Social Issues Researcher - Black Women's Economic Security.
Contract Length: 12 months
Hours: 35 hours/week
Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000 annually plus benefits
Location: St Catharines (This is not a remote position)
Employment Type: Fulltime
Application Deadline: April 24th, 2026
Position Overview
Future Black Female is seeking a Social Issues Researcher to lead and support research focused on Black women’s economic security in Canada. This role will generate critical insights that inform policy, programming, and advocacy to address systemic barriers affecting Black women and girls.
The Researcher will apply interdisciplinary approaches grounded in Black/African studies, women and gender studies, and sociology to examine how race, gender, and economic systems intersect to shape outcomes. The role requires strong analytical, writing, and community-engaged research skills, with a focus on translating findings into actionable strategies.
Key Responsibilities
-
Research Design and Implementation
-
Design and lead qualitative and quantitative research projects on Black women’s economic security
-
Apply feminist, anti-racist, and intersectional frameworks to research design and analysis
-
Use methodologies such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, and community-based research approaches
Data Collection and Analysis
-
Collect, analyze, and interpret data related to employment, income, financial literacy, and economic barriers
-
Identify trends, systemic inequities, and emerging issues impacting Black women
-
Ensure ethical, culturally grounded, and trauma-informed research practices
Knowledge Mobilization
-
Produce research reports, policy briefs, and publications for diverse audiences
-
Translate complex findings into accessible formats for community, stakeholders, and decision-makers
-
Present findings at meetings, conferences, and community forums
Policy and Program Development
-
Contribute to the development of evidence-based programs and interventions
-
Support advocacy efforts by providing research-informed recommendations
-
Collaborate with internal teams to align research with program delivery
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
-
Engage Black women, youth, and community partners in participatory research processes
-
Build relationships with academic institutions, policymakers, and sector organizations
-
Ensure research reflects lived experiences and community priorities
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
-
Support evaluation frameworks to measure program impact
-
Maintain accurate research documentation and data systems
-
Contribute to funder reports and organizational learning
Qualifications and Experience
-
Master’s degree in Black/African Studies, Women and Gender Studies, Sociology, or a related field
-
OR minimum 3 years of demonstrated research experience in social issues
-
Strong background in feminist and intersectional analysis
-
Experience conducting social or policy research, ideally related to gender and economic equity
-
Experience working with Black communities or equity-deserving populations is strongly preferred
Skills and Competencies
-
Advanced research and analytical skills
-
Strong writing and knowledge translation abilities
-
Ability to communicate complex social issues clearly to diverse audiences
-
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
-
Ability to work independently and collaboratively
Additional Requirements
-
Ability to work flexibly, including occasional evenings or weekend
-
Willingness to travel for community engagement and data collection
-
Commitment to ethical research practices and confidentiality
Core Competencies
-
Deep commitment to gender equality and economic justice
-
Strong understanding of anti-Black racism and structural inequality
-
Ability to center lived experience and community voice in research
-
Commitment to culturally grounded and trauma-informed approaches
How To Apply
To apply for this position, please forward your resume and cover letter using the vacancies form below. For enquiries email info@futureblackfemale.com. Please include examples of previous work related to community engagement and policy review.
Note:
-
To qualify for this position, you must have a full driver's license, own a vehicle and have clean insurance.
-
A recent vulnerable sector police clearance will be required as well as three references.
