Consultant - RC Strategies

Position: Consultant
Job Summary

The Consultant is an integral role within RC Strategies providing support in the completion of all projects. The Consultant will work collaboratively with other team members on the various projects. It is not uncommon for the Consultant to be involved in 10-15 projects at varying stages at any one time.

The Consultant will have a primary supervisor but will provide support to multiple team members. Tasks will vary but include completing research on trends in service provision, facility development, and other broad themes. Research may focus on specific issues as well as a broad array of topics ranging from the social determinants of health to options for repurposing old swimming pools. The consultant will also assist with the analysis of data whether that be facility utilization data or community survey data. Attendance at client committee meetings, record keeping and note taking, presentation development, community events attendance, and survey fielding are all part of the job. The consultant will provide a critical role in the completion of research and engagement tasks. This work is the foundation upon which community wide strategic plans are built or decisions for facility development are made. Ultimately the consultant will be involved in projects that answer questions such as:

• How can a community best support and enhance its volunteer sector?
• Is a new pool needed? If so, should it include diving boards?
• What should be included in a new multiplex?
• Where should a new skate park be developed?
• Should the city contract out the operation of its golf courses?
• How should community resources best be spent to improve community health and wellbeing?

The successful proponent is expected to work from their home office; the ability to visit the Sherwood Park office occasionally is a benefit.

About RC Strategies

RC Strategies is a consulting firm with offices in Sherwood Park, Alberta and Vancouver, British Columbia. The firm has 12 staff that provide consulting services to clients across western and northern Canada (primarily). RC Strategies provides consulting services to municipalities and not-for-profit community organizations on community services issues. These typically involve recreation, parks, culture, and social services projects. (Refer to the company website: rcstrategies.ca).

The firm is an industry leader and is one of the few firms specializing in this work in Canada. Projects range from small short-term research papers through to large planning exercises that span a calendar year. Firm personnel will travel to the communities and may manage up to two dozen projects at any one time.

Responsibilities and Duties

• The primary duty is to support the production and delivery of consulting projects through the direction of Project Managers. This is done through the following:
  • Authoring sections of reports based on secondary research, data analysis, and document review. Sections may be focussed on demographics, growth, community descriptors, trends on service provision, etc.
  • Developing research plans in order to source appropriate and new information
  • Structuring and completing benchmarking research
  • Document development, including writing sections, reviewing / proofing, editing
  • Managing version control and document filing
  • Assisting with engagement activities including:
    • Survey tool development
    • Online programming and analysis
    • Data analysis and presentation of findings

Skills

• Excellent writing abilities including clear communication and proofing skills
• Attention to detail and an understanding of data analysis – undertaking it and presenting it
• The ability to plan and implement research programs (primary and secondary)
• Knowledge and understanding of the recreation sector / community services, parks
• Knowledge and understanding of municipal and provincial governments, not-for-profit organizations, and the volunteer sector
• Presentation skills – material development and public speaking
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and changing project priorities with minimal supervision.
• Highly organized and able to manage personal responsibilities for multiple projects at once.
• Ability to properly organize and maintain a project files
• Ability and willingness to seek out constructive criticism and coaching
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Self motivator
• Good to excellent proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint. Functional proficiency in Dropbox; understanding of GIS
• Experience with online data collection platforms
• Valid drivers license

Education

• Bachelor degree in a related field

Employment Terms

• 40 hours per week. There may be a need for overtime (evening and weekend work). RC Strategies has an OT policy to address this circumstance.
• Periodic travel may be required
• 3 month probationary period
• Start time is negotiable

Compensation & Benefits

• Annual salary ranges from $50,000 to $70,000. Actual compensation will be negotiated based upon skills and experience. Additionally, the position will be part of an annual bonus program upon completion of the probationary period.
• The position is eligible for additional benefits upon completion of the probationary period. These include: health and dental benefits, health and wellness allowances, professional development, 3 weeks of annual vacation.

Applying
Please send a resume and a covering letter describing your interest in the position as well as your suitability. References will be requested as necessary.
Applications should be email to:
Rob Parks, Partner
RC Strategies
parks@rcstrategies.ca

Please ensure the subject line of the email includes your name and “Application for Consultant”. The posting will remain open until a suitable candidate is found; RC Strategies may cancel the competition at any time for any reason. Candidates should not expect any correspondence in response to their application; RC Strategies reserves the right to contact any candidates.