Senior Research Associate, Human Capital

The Conference Board of Canada (CBoC) is the nation’s largest independent applied research organization offering unbiased, evidence-based information and analysis to both industry, NGOs and federal/provincial governments. We have one of the country’s largest private economic analysis and forecasting teams and are widely recognized for expert economic forecasting, modeling, and leading analysis. CBoC undertakes research to address the most pressing issues in Innovation and Technology, Human Capital, Sustainability, Immigration, Indigenous and Northern Communities, Education and Skills, and Health. Our social science research provides actionable pathways to solutions. Simply put, we deliver insights that help Canada’s leaders cut through the noise and make informed decisions.

Please note: This is a research role; not an internal HR role.

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate to join our Human Capital team for a 12-month contract. The successful candidate will be part of a professional research team and will lead research projects related to workplace mental health, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and human resources (HR).

Our ideal candidate is… an exceptional researcher, writer, and storyteller who can translate complex data into clear, compelling, and actionable insights for senior executives and decision-makers. With a deep understanding of HR and workplace trends, you craft research reports that engage, inform, and drive change. Your writing is concise, well-structured, and aligned with CBoC’s brand voice, and you are comfortable presenting findings in a way that resonates with diverse audiences.

You bring strong project management and data analysis skills, allowing you to lead and support research projects of varying complexity. You anticipate and solve problems independently, think strategically, and bring a creative lens to research design and execution. You thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment, balancing multiple priorities with precision.

We are a virtual organization and as a remote worker you must be comfortable and able to work 100 per cent of the time from a home office in Canada. To be successful as a remote worker you need to have a self-starter attitude, possess strong organizational and time management skills and be a proactive communicator. Having a home office environment that provides for a productive, professional, and safe work environment during regular working/business hours is a requirement of this role. This includes internet service and a reliable connection.

About The Role

On a typical day, you will:

• Craft well-written, high-impact research reports, executive summaries, and articles that distill complex findings into meaningful insights.
• Translate data into compelling narratives, ensuring research findings are accessible and actionable for HR leaders, policymakers, and industry professionals.
• Lead end-to-end research projects, from conceptualization to execution, ensuring alignment with stakeholder objectives.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative data using tools such as SPSS, R, and NVivo.
• Conduct surveys, literature reviews, case studies, interviews, focus groups, and roundtables to gather insights on workplace mental health, DEI, and HR trends.
• Review and edit the work of team members, refining clarity, logical flow, and alignment with CBoC’s brand voice.
• Work closely with council managers and coordinators to develop engaging agendas, support meetings, and facilitate meaningful thought-leadership discussions.
• Present research findings at internal and external events, positioning CBoC as a thought leader in HR and workplace issues.
• Identify new research opportunities in collaboration with council members and the sales team.
• Manage multiple priorities while meeting deadlines with precision and strategic focus.
• Commitment to producing high quality work and demonstrating professional values in all aspects of work and interactions with colleagues and customers.
  
  

About You

Required Skills and Qualifications:

• Master’s or doctoral degree in organizational behavior, psychology, HR management, social sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of applied research experience, with demonstrated leadership in managing complex projects.
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate research into compelling narratives. A portfolio of published work is an asset.
• Expertise in HR, DEI, and workplace well-being issues relevant to Canadian organizations.
• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative research methods, including survey design, data analysis, literature reviews, and case studies.
• Strong analytical skills, with experience using SPSS, R, and NVivo.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to set priorities, manage budgets, and meet deadlines.
• Comfortable presenting research findings to senior leaders and external stakeholders.
• Self-motivated, highly organized, and able to work independently in a remote environment.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is an asset.
• Ability to travel within Canada for in-person conferences and network meetings is required.
• A professional and safe home office setup is required.
  
  

Benefits

At CBoC, we believe that putting People First is key to our success and attracting the best people. We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive and we are proud to offer a package that includes:

• Virtual First – work from home anywhere across Canada.
• A workplace where your hard work is not just valued, but actively celebrated. We take pride in our commitment to recognizing and rewarding the exceptional talent that drives our success through our Recognition programs.
• Employee Family Assistance Program (EFAP): We understand that life can be unpredictable and challenging and EFAP supports you and your family during difficult times.
• Work/Life Balance: We offer the option of compressed workweeks with Friday afternoon closures.
• A modern, defined benefit (DB) pension plan: We care about your future and offer an optional pension plan with a 5% match eligibility from Day One
  
  

The salary for this position ranges from $80,793 to $109,308 annually for candidates from any Canadian province or territory. Salaries are based upon candidate experience, qualifications, specific skillsets, as well as market and business considerations. The recruiter can share more information about the salary range for the position during the hiring process. This job posting is for an existing vacancy within CBoC. We are actively seeking to fill this role with a qualified candidate.

We value the unique skills, experiences, and insights that each employee brings to The Conference Board of Canada. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported and welcome members of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. If you require an accommodation at any point during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest in The Conference Board of Canada. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.