Full-time, Permanent / Indefinite
Location: Toronto, ON (Hybrid)
See below for application instructions. We do not accept applications through EasyApply.
Higher Education Strategy Associates is looking for a Research Associate. This position, which reports to the Vice-President, will play a key role in developing research and consulting products.
We are open to a candidate who is early in their career or an experienced candidate who is looking for a career change. We are looking for someone who is able to manage the demands and nuances of project-driven work, irrespective of whether that experience has been gained in consulting or by other means. This position will allow the chosen candidate to quickly develop their professional network and to make use of a wide range of research skills to co-author reports and possibly publications. The incumbent will work for an influential consulting firm with a social purpose and an extensive portfolio of clients across Canada and internationally. They will have the opportunity to bring in new ideas and processes and rapidly implement them.
Our ideal candidate is someone who thrives while working with limited supervision, is flexible enough to manage multiple projects and deadlines, and has pre-existing knowledge of the Canadian higher education system. Key demonstrable competencies are:
· A high level of professionalism in conduct and communications.
· An eagerness to learn and capacity to respond to feedback productively (i.e., a growth mindset).
· Strong capacity to operate in a team.
· Initiative in responding to instructions and providing creative solutions to emerging issues, acting with limited oversight, and seeking out further direction where needed.
· Organization skills to sequence tasks, make efficient use of time, and manage information effectively.
· Commitment and skill with regard to questions of inclusivity, diversity and equity.
· Capacity to relate effectively with clients (as well as other stakeholders) to respond to their needs.
· Advanced skills in using search engines, social science databases and statistical resources to identify and retrieve primary and secondary literature, statistics, financial and other data pertinent to higher education in Canada and internationally.
· Some capacity to analyze and understand institutional and government budgets.
· Ability to quickly, accurately and concisely summarize findings for internal stakeholders through literature reviews, reports, briefing notes, annotated bibliographies, synopses of organizations and programs, and simple graphical representations of data (e.g., using Excel and Tableau).
· Capacity to conduct interviews with a range of different contacts including experienced staff at higher education institutions.
· Excellent writing skills.
Other competencies that would be assets include:
· Fluency in languages other than English.
· Skill in qualitative or quantitative data collection and analysis, using a range of methods in Excel or more advanced applications.
· Skills in facilitating focus groups online or in person.
· Demonstrated capacity in research instrument development, such as producing interview guides, surveys and focus group guides, and;
· Capacity to develop and deliver effective oral presentations to diverse audiences online and in person.
Other important attributes are:
· An interest in and eagerness to learn about Canadian and global higher education policy;
· Must be able to work in our Toronto office at least half time (with allowances made for changing public health conditions);
· Be flexible and comfortable with different demands and, at points, short deadlines.
Formal qualifications:
· A graduate degree is strongly preferred - we are open to a wide range of disciplines, if you can connect it the sort of work you will be doing. We are open to exceptional candidates with bachelor’s degrees and a strong track record of relevant experience.
Salary and Benefits
· Salary of between $68,000 to $75,000 per year.
· Access to twenty (20) days of paid vacation (pro-rated from the start date).
· A medical and dental package.
· Flexible start and end hours and opportunities to work from home up to 50% weekly.
Start Date
Immediate - we are looking for someone who can hit the ground running.
About Us
Higher Education Strategy Associates is a consulting firm based in Toronto that works with both postsecondary institutions and government to develop, implement, and evaluate related policy and plans. Our work spans a wide range of topics, from student loan policy to international student recruitment. For more about us, see our site: www.higheredstrategy.com
Higher Education Strategy Associates is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of color, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit a one-page cover letter and your CV to events@higheredstrategy.com by 4:00PM EST, October 23, 2026.
Please note, we understand that artificial intelligence is a tool that many people use in the crafting of cover letters. It is important for us, however, to hear from you, the candidate, in your own words. We expect cover letters to show us who you are and how you present yourself in your voice, and so your cover letter should be crafted by you.
Please indicate in the email subject line that you are applying for the Research Associate position.
We thank all candidates for their interest, but we may only be able to contact those who move forward in the interview process. Candidates selected for an interview may be required to complete a brief competency-testing assignment as part of the process.
