Role Summary
Reporting to the Director, Strategic Partnerships & Programs, the Manager, Homelessness Research & Engagement is a working leadership role responsible for advancing RDN’s Homelessness program through research, community engagement, project delivery, and operational leadership. As RDN’s technical lead for Housing and Service Needs Estimations (HSNEs), Point-in-Time (PiT) Counts, and related homelessness work, this position leads complex projects while translating research and data into practical, evidence-informed recommendations that support informed decision-making and strengthen community systems.
The Opportunity
This is a hands-on leadership role that combines homelessness research, community engagement, project delivery, and team leadership. You’ll lead complex projects, contribute directly to the work, support team members, and translate research and data into practical recommendations.
Relationships are essential to this role. You’ll work closely with municipalities, Indigenous communities, service providers, community organizations, government partners, and colleagues across RDN to understand local realities and support effective collaboration.
This is a full-time temporary position through March 31, 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to future funding.
What You’ll Do
Operational & Team Leadership
- Provide day-to-day operational leadership within the Homelessness program while remaining actively involved in project delivery.
- Support, coach, and mentor staff and project teams while contributing to workload planning, resource allocation, professional development, and continuous improvement.
- Foster a collaborative, accountable, and solutions-focused environment that supports knowledge sharing and effective teamwork.
Homelessness Research & Technical Leadership
- Lead Housing and Service Needs Estimations, Point-in-Time Counts, and related homelessness research projects from planning through completion.
- Provide technical guidance and quality assurance to ensure methodological rigour, analytical integrity, and alignment between research approaches and community needs.
- Stay current on emerging research, sector trends, and provincial and federal priorities related to rural homelessness.
Project Delivery & Service Development
- Lead complex and fee-for-service homelessness projects from initial scoping through delivery and completion.
- Develop project scopes, work plans, timelines, deliverables, and cost estimates in collaboration with colleagues across RDN.
- Contribute technical expertise to proposals, funding applications, business development opportunities, and the continued development of RDN’s homelessness-related services.
Community Engagement & Relationships
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with municipalities, Indigenous communities, service providers, community organizations, government partners, and other stakeholders.
- Incorporate community knowledge, lived experience, local context, and data into project approaches and recommendations.
- Contribute to RDN’s Community Engagement Strategy, Framework, and Tool Kit and support community-led, culturally grounded, and respectful engagement practices.
What You Bring
We’re looking for someone with:
- Post-secondary education in community development, social sciences, Indigenous studies, housing, human services, or a related discipline. Equivalent combinations of education and directly related experience will be considered.
- 5–7 years of progressive experience in homelessness, housing, community development, research, community engagement, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading complex community-based projects and providing leadership through supervision, mentoring, coaching, or project leadership.
- Strong relationship-building and community engagement experience working with municipalities, Indigenous communities, service providers, and community organizations.
- Experience with Housing and Service Needs Estimations, Point-in-Time Counts, Reaching Home, Coordinated Access, or comparable homelessness systems and research initiatives.
- Strong facilitation, presentation, written communication, and project management skills.
- Experience working alongside Indigenous communities, organizations, or governments using relationship-based and culturally responsive approaches is strongly preferred.
Assets
- Experience working in rural or remote communities and knowledge of Alberta’s homelessness systems, programs, and funding.
- Experience with affordable housing, Housing Needs and Demand Assessments, housing pre-development initiatives, grant applications, or business development.
- French and/or additional language skills.
Working Conditions
- Primarily remote, with occasional travel required for community engagement, conferences, meetings, and project delivery.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected]
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.
Equal Opportunity & Accessibility: RDN is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and encourages applications from equity-seeking groups. Accommodations are available throughout the recruitment process upon request.
Pay: $68,000.00-$75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Flexible schedule
- Vision care
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edmonton, AB T5M 1V7
