Research & Program Coordinator

The Region of Durham is committed to advancing equity, diversity and inclusion within our organization and the communities we serve. We welcome and encourage applications from people who are Indigenous, racialized persons, women, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2S+ communities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of our workforce, including those who experience systemic barriers.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code, accommodation will be provided throughout the recruitment process upon request, based on any Code-protected ground.

Number of Available positions:

Vacancies: One (01). Located at Regional Headquarters, Whitby, Ontario.

Research & Program Coordinator

Reporting to the Manager, Innovation, the Research and Program Coordinator leads research, evaluation, and analysis to support innovation-related decision-making across Regional departments. The role designs and conducts qualitative and quantitative research, develops evaluation frameworks, tools, maintains data systems, and translates insights into strategic reports and recommendations. It also leads the CityStudio Durham program and supports innovation in Regional service delivery. The Incumbent will:

• Lead the administration, operations, partnership coordination, and continued growth of the CityStudio Durham program.
• Build and steward partnerships with academic institutions and other external partners to coordinate applied research, evaluation, and innovation initiatives, connecting projects to relevant evidence, data, and emerging trends.
• Coordinate and guide cross-functional staff, students, faculty, and partners in collaborative research and innovation projects, ensuring alignment, quality, and timely delivery.
• Design, develop, and maintain secure, organized, and accessible data repositories, databases, and retrieval systems to support trusted analysis and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Advance continuous improvement in data collection, management, analysis, evaluation, and analytics by identifying, testing, and applying emerging methods, tools, and technologies.
• Use advanced statistical, qualitative, and visualization tools to analyze and interpret complex data, develop actionable insights, and support program, policy, and investment decisions.
• Provide strategic research, evaluation, and data consultation to Regional departments, advising on methodology, measurement, data collection, analysis, ethics, and knowledge translation.
• Lead or support the design and implementation of program measurement and evaluation frameworks, and build organizational capacity by providing guidance, training, and facilitation to management and staff.
• Support knowledge mobilization by developing tools, resources, and pathways that enable the exchange and application of research, evaluation, and innovation insights across the Corporation and with academic and community partners.

The successful applicant will possess:

• A four year Honours Bachelors Degree in Social Science, Science and Research or equivalent discipline or equivalent combination of education and experience 
• Several years of relevant experience conducting complex research, evaluation, measurement, and analytical work, including experience operating independently across multiple stakeholders or service areas.
• Advanced project and work-planning knowledge, including the ability to lead complex, multi-phase initiatives, coordinate contributors, manage risks, and deliver high-quality outputs under broad direction.
• Experience with program coordination, partnership development, and innovation methods such as systems mapping, problem framing, facilitation, co-design, prototyping, and testing.
• Demonstrated expertise in evidence-informed decision-making, advanced research and evaluation methods, database management, research ethics, and critical appraisal, including the ability to design defensible methodologies and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Proven ability in advanced analysis, critical thinking about causality, and synthesizing quantitative, qualitative, operational, and contextual evidence to support sound judgment and decision-making.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and analytical tools such as Excel, Power BI, and related research, visualization, and collaboration platforms; knowledge of accessible document practices and data management principles is required.
• Strong computer skills leveraging innovative and emerging technologies that support research, analytics, knowledge mobilization, and innovation, including generative AI and digital collaboration tools.
• Familiarity with municipal and regional public sector and post-secondary systems, policies, programs, services, and governance structures, with the ability to work effectively across diverse service contexts.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, briefings, and presentations, explain complex concepts clearly, and communicate sensitive findings with tact and discretion to diverse audiences. 
• A proactive attitude toward improving services through equity-informed learning.
• Highly developed interpersonal, facilitation, and relationship-management skills, with the ability to build trust, guide collaborative work, and navigate difficult or sensitive discussions with internal and external partners.
• Proven time-management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, respond to shifting priorities, work independently, and contribute effectively as both a team member and a project lead.
• Business skills include writing business cases, preparing funding applications, and drafting research agreements.
• A valid Ontario Class G Drivers License and access to a vehicle.

CUPE 1764 Salary Grade 9

This position is with Salary Grade 9 and will be paid at the following hourly rates:

- Start: $55.63 - Six Month: $58.72 - Job: $61.81

Conditions of Employment

All applicants are expected to comply with the Region of Durham's Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct Policies throughout the recruitment process. Proof of education, qualifications and any other job bona fide requirements will be required prior to start date.

External Application Process

Come find a home where exciting and rewarding careers are balanced with your lifestyle. We thank all applicants; however, only those being considered will be contacted. Please apply online () no later than midnight (Eastern Standard Time) on the closing date indicated on the Job Posting.

The Region of Durham is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If contacted for an employment opportunity and you require accommodation, or if this information is required in an accessible format, please contact us at: View email address on ca.talent.com and a Recruiter will provide appropriate assistance pursuant to the Region's Accommodation and Accessibility policies. Please note that resumes should not be sent to View email address on ca.talent.com .


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The Region of Durham may utilize artificial intelligence to assist in the preliminary assessment of applicant qualifications and submitted materials. These tools are used for the purpose of supporting and enhancing an evaluation by a human decision-maker and any information provided by AI to a human decision-maker is not determinative. Final decisions are made solely by authorized human decision-makers.