Project Research, Knowledge Mobilization Lead

Department: Programs & Community Services

Affiliation: Non-unionized Position

Reports To: Program Manager, Black Justice Program

Location: Tropicana Community Services - with travel across program sites, including GTA region
Hours: Part-time
Extended Hours: Based on program and operational needs

About the Organization

Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multiservice organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. Our mission is achieved through culturally appropriate programs such as counselling, childcare, educational, and employment services and youth development.

Position Overview

The Project Evaluator, Black Justice Program is responsible for designing and leading the evaluation framework for a community-based initiative supporting the reintegration of youth and young adults (ages 12–29) who have had involvement with the criminal justice system, incarceration, or high-risk activity, including gang involvement, auto theft and jewelry theft rings, and other high-risk activity in or out of town. Reporting to the Program Manager, Black Justice Program, the Project Evaluator works closely with the Social Worker and Peer Support Workers to collect, analyze, and report on program data, ensuring the program can demonstrate outcomes, meet funder requirements, and continuously improve service delivery.

Areas of Responsibility

Evaluation Design & Data Collection:

• Design and maintain an evaluation framework and logic model for the Black Justice Program, aligned with funder requirements and program goals.
• Develop data collection tools, intake forms, and tracking systems to capture youth outcomes, service engagement, and program activity.
• Train and support the Social Worker and Peer Support Workers in consistent, accurate, and timely data entry and documentation practices.
• Ensure data collection processes are trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and protective of youth privacy and confidentiality.
• Maintain program databases and data quality, identifying and resolving gaps or inconsistencies in a timely manner

KPI Tracking & Analysis:

• Work with the Program Manager to establish, monitor, and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including reintegration outcomes, recidivism reduction, education and employment engagement, and youth satisfaction.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to identify trends, program impact, and areas for improvement.
• Conduct youth, family, and partner satisfaction surveys and interviews to support qualitative evaluation.
• Benchmark program outcomes against comparable reintegration and violence-prevention initiatives where possible.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement:

• Prepare clear, accurate evaluation reports for the Program Manager, Director, funders, and community stakeholders.
• Support funder reporting requirements, including outcome narratives and data for grant renewals and new funding applications.
• Present evaluation findings to the program team and recommend adjustments to service delivery based on data.
• Contribute an evaluation lens to program planning, partnership development, and budget discussions led by the Program Manager.
• Stay current on best practices and emerging evaluation approaches in youth justice, reintegration, and violence-prevention programming.

Skills & Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Social Sciences, Public Health, Criminology, Research Methods, Evaluation, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated experience designing and conducting program evaluations, ideally within community, social services, or justice-related settings.
• Strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with the youth and adult criminal justice systems, and with the dynamics of gang involvement, organized theft activity, and high-risk youth behavior, is an asset.
• Proficiency with data management and analysis tools (e.g., Excel, survey platforms, statistical or qualitative analysis software).
• Excellent written communication skills, with the ability to translate data into clear, accessible reports for varied audiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to anti-Black racism, anti-oppression, and culturally responsive, trauma-informed practice.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary program team.
• Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Police Reference Check required.

What We Offer

• Career growth and development opportunities
• A chance to play an active role in giving back to your community
• Employee Assistance Program

Although we appreciate each application, only those candidates being considered for the position will be contacted.

Tropicana Community Services commits to promoting inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA) through its information and support, advocacy, programming, internal policies, and governance structures. Tropicana Community Services will aim to ensure that our staff reflect the experience, skills and diversity of the communities we serve and create an inclusive, barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact Human resources. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.