables to address local public policy initiatives.
• Oversee and manage public policy staff

4.  Fundraising and Development

• Working with the Executive Director, maintaining strong relationships with corporations, unions and other organizations for potential sponsorships
• Develop a corporate fundraising plan
• Oversee and manage fundraising staff

5.  Partnerships

• Oversee the Foundations Partnership programs, such as with community organizations, universities, research firms and others.
• Coordinate with the Director of Communications on marketing and strategic communications in relationships with partnerships.
• Contribute to planning and provide support to CRRF’s participation in international and domestic conferences

6.  Others

• Function as a member of the Management Team to address management issues as they arise
• Liaise with all appropriate committees, facilitate meetings and serve as committee secretary when assigned
• Contribute to the development of strategic planning and annual budget
• Prepare special position papers, reports for the Executive Director and/or for publication by CRRF
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned

VI.  Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Attributes:

• Graduate degree or undergraduate degree with demonstrated experience of research and public policy matters
• High levels of understanding of public opinion research
• Minimum five years management experience, particularly in program development, contract and project management.
• Minimum three years supervisory experience
• Knowledge and understanding of public policy and legislative issues related to systemic and episodic discrimination, race relations, prejudice and hate crime
• Ability to analyze, create plans for and implement strategic solutions and related goals
• Ability to supervise and train assigned staff including organizing, prioritizing, and scheduling work assignments.
• Excellent planning, interpersonal, organizational and problem solving skills
• Strong computer skills
• Proficiency in French is an asset but not necessary

Personal Attributes:

• Ability to work independently and in a team
• Resourceful and able to adapt and manage changes
• Trustworthy, discreet
• Sound judgment
• Able to take initiative; proactive
• Thorough, reliable and accurate
• Able to work under pressure and meet deadlines

You must meet all the essential qualifications in order to be appointed to the position. Other qualifications may be a deciding factor in choosing the person to be appointed. Some essential and other qualifications will be assessed through your application process.

Proof of Canadian residency or citizenship, education, and three references from your previous supervisor and coworkers will be requested if you are considered for the position.

Contact Information

To find out more about the CRRF and this job opportunity, please visit our website at www.crrf-fcrr.ca

Interested Canadian candidates are asked to submit their curriculum vitae with a cover letter

and availability date till May 27, 2021, 5PM to:

Arsalan Tavassoli MA, CPA
Director, Finance and Administration
Canadian Race Relations Foundation

By email: [email protected] 

While all responses will be appreciated and handled in the strictest confidence, only those being considered for interviews will be acknowledged.