Volunteer Research Assistant

To apply, Please send cover letter and resume to Annie Oh (she/her), Research and Evaluation Coordinator: aoh@rootsofempathy.org and include ‘Volunteer Research Assistant’ in the subject line of the email.

Roots of Empathy's mission is to build caring, peaceful, and civil societies through the development of empathy in children and adults.

The Roots of Empathy organization, which was founded in 1996, has been singled out nationally and internationally as an exemplar of social innovation. This made-in-Canada, not-for-profit organization offers programs to children that are based on empathy as the lever which reduces aggression and builds social inclusion. The organization has two programs - the flagship program, Roots of Empathy, which is for elementary school children, and Seeds of Empathy, which is for three to five year olds in early childhood centres. Independent research since 2000 shows that the programs reduce aggression, including bullying, and dramatically increase children’s social and emotional intelligence.

For further information, please visit: www.rootsofempathy.org

The Opportunity – Volunteer Research Assistant

The Volunteer Research Assistant is responsible for assisting the Research Team to facilitate the internal evaluation process of national and international Roots of Empathy programs.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Scan, organize, and categorize student artwork and feedback received from Roots of Empathy programs.
• Help maintain clear records of submitted artwork and feedback materials.
• Identify meaningful quotes from feedback surveys that reflect the organization’s goals, values, and program impact.
• Support the organization of qualitative feedback for program evaluation reports.
• Assist with basic data entry, file organization, and other research or administrative tasks as needed.
• Attend research meetings as required.
• Attend the office at least once a week to assist with scanning and organizing physical materials.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Currently pursuing or graduated from a post-secondary degree in a social science discipline (e.g., psychology, sociology, education, social work) or equivalent qualification/work experience.
• Strong clerical, organizational, and computer skills.
• A strong understanding and belief in the mission, goals and values of the Roots of Empathy organization.
• Previous research or administrative experience (preferred).
• Knowledge and experience in child development (preferred).

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability and willingness to collaborate with colleagues from other departments.
• Excellent time management, organizational skills and attention to details.
• Ability to work independently and diligently while meeting deadlines.
• Analytical and problem solving skills.

Please note that a minimum 7.5 hours per week is required for this role

This volunteer role requires attendance at the office at least once a week, with the remainder of the work able to be completed remotely.

Location: Roots of Empathy Head Office, Toronto, Ontario

Please send cover letter and resume to Annie Oh (she/her), Research and Evaluation Coordinator: aoh@rootsofempathy.org and include ‘Volunteer Research Assistant’ in the subject line of the email.

Roots of Empathy is an equal opportunity employer and is fully compliant with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

We thank all applicants for their responses. Only those who have been selected for an interview will be contacted.