We’re Hiring: Housing & Homelessness Researcher

June 8, 2023

Come work with us! We’re growing our team to include a full-time Housing & Homelessness Researcher. Apply by June 30th, 2023.

Summary of Position
Keepers of the Circle is seeking a Researcher for our Housing & Homelessness Department. The Researcher will work with a team to conduct community-based research, policy analysis, and project management related to housing and homelessness. The goal of this work is to contribute to improved housing conditions and self-determination for Indigenous women, girls, Two-Spirit people, and their families. The Housing & Homelessness Researcher will have a specific focus on ending homelessness and housing needs amongst Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit persons across Canada.

Keepers of the Circle is a non-profit, Indigenous women’s, urban-based organization located within the District of Temiskaming in Northeastern Ontario, Canada. It was incorporated in 1997, tasked with the mandate to support the political, social, cultural, and economic equity of Indigenous women and the wellbeing of our families and communities. The Keepers of the Circle Indigenous hubs house early learning and childcare services; life skills and family support services; health education and chronic illness prevention programs; women’s leadership programs; and pre-employment training programs focused on Indigenous women and youth.

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

  • Supporting the development of research agenda and research activities:
    • Conducting policy analysis 
    • Engaging in various research activities, including: literature reviews; study development and design; study coordination and project management; data collection and analysis; and report writing and article preparation
    • Supporting project management and necessary reporting for funders 
  • Collaboration with department staff and students/interns who participate in research activities undertaken by the Department of Housing & Homelessness
  • Creation of written materials, including reports, briefs, articles, and other written products
  • Supporting the development of grant applications to support the mandate of the Department of Housing & Homelessness
  • Collaboration and coordination with other departments at Keepers of the Circle, seeking to amplify and maximize efforts across the organization 
  • Development and maintenance of community partnerships, including activities such as: outreach to build partnerships and promote the work of Keepers of the Circle, collaboration with community partners on projects and activities, and the development and facilitation of community consultations.
  • In some cases, the Researcher may engage in media engagement, engage in public speaking activities, participate in social media efforts, and otherwise seek to publicly promote and advance the work of the Housing & Homelessness Department. 

 

Qualifications and Skills

*Note: If you do not have some of these qualifications, please do not be discouraged from applying. Mentorship and support can be provided for candidates with strong interest. 

  • Passion for ending homelessness and housing needs amongst Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people, and a commitment to working collaboratively to get there.
  • Undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related field, with a Masters or PhD degree being an asset. Strong preference for candidates whose education or program was Indigenous-focused. 
  • Experience, or interest in learning, community-based research, with preference for experience in project leadership. 
  • Experience in, or interest in learning, Indigenous research methodologies and ethics.
  • Highly organized and ability to work independently in a virtual office setting and self-manage to oversee progress on multiple projects simultaneously.
  • Ability to juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience producing numerous written products (e.g., reports, articles, blogs, presentations)
  • Strong interpersonal skills and commitment to building and maintaining partnerships.
  • Demonstrates sound judgement including the ability to identify, analyze, and solve problems independently. 
  • Budget development and management is an asset.

 

Diversity & Inclusion

This position is limited to Indigenous women and gender-diverse people of Indigenous ancestry, please self-identify (Section 18 of the Human Rights Code of Ontario). 

Keepers of the Circle strives for inclusion and diversity by attracting extraordinary people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences. Candidates with lived experience of homelessness and/or who self-identify as being from a marginalized community, including persons with disabilities and 2SLGBTQQIA persons, are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized. We ask that these candidates indicate their relevant identities in their cover letters and proof of lineage or connection to their community with references. 

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Accommodations will be provided at all stages of the hiring process.

 

Work Environment, Salary, and Hours

  • The Housing & Homelessness Researcher will work full-time at 40 hrs/week in this year-long contract, with the opportunity for extension (funding-permitting)
  • The hourly rate for this position is $40 – $50/hr, dependent on experience  
  • This position can be located anywhere in Canada and is remote, but we particularly encourage candidates located in Northern Ontario to apply.
  • This position requires the ability to work flexible hours from a virtual/home office location without the standard support available at a business office. 
  • Expected start date is projected for early July 2023, but start date can be negotiated.

Applications will be accepted until 4:00 pm EST on June 30, 2023. Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to with the Subject Title “Housing & Homelessness Researcher – YOUR NAME”.