Senior Research Associate

SENIOR RESEARCH ASSOCIATE

ABOUT Y STATION

Y Station is a research and communications firm with decades of expertise in market research & evaluation, strategic communications, and public & stakeholder engagement. We actively blend these disciplines together to give Canada's most impactful companies, organizations, and institutions the right tools and insights to make their most complex and challenging decisions with confidence. Because of our approach and abilities, our work regularly supports meaningful impact on issues of consequence. We are a company obsessed with critical decision-making.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

Y Station Communications & Research is looking for an analytical, dynamic and intellectually curious individual with a passion for research to join our team as a Senior Research Associate. The successful candidate will play a key role in helping clients make informed, effective decisions through the collection of useful and reliable data. This individual will lead projects in both qualitative and quantitative research design and implementation by leveraging significant experience in market research. Duties will also include business development, proposal writing, project management, report and presentation preparation, client meetings, presenting research insights, and mentoring others.

THE IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE

In this role, you will provide lead and support to a diverse set of research and engagement projects, which may include qualitative & quantitative market research, large-scale public engagements, stakeholder and internal engagements, and other projects critical to our client's success. Working alongside the whole Y Station team, you will also provide support to ensure that Y Station is always pursing the best work and is positioned as the leader in its chosen market areas.

As is expected with all Y Station team members, you will work closely with colleagues, bring new ideas forward, think critically, and help create and evolve formal and informal company practices. Through your work, you will set standards not only for the company, but for our industry. We are always looking for new kinds of work and new ways to do it. As such, you will support multi-disciplinary Y Station projects on an as-needed basis. There is no "work I don't do" at Y Station.

This role will report to the Chief of Research and Evaluation and will work closely with all members of the interdisciplinary Y Station team.

THE WORK YOU WILL DO DAY-TO-DAY

Research & Analysis:

• Design research methodology and monitor data gathering processes (e.g., create surveys/interview questions, complete data entry, verify data quality).
• Conduct in depth interviews with project stakeholders .
• Perform environmental scans and literature reviews.
• Accurately summarize and interpret both quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, insights and themes and prepare considered advice and recommendations for clients.
• Synthesize and translate data into high-quality written reports, presentations, visuals, and strategic recommendations.
• Advise clients on how they can develop and operate research and data collection capacity.

Project Planning and Delivery:

• Support new business development and proposal writing under tight deadlines.
• Collaborate with the internal team to execute all project phases including project workplan, planning, communications, reporting, and monitoring.
• Strong focus on client relationship development with demonstrated ability to build rapport through clear and sincere communication.
• Maintain and update documentation such as contact reports and qualitative summaries.

Public Engagement:

• Support in planning and executing large-scale public engagements, stakeholder and internal engagements and the coordination that is required for such projects.
• Build and maintain relationships with key clients.
• Documenting work processes and creating new efficiencies to run complex tasks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to execute all project phases including project workplan, planning, communications, reporting, and monitoring, and providing day-to-day guidance.
• Support new business development through potential client outreach.

WHAT YOU BRING TO THE TABLE

• Post-secondary degree/education with coursework in research, statistics, and/or evaluation.
• A minimum of 5 years' experience with research, evaluation, and/or public engagement.
• Exceptional research, analysis, and report-writing skills, with the ability to translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives.
• Strong experience using data analysis tools (MS Excel, SPSS, R, or similar), techniques (qualitative, quantitative, coding, cross-tabulation), and visualization (Tableau, PPT, or similar).
• Some experience working with online survey or engagement platforms such as Voxco, or Social Pinpoint would be considered an asset.
• Ability to present research findings to a variety of audiences including City Councils, Key Stakeholders, Executives, and the General Public.
• Experience in facilitation of qualitative research methods and/or public engagement sessions would be considered an asset.
• IAP2 and/or CRIC coursework would be considered an asset.
• Demonstrated high functioning, detailed organizational skills to keep initiatives on track.
• Strong writing skills.
• Strong communication skills – within a team and with clients.
• Strong time management skills.
• The ability to understand, follow, and create effective internal processes.

WHAT WE WILL OFFER YOU

This will be a full-time, salaried position. The salary for this position ranges from $75,00 - $87,000, commensurate with skills and experience. Overall compensation will include comprehensive health and dental benefits and RRSP matching upon successful completion of a probationary period (three months). We provide flexibility in schedule, a hybrid work environment, and ongoing professional development and skills training opportunities.

If you're the right person for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to This posting will remain open until the position is filled.

Job Type: Fixed term contract

Contract length: 6 months

Pay: $75,000.00-$87,000.00 per year

Experience:

• Project management: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

• English (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T5J 1Z7