Research Assistant

YMCA of Greater Toronto•Toronto, ON

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Government Relations Research Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Government Relations team in developing and implementing effective strategies to engage with government officials and stakeholders. This position focuses on conducting research and analysis to inform and enhance government partnerships, including researching funding opportunities, analyzing policy changes, drafting briefing notes, and supporting the participation of YMCA staff at external meetings and events.

Requirements

Be between 16 to 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Post-secondary education in political science, public administration, business administration, public policy, social sciences, or equivalent experience.
Proficiency with personal computer applications, including Microsoft Office Suite and internet search engines.
Strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize information from multiple sources.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complicated issues into plain language that can be easily understood.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Detail-oriented and conscientious, with a commitment to producing high-quality work.
Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and building a sense of belonging.
Commitment to the YMCA’s Mission, Vision and Values.
Focus on the health, safety and wellbeing of all children, youth, and vulnerable people in YMCA programs including understanding legal and moral obligations related to reporting suspected child abuse to Child Protection Services.
YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Orientated, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.
Job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required.
The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge or previous experience with government relations, policy development, or research is an asset.

Responsibilities

Conduct research, analyze policy and prepare briefing materials to support government outreach opportunities.
Collect feedback on legislative and regulatory changes and contribute to the development of policy submissions.
Conduct policy research and literature reviews related to the YMCA’s municipal government relations strategy, including mapping YMCA assets by constituency, identifying key municipal decision-makers such as councillors, mayors, and committee chairs, and tracking municipal funding streams and engagement opportunities across the Greater Toronto Area; contribute to the development of evidence-based policy recommendations.
Monitor and summarize relevant government initiatives, legislation, and debates that could impact the YMCA's operations and strategic objectives.
Collaborate with other YMCA departments to ensure alignment of government relations strategies with overall organizational goals and priorities.
Perform other duties as assigned.