Research Assistant

Summer Student Opportunity:
Research Assistant: Equity Projects (30hrs/wk)

Location: Toronto, ON (Remote/Hybrid)
Organization: Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB)
Term: Contract (8 weeks) Full-Time (35 hr/week) with possibility of P/T, F/T or Contract extension 
Deadline to Apply: July 22, 2025, 6:00 PM EDT
Start Date: Immediate
Application Review: Potential candidates will be contacted by email/phone to have interviews scheduled and conducted within 24 hours of application.

About the Role

Breaking Down Racial Barriers (BDRB) is hiring a focused and detail-oriented summer Research Assistant to support BDRB national equity research projects examining systemic barriers and anti-Black racism in Canada’s music and creative industries.

Reporting directly to BDRB Directors and Research Team, the Research Assistant will support a range of research and coordination tasks including stakeholder engagement, data collection, transcription, survey support, and preparation of final research materials.

This is a paid, hybrid contract position with an immediate start. The role offers hands-on experience in applied equity research and policy analysis in a dynamic organization committed to systemic change in the Canadian music and creative sectors.

Key Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will:

  • Receive training and mentorship throughout the term

  • Assist with scheduling and project coordination

  • Coordinate and be present for interviews and focus groups

  • Conduct limited key-informant interviews

  • Transcribe and analyze qualitative data

  • Contribute to survey development and distribution

  • Maintain accurate and organized research documentation

  • Support the organization and synthesis of research findings

  • Support formatting, editing, and preparation of research reports and content

  • Contribute to communications and dissemination planning

  • Work independently, take initiative, and apply critical thinking to all aspects of the research process

Conduct Research including:

  • Support the implementation of anti-racism research frameworks, evaluation tools, and data collection systems led by the Research Team Lead

  • Assist in preparing briefing materials, background research, and annotated literature for strategic reports and anti-racism initiatives

  • Coordinate scheduling, communication, and documentation for internal and external research meetings, consultations, and working groups

  • Collect, organize, and synthesize qualitative and quantitative data aligned with established research protocols and methodologies

  • Maintain data integrity by cleaning, coding, and formatting research inputs for analysis under the supervision of the Lead

  • Assist in drafting research summaries, performance metrics, and progress updates related to anti-racism benchmarks and outcomes

  • Help prepare the layout and organization of public-facing documents such as reports, infographics, and presentations

  • Document and organize stakeholder engagement activities and contribute to transparent reporting mechanisms

  • Provide administrative and logistical support for consultations, interviews, and project meetings

  • Participate in debriefs and contribute insights from data, community engagement, and project tracking

  • Work closely with the Research Team Lead to ensure that all deliverables reflect community priorities, research ethics, and BDRB’s values of equity and accountability

Qualifications and Skills

  • Strong interest in equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in the music or creative industries

  • Interest in the music and creative industries

  • Experience or demonstrated interest in qualitative and/or quantitative research methods

  • Research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English

  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and capable of managing multiple priorities and deadlines

  • Confident using Zoom and Google Workspace; 

  • knowledge of Microsoft Office and familiarity with transcription software is an asset

  • Familiarity with current social media platforms and how research can be used there

  • Comfortable and willing to be taught/learn and apply AI to support their work, including research tasks and workflow

  • Ability to work independently and take initiative in problem-solving

  • Experience working collaboratively with diverse communities or stakeholder groups

Preferred Experience

  • Enrolled in or graduated from a program in Music or Music-Business, Equity Studies, Arts Administration, Social Sciences, or related discipline

  • Previous experience supporting or conducting research on equity-related issues

  • Familiarity with the Canadian music or creative industries

  • Knowledge of anti-racism frameworks, equity policies, or community-based research practices

  • Bilingualism in French is helpful, though not required

Please Note: None of the above qualifications or skills are mandatory. We are looking for individuals who bring curiosity, commitment, and a willingness to grow. Preference will be given to applicants who demonstrate a passion for learning and a dedication to building a more equitable music and creative industry.

BDRB Employment Equity Statement

Breaking Down Racial Barriers is a 3B not-for-profit organization committed to advancing racial equity in Canada’s music and creative industries. We encourage all applications, including those from sytemically excluded communities including but not limited to Black youth, those who identify as Indigenous, racialized, 2SLGBTQIA+, differently abled, or part of other equity-deserving communities. Applicants whose lived experience reflects the systemic barriers BDRB exists to address will be prioritized.