Friends of Ruby is dedicated to the journey and well-being of 2SLGBTQIA+ youth, aged 16-29 through mental health services, social services, and housing. Friends of Ruby offers Youth Mental Health services, a Youth Drop-In Centre, and a Transitional Home. The Centre provides access to barrier-free counselling and therapeutic groups, case management and a drop-in space with hot meals, community, and comprehensive programming. The Home provides transitional and emergency housing, mental health, and life-skills to support youth moving towards independent living.    

Friends of Ruby recognize that a diverse work force is critical to accomplishing our mission. Our goal is to attract and develop incredibly talented individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing us to benefit from a wide variety of experiences and perspectives. We strongly encourage applicants from the 2SLGBTQIA+, Allies, BIPOC and ACB communities, and diverse backgrounds that meet the requirements of the role. 

Position Summary

The Research and Evaluation Coordinator plays a key role within the Strategic Initiatives department, reporting to the Director of Strategic Initiatives at Friends of Ruby. The primary responsibility is to collect, manage, analyze, and present organizational and programming data. This role emphasizes the creation and maintenance of robust systems to ensure accurate, complete, and timely data analysis of our programs to design and implement early interventions across organization.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with frontline staff and internal stakeholders to address data collection and reporting needs through practical solutions such as processes, forms, and reports.
• Manage youth researchers in conducting appreciative inquiry via institutional interviews with youth and external agencies to demonstrate program outcomes.
• Facilitate participatory group discussions for qualitative feedback collection.
• Engage in knowledge mobilization activities, including writing reports, planning public symposia/workshops, coordinating events, and creating data visualizations and documents.
• Utilize trauma-informed data collection methods aligned with anti-racism, anti-discrimination objectives, and community development principles.
• Perform administrative tasks, including scheduling, coordinating meetings/events, data entry, and communication.
• Document processes and workflows, enhance data management, and support program staff in implementing improvements.
• Manage, update, merge, and migrate data from various sources, automating processes where possible, to report on key metrics.
• Conduct back-end administration with client-related databases, collaborating with external vendors as needed.
• Collaborate with the Manager, Knowledge, and Design to develop impact measurement and evaluation systems for Friends of Ruby's programs and services.
• Synthesize quantitative and qualitative data into reports tailored to different audiences, including funding agencies, management, and leadership.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge, Skills and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Research & Policy Studies, Psychology, Social Work, Public Health) or bachelor’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
• Experience in data management, including monitoring data quality, analyzing data, interpreting results, and synthesizing reporting for program development.
• Expertise in designing and implementing primary qualitative and quantitative research methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups, facilitated group processes).
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g., logic statements, data validation, filtering, etc.).
• Experience cleaning datasets, conducting quality assurance, and establishing systems to improve data integrity.
• A champion for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion & ARAO, including but not limited to:
  • Ability to navigate and communicate effectively in diverse environments.
  • Understanding of the broader social and cultural contexts that impact DEI efforts.
  • Understanding of equity issues and a commitment to promoting fairness and equality.
  • Excellent communication skills with an emphasis on inclusive language.
• Proficient in summarizing and presenting data in various formats to diverse stakeholders.
• Quick learner with exceptional organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and attention-to-detail skills.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Experience in the non-profit or social services sector, particularly in housing and/or mental health.
• Experience with impact measurement and program evaluation.
• Lived experience as a member of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community will be preferred.
• Familiarity with project management and change management methodologies.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Additional Requirements:

• Satisfactory clearance under the Vulnerable Sector Police Check Program.
• Legal eligibility to work in Canada.
• Working on a hybrid model, 3 days per week onsite, in downtown Toronto. The current hybrid model may be subject to change, considering business needs and responsibilities.
• Flexible schedule to accommodate occasional organizational needs, including evening and/or weekend work.
• Ability to travel to other community-based settings as required.

Friends of Ruby is dedicated to fostering an inclusive selection process and work environment, guided by the Employment Equity Policies. If selected for an interview, please inform the People and Culture team of any accommodation you may require during the interview process.