Research Analyst

WHO WE AREThrough the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our mission is to work with others to empower people to move from poverty to cultural, social, and economic prosperity. We empower people to meet their own basic daily needs, participate in community and have sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, feel hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision. Are you a Computer Science or Information Technology professional looking to make an impact in your community? Do you have endless optimism, ready to move and create change in the community? Through the vision to eliminate poverty in our community and guided by a passionate concern for the dignity and well-being of each individual, Bissell Centre’s work is based on building relationships, hope and trust. Our community comes from all walks of life and so do we. Through our programs we work to empower people from meeting their own basic daily needs to having sustainable livelihoods, secure housing, and feeling hope for the future and make plans for a prosperous life. By joining Bissell Centre, you will become part of a fast-paced and dedicated team that works together to realize our vision.

Currently, Bissell Centre is looking for an individual wanting to join our Analysis & Evaluation team. Are you ready to be our Research Analyst and make an impact in our community?

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Research Analyst will conduct research and evaluations at Bissell Centre. This position will work to analyze our existing dataset, inform evaluative processes and communicate findings to improve service delivery and ultimately participant outcomes. This multifaceted role bridges technical data science with high-level stakeholder engagement and storytelling. Beyond core research, the Analyst is responsible for navigating complex agency databases, supporting grant applications and funder reporting, and fostering a culture of data literacy. By aligning internal data insights with Edmonton’s broader strategic frameworks, this position ensures that every finding is both ethically sound and operationally actionable.

This role will incorporate the goals of the Strategic Plan into the following : research coordination, program evaluation, communications and capacity building.

Duties and Responsibilities

Research Design & Program Evaluation Evaluation design, selecting the most appropriate qualitative and quantitative methods to answer the central question(s)

Outline and implement research projects to address knowledge gaps for Bissell Centre and the sector

Instrument design, including survey creation, interview planning, data extraction and reporting from agency databases.

Maintain, compile and analyze and disseminate agency findings and reports

Undertake literature reviews to determine external knowledge relevant to internal projects

Data collection, including conducting interviews, focus groups, surveys, etc.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis Systems, Reporting & Sustainability Support funder reporting and grant applications by providing high-quality data, evaluative evidence, and technical narratives.

Develop a deep functional knowledge of all Bissell Centre databases to facilitate advanced data extraction and the creation of custom reports.

Design, development, and maintenance of Power BI dashboards to visualize and drive data-informed decision-making.

Build staff capacity by designing technical training materials and providing ongoing support for internal data systems and reporting tools.

Provide administrative support and coordinate special projects as required to ensure the efficient operation of the department.

Other duties and projects as required Research Coordination and Engagement Ensure all data handling activities across the organization are done to a rigorous ethical standard

Build and maintain strong research-based relationships with external agencies and partners

Represent the organization at industry events and conferences to expand the network and identify new opportunities.

Collaborate with external agencies to develop joint initiatives and share best practices.

Foster a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing within the organization Knowledge Translation Build a compelling narrative around data insights using storytelling techniques to engage stakeholders and help them understand the significance of findings

Use data visualization tools such as charts, graphs, and infographics to help illustrate findings and make them accessible to various audiences

Create actionable recommendations based on insights from analysis and evaluation.

Build staff capacity around evaluation and research method Qualifications Research-focused university degree in the relevant field of studies, preferably a field with a quantitative focus (i.e., Statistics, Mathematics, Urban Planning, Public Health, Public Policy, Economics, Epidemiology, Sociology, etc.). Experienced applicants with bachelor’s degrees will be considered, applicants with masters degrees will be prioritized.

A minimum of 2 years of experience (depending on the level of education) in conducting research projects and program evaluations, analyzing data using descriptive and advanced statistical methods, and communicating findings to various public and senior level audiences

Ability to build and evaluate statistical models using relevant software and tools (e.g. STATA, SAS, Power BI, R or Python)

Experience in qualitative research methods such as grounded theory, ethnography, action research, and case study

Experience with Indigenous research methodologies and Indigenous ways of knowing is an asset

Excellent writing and communication skills to condense information and prepare recommendations

Strong networking skills including a proven track record in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with internal stakeholders and external partners

In depth understanding of ethical information stewardship practices required; familiarity with applicable Alberta privacy legislation (FOIP, PIPA, HIA) an asset

Familiarity with End Poverty Edmonton’s Road Map, and with “A Place to Call Home : Edmonton’s Updated Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness” is an asset Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Software Usage Proficiency : Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Office, Power BI, STATA, SAS, R, or Python capability

Sector Knowledge an Asset : Familiarity with issues of poverty and Edmonton’s urban core and knowledge of relevant community and government resources

Professionalism : Ability to portray a superior level of professionalism and adhere to a strict policy of confidentiality

Entrepreneurial and Self-motivated : Capable of demonstrating independence and entrepreneurialism.

Communication Skills : An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills

Service and Results Oriented : Is focused on developing and delivering high quality, effective programs and services to staff

Analytical and Decision-Making Skills : Strong conceptual and analytical skills, with the ability to recognize as well as assess emerging issues and situations objectively, think creatively outside the box, and make sound decisions; is decisive and accountable

Organizational and Project Management Skills : Has strong organization and process skills; meets deadlines; is able to prioritize a diverse workload and manage multiple projects at once; has keen attention to detail, accuracy and quality

Leadership and Management Skills : Has strong leadership and management skills; clear ability to think, plan, and act strategically; is a team leader and a team player; leads by example; able to empower employees to achieve their best

Interpersonal and Relationship Building Skills : Approachable, with the ability to build trust and respect, cultivate strong positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders Change Management Skills : Personal capacity to adapt to change, lead competently through change, and make strategic adjustments to address changing needs

Conditions of Work The role is primarily remote, with an expected office presence of 5% to 25% and can vary based on collaborative sessions.

Flexibility of the working day is inherent in the position. The workload fluctuates. Personal Characteristics

The Employee should demonstrate competence in all of the following : Behave Ethically : Understand ethical behavior and business practices and ensure own behavior is consistent with these standards and aligns with the mission and core values of Bissell Centre.

Build Relationships : Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, both internally and externally, to achieve the goals of the organization.

Communicate Effectively : Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.

Focus on Participant Needs : Anticipate, understand, and respond to the needs of participants and the community to meet or exceed their expectations within the organizational parameters.

Foster Teamwork : Foster, sustain and role model productive team management practices, and contribute to a positive team environment. Share expertise and knowledge to support, coach and develop others.

Make Decisions : Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency and risks, and make clear decisions that are timely and in the best interests of the organization.

Organizational Skills : Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details / data / information / activities.

Plan : Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create and implement action plans, and evaluate the process and results.

Solve Problems : Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and / or resolve the problem. Screening Requirements Criminal Record Check

CWIS Check Training Requirements Conflict into Calm Training

Other required training may be identified as required