Specialist, Research & Development
Top Benefits
About the role
Who We Are For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description Position Purpose Summary Reporting to the Social Mission Strategy & Support Director, the incumbent supports an effective and innovative social mission aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission and values. They lead research, quality improvement, and knowledge translation to help social service teams deliver and enhance services. As the department’s key R&D contact, they work with stakeholders to align Social Mission’s strategy with programs and services.
Key Accountabilities
- Aligns all planning, projects, and team activities with The Salvation Army’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
- Plans, implements, and evaluates projects to strengthen The Salvation Army’s program capacity while maintaining subject matter expertise.
- Monitors trends in social service delivery at national and provincial levels to inform strategy and project priorities.
- Supports capacity building within the Social Mission team and promotes an integrated, holistic approach to mission delivery.
- Engages individuals with lived experience in planning and implementation to ensure meaningful participation.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing advice on standards, policies, and best practices.
- Leads research and development initiatives to design and test programs, policies, and services with a social justice lens.
- Develops and manages communication strategies to keep ministry units and leadership informed of priorities, updates, and policy changes.
- Supports organizational health, safety, equity, and inclusion initiatives, contributing to a positive, mission-aligned culture.
- Represents Social Mission on boards and committees as needed, manages workflow, contributes to budgeting, and works primarily in office or hybrid settings with some travel.
Education And Experience Qualifications
- Graduate degree relevant to social services or other relevant combination of education and experience
- Relevant credentialed designation is an asset.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in social services/relevant roles
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of person-centered interventions, social justice issues, and social services systems across provinces.
- Experienced in community-based research, data and policy analysis, and effective communication.
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft applications to support daily work and reporting.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
- Highly organized, able to multitask, adapt to change, and manage time effectively.
- Maintains integrity, confidentiality, and ethical behavior while fostering trust with diverse teams.
- Proactive and collaborative, taking initiative to address challenges, implement solutions, and support a positive work environment.
Compensation The target hiring range for this position is $94,145.42 to $117,681.77 with a maximum of $141,218.12.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
About The Salvation Army in Canada
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.
Specialist, Research & Development
Top Benefits
About the role
Who We Are For more than 130 years, The Salvation Army has served people in need in communities across Canada and Bermuda. Building on our roots as a world-wide Christian church, each year we help more than 2 million people, providing necessities such as food, clothing and shelter. In addition, we support people experiencing unemployment, addiction and family challenges. We continually adapt and innovate to meet emerging needs and live out our mission, vision and values of hope, service, dignity and stewardship. As a faith- and values-based organization, we hire and serve people of all backgrounds and walks of life - there is a place for everyone to belong here.
Mission Statement The Salvation Army exists to share the love of Jesus Christ, meet human needs and be a transforming influence in the communities of our world.
Job Description Position Purpose Summary Reporting to the Social Mission Strategy & Support Director, the incumbent supports an effective and innovative social mission aligned with The Salvation Army’s mission and values. They lead research, quality improvement, and knowledge translation to help social service teams deliver and enhance services. As the department’s key R&D contact, they work with stakeholders to align Social Mission’s strategy with programs and services.
Key Accountabilities
- Aligns all planning, projects, and team activities with The Salvation Army’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.
- Plans, implements, and evaluates projects to strengthen The Salvation Army’s program capacity while maintaining subject matter expertise.
- Monitors trends in social service delivery at national and provincial levels to inform strategy and project priorities.
- Supports capacity building within the Social Mission team and promotes an integrated, holistic approach to mission delivery.
- Engages individuals with lived experience in planning and implementation to ensure meaningful participation.
- Builds and maintains positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing advice on standards, policies, and best practices.
- Leads research and development initiatives to design and test programs, policies, and services with a social justice lens.
- Develops and manages communication strategies to keep ministry units and leadership informed of priorities, updates, and policy changes.
- Supports organizational health, safety, equity, and inclusion initiatives, contributing to a positive, mission-aligned culture.
- Represents Social Mission on boards and committees as needed, manages workflow, contributes to budgeting, and works primarily in office or hybrid settings with some travel.
Education And Experience Qualifications
- Graduate degree relevant to social services or other relevant combination of education and experience
- Relevant credentialed designation is an asset.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in social services/relevant roles
- Demonstrates comprehensive knowledge of person-centered interventions, social justice issues, and social services systems across provinces.
- Experienced in community-based research, data and policy analysis, and effective communication.
- Proficient with computers and Microsoft applications to support daily work and reporting.
- Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
- Highly organized, able to multitask, adapt to change, and manage time effectively.
- Maintains integrity, confidentiality, and ethical behavior while fostering trust with diverse teams.
- Proactive and collaborative, taking initiative to address challenges, implement solutions, and support a positive work environment.
Compensation The target hiring range for this position is $94,145.42 to $117,681.77 with a maximum of $141,218.12.
Placement in the salary range will be based on factors such as market conditions, internal equity, and candidate experience, skills, and qualifications relevant to the role.
The Salvation Army will provide reasonable accommodation upon request. Please email Recruitment.Accommodations@salvationarmy.ca if you have a need for any accommodation and we will be pleased to discuss this with you.
About The Salvation Army in Canada
The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882 and has grown to become the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country. The Salvation Army gives hope and support to vulnerable people today and every day in 400 communities across Canada and more than 120 countries around the world. The Salvation Army offers practical assistance for children and families, often tending to the basic necessities of life, provides shelter for homeless people and rehabilitation for people who have lost control of their lives to an addiction.