Research Advisor chez City of Edmonton

The City of Edmonton is looking for an experienced and innovative Research Advisor to join the Corporate Research team. Working with Senior Research Advisors, the Manager of Corporate Research, and other colleagues in the Integrated Communication section at the office of the Chief Communications Office, you will provide support for many exciting and innovative public opinion research projects across the corporation.

Your responsibilities will encompass research planning, questionnaire design, online survey programming, data cleaning/coding, quantitative and qualitative analysis, reporting, and supporting presentations. These contributions are essential for gathering valuable input from Edmontonians, which directly informs decision-making by city officials and elected representatives.

You will also support the team in investigating and pilot testing new tools for public opinion research data collection, analysis, and reporting, including AI-powered analytical tools.

What will you do?

• Support the design of research plans to all business areas on all market research and public opinion research studies across the organization
• Support the development of research instruments such as questionnaires and discussion guides.
• Conduct data validation and analysis, develop research reports and presentations, as well as execute secondary research, as required
• Provide statistical analysis and/ or thematic coding and analysis when required
• Support the management and maintenance of the corporate survey tools and online survey panel, the Edmonton Insight Community.
• Work closely with research vendors to undertake research studies as required. Liaise with external partners within the professional research community and industry associations
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships across the corporation; carry out responsibilities with respect and inclusiveness
• Ensure research unit is aligning with the City of Edmonton’s public engagement strategies, policies and goals
• Investigate emerging and innovative research tools being used in the market/public opinion research industry
• Explore other research and engagement methods, such as online tools, ethnographic and anthropological approach, advanced analytics and others, as part of the City’s efforts to continuously improve its approach to research and public engagement
• Contribute to the Chief Communications Office’s centre of excellence model in developing corporate best practice
• Pilot test new and innovative ways, such as the application of generative AI and related tools, to enhance data collection, insights generation from both large scale qualitative and quantitative research data, and report production

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in a related field such as Business, Social Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related discipline
• A minimum of 2 years direct experience in market research or public opinion research

Assets:

• Graduate degree with major coursework in Marketing, Market Research or Public Opinion Research
• Preferable for work experience on large complex projects and/or in a public sector, NGOs, or corporate environment, as an expert in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and a seasoned research-based advisor to decisionmakers
• Demonstrated  experience in all qualitative and quantitative research methodologies including but not limited to survey (intercept, phone, online, panel), focus group (in person, online), online bulletin board, journey mapping, user diary, ethnographic research etc.
• Demonstrated experience in objective setting, research design, sampling, instrument development, statistical analysis, reporting and storytelling for decision making
• Experience in a consulting role
• Certified Analytics and Insights Professional (CAIP) designation
• Proficiency in online survey platforms such as Qualtrics
• Proficiency in spreadsheets or google sheets
• Proficiency in statistical descriptive analysis

Skills required for success:

• Demonstrated research expertise in research design, quota sampling, statistical analysis and data management skills
• Excellent research, analytical and conceptual skills, both qualitative and quantitative
• Adept at written communication, including report writing, creating presentations, and a demonstrated ability to write in plain language
• Well-developed computer skills (Google-suite, SPSS, Microsoft office)
• Effective verbal communication skills
• Alignment to our Cultural Commitments and Leadership Competencies (https://bit.ly/4brRrXm) 
• Embracing a culture of equity, diversity, reconciliation and inclusion.
• Applicants may be tested

Work Environment:

• Note: This position ​may be eligible for a hybrid work arrangement ​with ​the flexibility to work from both home and the worksite as per the Letter of Understanding between the City of Edmonton and Civic Service Union 52.
• The weekly hours of work for this position are currently under review and may change at a future time. Any changes will be made in accordance with the City of Edmonton/Civic Service Union 52 collective agreement and the incumbent will be notified in advance.
• This position is eligible for the flexible work arrangement, which includes an additional 19 earned days off (EDOs) annually

The City of Edmonton values applicants with a diverse range of skills, experiences and competencies, and encourages you to apply. We strive to provide reasonable access and accommodations throughout the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]. Learn more about our benefits https://bit.ly/COEbenefits.

Up to 1 permanent and 1 temporary full-time position for up to 11 months

Hours of Work:  40 hours per week

Salary Range: $39.978 - $49.946 (Hourly); $83,474.06 - $104,287.25 (Annually)

Talent Acquisition Consultant: SM / SB

Edmonton rests in the heart of Treaty Six territory in Alberta and the homelands of the Metis Nation.