Hybrid Director, Data Insights – Applied Research

at Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada

• Job title: Director, Data Insights – Applied Research
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Lead
• Salary: CA$87,344 - CA$131,016 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Kitchener, Canada

About the role

• Director of Data Insights and Applied Research leading data-driven strategies for Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada. Collaborating with leadership to optimize client care and drive research initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and deployment of enterprise-wide data and analytics strategies to inform strategic planning, operational decision-making, and performance improvement.
• Translate complex quantitative and qualitative information into clear, actionable insights for senior leadership, Board committees, and operational teams.
• Design and oversee integrated measurement frameworks, dashboards, and reporting that track impact, client outcomes, and service quality.
• Identify opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, predictive analytics, and innovative service models to enhance organizational effectiveness.
• Lead applied research initiatives that strengthen VLRC’s evidence base, enhance client outcomes, and support innovation in rehabilitation and health services.
• Identifying priority research questions that emerge directly from VLRC services, clients, and system partners
• Using service, outcome, and experience data to test what works, for whom, and under what conditions in vision rehabilitation
• Partnering with academic institutions, health systems, and funders to co-produce applied research aligned with VLRC’s mission
• Translating findings into actionable insights that inform service design, workforce models, quality improvement, and innovation
• Building credible evidence to support government relations, contract renewals, funding advocacy, and national policy initiatives
• Oversight of the evaluation of service, interventions, and technologies to ensure measurable, sustainable impact and continuous organizational learning.
• Partner with operational and client-facing teams to embed data-driven and research-informed approaches into service design and delivery.
• Use client feedback, journey mapping, and outcome metrics to identify opportunities for service improvement, accessibility, and equity.
• Provide evidence and insights to support strategic initiatives that advance client-centered care across the organization.
• Lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team responsible for analytics and evaluation.
• Build organizational capability in data literacy, evidence-informed practice, and research application.
• Develop standardized methodologies, tools, and quality measures to ensure consistent, reliable insights and program evaluation.
• Manage the departmental budget strategically to maximize impact and align resources with organizational priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor and collaborator to the CEO, ELT, and Board committees, providing data-driven guidance on organizational strategy, client experience, and research initiatives.
• Champion a culture of evidence-informed decision-making across VLRC, ensuring research insights influence policies, programs, and operational excellence.
• Prepare and present high-impact reports, analyses, and recommendations to the ELT, Board, including the Board and committee
• Serve as an internal advocate for accessibility, equity, ethical research practices, and client-centered outcomes.

Requirements

• Master’s degree or PhD in Rehabilitation Science, Health Services Research, Public Health, Social Work, Psychology, Data Science, or a related field.
• Deep expertise in research methodology, program evaluation, and evidence-informed practice.
• Senior leadership experience (5+ years) in data analytics, applied research, evaluation, quality, or client experience within complex organizations (healthcare, non-profit, or public sector).
• Demonstrated ability to translate research and data into strategic guidance and organizational impact.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams, including setting strategic direction, building capability, driving accountability, and fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Proven success leading applied research or evaluation initiatives in partnership with academic or sector organizations.
• Expertise in quantitative and qualitative analysis, performance measurement, and reporting to senior leadership or governance bodies.
• Experience influencing organizational culture and driving change through evidence-based insights.
• Knowledge of accessibility, equity, and Canadian rehabilitation or healthcare standards.
• Experience managing budgets and leading high-performing teams.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits for health, vision, dental, corporate discounts employee and family assistance program
• Flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and work-life balance initiatives
• Career development through training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities
• Inclusive work culture with supportive teams, employee recognition, joy in work wellness program, and mental health supports