Research Manager

RESEARCH MANAGER

About WomanACT

WomanACT works collaboratively to eradicate violence against women and advance gender equity through community mobilization, coordination, research, policy, and education.

About the Position

The Research Manager supervises and supports research activities across

WomanACT's initiatives, including conducting desk research, collecting and analyzing data, and finalizing written materials such as literature reviews, briefs, reports, presentations, and infographics. Research areas include housing, economic security, women's safety, and other topics related to gender-based violence. This position plays a critical role in ensuring WomanACT's work is evidence-based and contributes to knowledge mobilization in the sector.

The Research Manager works in close partnership with the Training & Education Manager, the Manager of Public Policy, Advocacy and Communications, and the WomanACT in the Workplace Manager to ensure that WomanACT’s educational programming, policy recommendations, external publications and workplace offerings are grounded in rigorous, current evidence, and that insights from training and workplace delivery feed back into the research agenda.

Primary Responsibilities

1.- Research Leadership

• Oversee and support research design and planning, including identifying and engaging stakeholders
• Oversee and conduct primary and secondary research, including communitybased research activities
• Oversee and support women with lived experience and their inclusion in WomanACT community-based research activities.
• Lead literature reviews on topics related to gender-based violence, housing, economic security, and women's safety
• Design and implement research methodologies, including interviews, focus groups, and surveys
• Conduct interviews with service providers and survivors (as appropriate)
• Perform quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Conduct desk research on various issues related to gender-based violence
• Ensure research activities adhere to ethical standards and best practices
• Supervise junior research staff, providing mentorship, guidance, and support to ensure effective performance and professional development

2.- Knowledge Mobilization and Dissemination

• Review and edit written materials, infographics, articles, letters, and social media content
• Develop and implement knowledge mobilization activities to ensure research findings reach relevant audiences
• Translate complex research findings into accessible formats for diverse stakeholders
• Support the development of research-informed educational materials and training content
• Coordinate the production and dissemination of research reports, briefs, and other publications
• Present research findings at conferences, meetings, and community events

3.- Collaboration and Support

• Collaborate with the Manager of Public Policy, Advocacy and Communications to ensure research outputs inform WomanACT policy positions, advocacy, and government relations, and that emerging policy priorities shape the research agenda.
• Collaborate with the Training and Education Manager to ensure curriculum, learning materials, and training delivery are evidence-based and reflect current research on gender-based violence.
• Collaborate with the WomanACT in the Workplace Manager to ground workplace training, employer-facing resources, and fee-for-service products in rigorous research, and to translate insights from workplace engagements into ongoing research priorities.
• Support virtual meetings and training, including agenda setting, minute taking, facilitation, and evaluation
• Provide technical and resource support to WomanACT General Members, Standing Committees, and Ad-Hoc Committees for research-related activities
• Liaise with external partners, research institutions, and contractors as needed
• Collaborate with other staff members, as appropriate, in executing assigned tasks
• Support the management, training, and supervision of research volunteers and interns

4.- General Responsibilities

• Understand, support, and act in alignment with the Mission, Vision, and Values of WomanACT
• Integrate a feminist, anti-racist, and anti-oppression lens into all research initiatives and broader organizational work
• Build and maintain productive, professional relationships with team colleagues, the board, committee members, contractors, funders, partners, and the public in general.
• Maintain regular, open communication with senior leadership and across the team, sharing ideas, expertise, and differences constructively
• Contribute to proposal development, grant writing, and broader fundraising efforts, with particular focus on research-focused funding applications
• Support the implementation of WomanACT's evaluation strategy, key performance measures, program progress reports, and work plans
• Maintain appropriate records and research documentation
• Identify and help mitigate organizational risks
• Participate in WomanACT-wide events such as press conferences, the Annual General Meeting, and other special initiatives
• Demonstrate openness to new ideas, adaptability to change, and commitment to ongoing personal and professional development
• Other duties as required by the Director of Programs or Executive Director

Education and Experience

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Women's Studies, Public Policy, or related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
• Minimum 3-5 years of research experience, preferably in the violence against women sector or social services
• Strong knowledge of gender-based violence, feminist research methodologies, and anti-oppression frameworks
• Demonstrated experience in both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills
• Strong writing and editing skills with ability to produce clear, accessible research outputs
• Experience with research ethics protocols and working with vulnerable populations
• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, or similar)
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Assets

• Experience conducting community-based participatory research
• Knowledge of Ontario's violence against women coordinated response system
• Experience with knowledge mobilization and research dissemination strategies
• Publication record in peer-reviewed journals or sector publications
• Experience supervising research staff or students
• Bilingual (English/French) or multilingual abilities
• Experience with program evaluation

Salary Range $65,000-$70,000

Our benefits:

• Group Extended Health Benefits Plan
• Personal And Well-Being Days
• Employer Pension Plan
• Two Weeks Paid Vacation.
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Collaborative And Supportive Work Environment
• Meaningful work contributing to gender equity and ending violence against women
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful research that informs policy and practice

Hours of Work: This position is full-time (35 hours/week).

Position Type: Indefinite

Location: Hybrid - Successful candidates will be required to work both from our office at 1652 Keele Street and remotely from home in Ontario, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability in their work arrangements.

Start Date: The expected start date for this position is July 1st, 2026. Resumes will be accepted on a rolling basis until the right candidate is found. Assessments and interviews will be held as resumes are received.

How to Apply

To apply:

• Please send a cover letter, resume, and a writing sample (i.e. research report, policy brief, or academic article) in one document, saved using the below order:

LastName_Name_2026 Research_Manager. (i.e. Doe_Jane_2026 Research_Manager)

• Please ensure you add “Research Manager Application” in the subject line to the Hiring Committee at info@womanact.ca

We thank all candidates for their interest; only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone or email enquiries please.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

WomanACT is committed to access and equity for all women. We welcome and encourage women from Indigenous, racialized, immigrant, refugee and other equity-seeking groups to apply.

Please note that WomanACT welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.