Summary
Description
Are you a bold, curious, and impact-driven researcher ready to lead cutting-edge work that informs real change? We’re looking for a strategic and skilled Head of Research to drive our organization’s research agenda. In this role, you'll turn big questions into actionable insights, and forge partnerships across sectors—from academia to government. If you’re passionate about research and believe it should inspire and move communities forward — we want to hear from you.
About Us
At the Calgary Food Bank our mission is “to make food accessible to everyone in our city”. Our core belief that no one in our community should go without food continues to serve as our guiding principle for our future. We are the first line of emergency food support for people facing crisis serving over 100,000 individuals per year and growing. Always client centered and community focused, the Calgary Food Bank is committed to excellence in both our operations and culture.
The Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to shape the research agenda of an organization deeply committed to evidence-based impact and community engagement. As the Head of Research, you will drive critical inquiries aligned with the Calgary Food Bank’s strategic pillars, from concept to dissemination. You'll be an advocate for innovation and change, ensuring findings are communicated widely and effectively — supporting everything from internal decision-making to public education.
Reporting to the President and CEO, you’ll guide a talented research team and collaborate with external partners—from non-profits and universities to government bodies. In addition to directing the organization’s broader research strategy, you’ll also oversee program evaluation. This is a leadership role that combines strategic thinking with research rigor.
What You’ll Do:
- Define and champion the organization’s research priorities to support its broader impact and strategic pillars.
- Manage end-to-end research projects, including pitching ideas to leadership, formulating research questions, designing methodologies, collecting and analyzing data, managing internal teams and external collaborators, and sharing findings.
- Supervise and mentor a team of researchers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment and supporting ongoing professional development.
- Build and sustain partnerships with a range of stakeholders, including non-profits, academic institutions, and government agencies such as Statistics Canada.
- Collaborate with the Communications team to translate research into accessible insights for external stakeholders, including media engagement and public-facing outputs.
- Oversee program evaluation efforts in partnership with the Program Evaluation Analyst, ensuring alignment with the organization’s Theory of Change.
- Respond to data requests from both internal teams (e.g., impact reporting) and external stakeholders, ensuring timely and accurate data sharing.
What You Bring:
Education and Experience
- Graduate degree (minimum Master’ level, doctorate preferred) in social sciences, statistics, economics, health sciences, policy studies or related field, with expertise in food insecurity.
- Minimum five years of experience of conceptualizing, conducting and supervising research projects.
- Experience of conducting projects involving multiple stakeholders, including academic and community partners, and managing those relationships.
- Track record of publications.
- Experience of engaging with the media.
Skills and Capabilities
- Formal research training (graduate degree).
- Proficient with various computer systems and software programs, including the Microsoft Suite, Qualtrics (or other online survey platforms), Salesforce (or other CRMs), R (or other programming language), MaxQDA (or equivalent software for analyzing qualitative data).
- Strong written skills for literature reviews, journal articles and reports.
- Strong public speaking skills for internal and external presentations and media interviews.
- Research ethics and data security sensitivity.
- Strong interpersonal, teamwork and relationship building skills to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all partners.
- Project management and experience of managing teams.
- Satisfactory Criminal Record check.
Working Conditions
- Work is primarily conducted in a mixed warehouse and retail-like environment.
- Occasional evening and weekend shifts may be required for operational needs.
- Must be comfortable working in a fast-paced environment.
The Impact You’ll Make:
This role sits at the heart of how we learn, adapt, and lead. As the steward of our research and evaluation work, you'll be at the forefront of shaping how our organization understands its work, measures its impact, and contributes to broader conversations in the sector. With the freedom to explore bold ideas, collaborate with thought leaders, and translate complex findings into action, this role offers a rare blend of intellectual challenge and tangible community impact. Whether you’re collaborating with national partners or helping internal teams better understand their impact, your work will fuel change at every level.
Perks & Benefits:
- A competitive compensation and benefit package (Extended health, dental, insurance) and Health and Personal Spending Accounts
- 8% RRSP matching program
- Board approved performance bonuses
- Flexible work hours including hybrid options
- On-site gym
- Staff Development Days throughout the year
Be Part of What’s Next:
If you’re passionate about driving change through research, eager to collaborate across disciplines, and ready to lead work that matters—this is your moment. Join a mission-driven team that values curiosity, integrity, and community impact. We’re excited to welcome a leader who’s not just looking for a role, but for a purpose. Bring your ideas, your questions, and your voice. Let’s build something powerful—together.
Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume by July 9, 2025. We thank all applicants for their interest; suitable applicants will be contacted for further discussion and/or interview.
