Project Researcher & Evaluator

Reporting to the Project Manager, Mindful Campus Initiative, the Project Researcher & Evaluator is responsible for designing, developing, representing and implementing the research and evaluation framework for the Mindful Campus Initiative (MCI).  The Project Researcher & Evaluator also supports marketing, knowledge mobilization and storytelling agenda tailored to government and public audiences.

The Mindful Campus Initiative (MCI)—led by OCAD University—is an essential response to the mental health impact of the pandemic on post-secondary students. Implemented by a collaborative pan-Canadian network of post-secondary art and design schools and faculties—and in partnership with the Centre for Mindfulness Studies—MCI will lift the mental health and well-being of Canada’s post-secondary students, through a coherent set of prevention and promotion programs.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Scan existing evidence-informed practices drawing from comparable postsecondary education mindfulness models to advise on project implementation
• Design and develop an evaluation framework for MCI to be implemented at OCAD University (OCAD U) first, and then scaled to partner universities across Canada
• Design research instruments and conduct focus groups and needs assessments with OCAD U students (project participants) representing various social, cultural, economic, and mental health experiences and backgrounds
• Conduct research and write white papers on the Mindful Campus Initiative and related policy topics such as student and youth mental health, mindfulness in the arts, etc.
• Prepare and write project reporting
• Consult with various internal and external stakeholders to collate and analyze information relating to policy
• Research mindful campus university models and advise on best practices
• Support the Project Manager in other related duties, as assigned

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary degree in evaluation, or equivalent, with a minimum of three (3) years of related experience as an evaluator, researcher, and writer
• Exceptional writing, copywriting, and proofreading skills with strong knowledge of the Canadian Press style, demonstrated attention to detail, and strong oral communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to write research reports, develop evaluation frameworks and implement evaluation tools
• Knowledge of, or experience in, Mindfulness Based initiatives an asset
• Exceptional writing, copywriting, and proofreading skills, demonstrated attention to detail, and strong oral communication skills
• Proposal and reporting writing experience at an institute of higher education or not-for-profit
• Demonstrated ability to communicate a variety of complex topics and to handle difficult subject matter with tact and diplomacy, as well as the ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to work on multifaceted projects concurrently and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment
• Excellent technical computing skills as they relate to research management and research practice, including the ability to create accessible documents and forms and manage Excel spreadsheets
• Strong interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to work as a member of a team and to provide a high degree of customer service
• Organizational and time management skills to coordinate project deliverables and meet critical deadlines
• Research, analytical and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrated experience in writing materials to meet AODA requirements, familiarity with AODA requirements and standards for writing accessible materials; demonstrated ability to create accessible PDFs is an asset
• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity and diversity, and experience promoting a respectful work and learning environment for students, staff and faculty

Compensation: $29.76 to $34.05 per hour commensurate with experience, plus 4% vacation pay and 7% in lieu of benefits. The successful incumbent has the option of pay in lieu or enrollment in benefits

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, for a total of 35 hours per week. This is a temporary contract expected to continue until March 31, 2024.

The incumbent in this role will be expected to report to work on campus.

Please review the OCAD University’s Safety Measures for all up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 protocols.

OCAD University’s vaccine mandate will be in abeyance until further notice. However, to ensure continuity of teaching, learning and campus activities throughout the year, the University expects all students, staff and faculty to maintain up-to-date vaccination records.

Application Deadline: The review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position has been filled.