Position Title: Manager – Engagement, Research & Policy

Position Type: 1.0 FTE

Reports to: Executive Director

Direct Reports: Engagement, Research, & Policy department; Business Development & Outreach Coordinator (co-managed with the Manager, Programs & Services)

Location: Alberta-based – Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, AAISA staff and volunteers will work remotely for the foreseeable future.

The Alberta Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (AAISA) is a non-profit umbrella organization representing agencies that provide resettlement, settlement, and integration services to newcomers in the province of Alberta. Since 1980, we have been working to build the sector’s capacity to better serve newcomers by fostering collaboration, professionalization, and member-driven research and policy work.

The Manager – Engagement, Research, & Policy works in a cross-functional role. This position is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of AAISA's strategic priorities related to engagement, research, and policy initiatives. The Manager will be responsible for the operational success of the Engagement, Research and Policy unit, ensuring seamless fiscal and team management, initiative and project delivery, quality control, and evaluation. The Manager works collaboratively to design, develop, implement, and assess strategies that will enact the vision of the organization in alignment with the latest strategic and business plans. This position will manage the performance of a growing staff team and is a key external contact for AAISA’s engagement, research, and policy initiatives in Alberta.

Roles and Responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Manager, Programs & Services to plan and implement projects and initiatives in realizing the vision and mission of AAISA as outlined in the current strategic plan
• Work with regional partners to identify systemic issues and priorities facing the settlement and integration sector and develop opportunities to collaboratively address them
• Play a leadership role in the development of policy that advances sector priorities identified through sector engagement, that target improved systems and service delivery
• Establish critical partnerships with wide-ranging stakeholders, including representatives from other umbrella organizations, funders, policy makers, as well as organizations and institutions outside the settlement sector
• Provide strategic direction and support to improvements in AAISA's services and supports to members
• Participate in the Strategic Stakeholder Engagement Committee of AAISA’s Board of Directors

Performance Management and Quality Assurance

• Work with the Management team and staff to create, implement, and update performance-based tools to establish consistent, objective performance standards of accountability relative to AAISA
• Work with the Management team to create support structure for all staff for their professional and career development
• Lead the development of outcomes measurement, impact practice strategies, and models for AAISA
• Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of AAISA’s measurement and evaluation projects
• Work with the leadership team to ensure evaluation and program information is consistent with funder reporting requirements

ENGAGEMENT, RESEARCH, AND POLICY

• Lead the development and management of AAISA's engagement initiatives
• Lead the development and management of AAISA research projects, including design, data collection, analysis, publication, and knowledge mobilization
• Based on results of research and engagement initiatives, lead responsive development and implementation of strategies to advance sector priorities to funders, policy makers, and other key stakeholders
• Lead AAISA's strategy around the National Settlement and Integration Council, including sector consultation, delegate preparation, analysis of proceedings, and reporting back to the sector
• Provide direction and oversight on all aspects of AAISA’s policy work
• Lead policy development, strategy, and planning for advocacy efforts
• Continually plan, assess, and evaluate initiatives and projects against the organization’s business plan, the identified needs of the sector, and funder reporting requirements
• Represent AAISA with regional and national organizations, coalitions, and committees

Administration and Team Management

• Develop and manage the unit budget and human resources
• Finalize and maintain project work plans and operational budgets
• Maintain adherence to AAISA policies and process among staff, contractors, and partners
• Lead the preparation of funding proposals, reports, and final statements to various funders and partners
• Prepare both written and oral materials (i.e., briefs, reports, presentations, and publications) for internal and external audiences
• Prepare annual and probationary performance reviews for all direct reports

Qualifications

• Post-secondary education in a related field
• Experience in a management or supervisory capacity
• Familiarity and/or experience with the settlement and integration sector as well as Canada’s immigration system is an asset
• Experience in project management, stakeholder engagement, research, and policy
• Experience in grant writing and fund development
• Post-secondary education in a related field
• French language fluency will be prioritized
• Highly motivated individual able to take initiative while maintaining alignment with team and organizational objectives
• Strong written and verbal communication
• Personable with strong relationship building skills
• Ability to work independently, while being a collaborative and communicative team member
• Adaptive and responsive in a dynamic work environment and with shifting priorities
• Experience working in the non-profit sector is an asset
• Experience working with WordPress, CRMs, Zoom, and the Microsoft Office suite including Teams and SharePoint
• Priority will be given to applicants with demonstrated experience working in remote environments

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter to by August 9, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found. Only candidates short-listed for interview will be contacted.

AAISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we work to sustain anti-discrimination and anti-racism practices in our workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression, age, physical or mental health, religion or beliefs, or any other status protected by law. Harassment or discrimination is not tolerated at AAISA. All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs.