Director, Data Insights & Applied Research

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Canadians living with vision loss

Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canada (VLRC) is a national health services organization dedicated to empowering people who are blind or partially sighted to live safely and independently. Our certified specialists provide client-centered rehabilitation mobility training and daily living skills programs that help clients build confidence and thrive. We work collaboratively with ophthalmologists optometrists and other health care professionals offering essential care on a referral basis in homes workplaces and communities across the country. We value our employees as our greatest asset and were committed to supporting their well-being professional growth and work-life balance. Learn more about VLRC at or call 1-.

Position Title: Director Data Insights & Applied Research

Location: Any VLRC office in Canada

Term: Full-time Permanent Existing Vacancy

Reports To: President & CEO

Salary: $87344 - $131016/ annually

Posting Date: March 3 2026

Closing Date: March 15 2026

I. Scope and Summary of Primary Responsibilities

The Director Data Insights & Applied Research is a member of the Executive Leadership Team and senior strategic leader reporting directly to the CEO. The position provides enterprise leadership and is responsible for leveraging data insights and applied research to drive evidence-informed decision-making enhance client experience and advance Vision Loss Rehabilitation Canadas (VLRC) position as a national center of excellence in vision rehabilitation and habilitation.

This role provides strategic guidance to the organization by turning complex data and research into actionable insights shaping the delivery of services policies and innovations that directly impact client outcomes. The role is accountable for measurable client impact and service excellence enabled by data and research. The Executive Director Insights and Applied Research is a visible influential partner to the Executive Leadership Team Board committees and operational leaders ensuring that organizational priorities are informed by rigorous analysis applied research and client-centered evidence.

II. Essential Functions

1. Strategic Data & Insights Leadership

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.

2. Applied Research & Evidence-Informed Practice

Lead applied research initiatives that strengthen VLRCs 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 VLRCs 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.

3. Client Experience & Service Excellence Insights

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.

4. Team Leadership & Capability Development

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.

5. Organizational Influence & Governance Support

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.

III. Qualifications

Education

Masters 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.

Professional Experience

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

At VLRC your work has real impact. Join a team that empowers Canadians with vision loss to live independently and where your growth well-being and contributions matter. We offer:

• 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

Join us to grow your career and make a difference everyday.

Inclusion Accessibility & Accommodation
VLRC is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive equitable and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from members of groups that have been historically marginalized including but not limited to Indigenous peoples racialized persons persons with disabilities including those who are blind partially sighted or deafblind women and 2SLGBTQ. We strongly encourage applications from applicants with sight loss to apply. Direct lived experience is valued as an asset. The successful candidate will be required to complete a standard Vulnerable Sector Check.

If you require an accommodation to apply or participate in the selection process please contact . Well be happy to work with you to meet your needs.

Not sure if you qualify Think about applying anyway!
We understand that not everyone brings 100% of the skills and experience for the role. If you bring passion transferable skills and a desire to make a difference we encourage you to apply!VLRC does not use AI tools in its screening assessment or selection process.

We thank all applicants for their interest however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Required Experience:

Director