UX Researcher

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: UX Researcher

Company: World Vision Canada

Location: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Job Type: Full Time Permanent

Category: User Experience (UX) / Design Operations

Date Posted: October 27, 2025

Experience Level: 1-2 Years (Entry-Level/Junior)

Remote Status: Hybrid

🚀 Role Summary

• Drive experimentation and research initiatives within the Market-Creating Innovation (MCI) team, focusing on digitally enabled solutions and new engagement opportunities.

• Conduct user research across the entire product lifecycle, employing a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods to deeply understand user needs and behavior.

• Analyze complex datasets (both qualitative and quantitative) to identify patterns, quantify opportunities, and discern causality from correlation to inform strategic decisions.

• Synthesize research findings into actionable insights, translating them into concise readouts, clearly defined Jobs-to-be-Done (JTBD), problem statements, and robust recommendations for stakeholders.

• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including developers, designers, and advisors, to advocate for evidence-based decision-making and ensure a user-centric approach to product development.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is focused on User Experience (UX) Research within an innovation hub. While not a direct Revenue Operations, Sales Operations, or GTM role, the emphasis on data-driven insights, experimentation, and understanding user behavior is highly transferable and valuable in operations contexts, particularly in areas like customer journey mapping, product adoption strategies, and optimizing digital engagement for philanthropic contributions. The "Market-Creating Innovation" team suggests a focus on new digital platforms or services that could drive engagement and, indirectly, support fundraising or program participation.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Plan and execute diverse user research studies, including discovery interviews, usability tests, surveys, card sorts, diary studies, experience sampling, concept tests, and fake-door tests, throughout the product development lifecycle.

• Perform market and secondary research, such as segment scans, competitive/analogous analysis, and trend reviews, to identify and define problem spaces for innovation.

• Manage research operations, including participant recruitment (ensuring diverse representation), incentive distribution, consent management, and maintaining an organized inventory of research assets.

• Co-create and maintain up-to-date personas and user journey maps, linking research insights directly to hypotheses and planned experiments.

• Support experimentation by drafting hypotheses, designing minimal viable tests, defining success metrics, and assisting with the instrumentation of basic analytics tracking.

• Foster strong partnerships and influence stakeholders, including advisors, designers, developers, and other key World Vision Canada (WVC) personnel, to champion evidence-based product decisions.

• Uphold ethical research practices, including safeguarding, informed consent, and responsible data handling, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.

• Contribute to the development of user-centric digital solutions by translating research findings into practical, actionable recommendations that align with WVC's mission.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a hands-on approach to UX research, emphasizing the full research lifecycle from planning to synthesis and communication. The inclusion of "fake-door tests" and "A/B testing" support indicates a lean and experimental approach to innovation, which is common in agile development environments and can be applied to testing new operational processes or digital tools.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, Design, Computer Science, or a related field is typically expected for UX Researcher roles. Equivalent practical experience may also be considered.

Experience: 1-2 years of hands-on UX research experience is required. This can include experience gained through internships, co-op programs, academic lab work, or freelance projects focused on digital products or services.

Required Skills:

• Proficiency in core qualitative research methods: user interviews, usability testing, surveys, card sorting, and diary studies.

• Working knowledge of basic statistical concepts relevant to research analysis, including sampling, significance, confidence intervals, and bias identification.

• Ability to design research studies independently, write clear research protocols, develop effective discussion guides, and select appropriate methodologies based on research questions and time constraints.

• Demonstrated skill in synthesizing research data (both qualitative and quantitative) into clear, actionable insights, including findings, implications, and recommendations tailored for non-research audiences.

• Familiarity with design and prototyping tools, specifically Figma.

• Experience utilizing at least one common research toolset: survey platforms (e.g., Typeform, Qualtrics), usability testing platforms (e.g., UserTesting.com, Lookback), or analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Amplitude).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling narratives supported by clear visuals.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience designing and analyzing A/B or multivariate tests and general experiment design.

• Knowledge of Lean Startup methodologies, Design Thinking frameworks, or agile delivery processes.

• Exposure to market research, market segmentation, or competitive analysis.

• Experience working within the nonprofit or social impact sector.

📝 Enhancement Note: The "Must-Haves" clearly define the foundational requirements. The "Nice-to-Haves" suggest areas where candidates with additional experience or exposure can differentiate themselves, particularly in areas like experimental design and agile frameworks, which align well with operational efficiency and continuous improvement initiatives.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Showcase a minimum of 1-2 UX research projects, demonstrating the full research lifecycle from problem definition to actionable insights and recommendations.

• For each project, clearly articulate the research question, methodology employed, participant demographics, key findings, and the impact of the research on product or strategic decisions.

• Include examples of synthesized data, such as user personas, journey maps, JTBD frameworks, or problem statements.

• Demonstrate familiarity with research tools by including examples of survey design, usability test reports, or data analysis outputs.

Process Documentation:

• Evidence of designing research studies, including study plans, recruitment screeners, and discussion guides.

• Examples of synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise reports or presentations suitable for diverse audiences.

• Documentation of user personas and journey maps, illustrating how these artifacts were developed and utilized.

• Any examples of contributing to or analyzing A/B test results or other experimental outcomes.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "operations portfolio" isn't explicitly requested, a strong UX research portfolio is critical. For operations professionals, this translates to showcasing a portfolio that highlights process analysis, data-driven problem-solving, and demonstrable improvements achieved through research or experimentation. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their research process and how their findings informed decisions that led to tangible outcomes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: For a UX Researcher with 1-2 years of experience in Mississauga, Ontario, the estimated annual salary range is CAD $55,000 - $75,000. This estimate is based on industry benchmarks for junior UX roles in major Canadian metropolitan areas, considering cost of living and demand for UX talent.

Benefits:

• Competitive compensation package.

• Health Spending Account (HSA) for medical and dental expenses.

• Pension plan with up to 6% matching contributions.

• Parental leave top-up program.

• Generous paid time off: vacation days, sick days, wellness days, and personal days.

• Additional paid days off: office closed for 6 days per year before long weekends.

• Recognition as a consistent awardee of Canada and GTA Top Employer awards.

Working Hours: The standard working hours are approximately 40 hours per week, aligning with a full-time permanent position. The hybrid work arrangement suggests flexibility in balancing office and remote work days.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range is an estimate for a junior role in a high-cost-of-living area like Mississauga. Benefits are comprehensive and reflect a commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, which are attractive to professionals seeking stable, impactful roles.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: World Vision Canada operates within the Not-for-Profit / Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) sector, focusing on international development, disaster relief, and advocacy. This sector prioritizes mission-driven work, ethical practices, and impactful outcomes.

Company Size: World Vision Canada is a large organization, employing approximately 400 Canadians, and is a significant entity within the nonprofit sector in Canada. This size implies a structured environment with established processes, but the Market-Creating Innovation (MCI) team likely operates with more agility, akin to a startup within a larger corporation.

Founded: World Vision was founded in 1950 globally, with World Vision Canada established shortly after. This long history suggests stability, extensive experience in global development, and a deep-rooted mission. The emphasis on innovation indicates a forward-looking approach, seeking to adapt and evolve in a changing world.

Team Structure:

• The Market-Creating Innovation (MCI) team is described as an "innovation hub" and operates with an agile, lean startup approach.

• The UX Researcher reports to the Director, Market-Creating Innovation, suggesting a direct line of leadership within the innovation function.

Methodology:

• The MCI team employs agile, lean startup, and design thinking methodologies.

• Research is central to informing product decisions and innovation strategies, with a focus on experimentation.

• Data-driven insights are paramount, guiding the development of technology-infused solutions.

Company Website: https://www.worldvision.ca/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture is a blend of established humanitarian mission and modern innovation. The MCI team's agile and lean startup approach, combined with design thinking, creates an environment conducive to rapid prototyping and user-centric development, which is attractive for individuals who thrive in dynamic settings.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This role is positioned at an entry-level to junior UX Researcher capacity (1-2 years of experience). It offers a foundational opportunity to build a career in UX research within a mission-driven organization. The focus on innovation suggests potential for growth into more senior research roles or specialization within experimental design and product strategy.

Reporting Structure: The UX Researcher reports directly to the Director, Market-Creating Innovation. This provides visibility to leadership and an opportunity to influence innovation strategy from the ground up. The structure within the MCI team is likely collaborative and cross-functional.

Operations Impact: While not directly a revenue operations role, the UX Researcher's work has a significant indirect impact. By ensuring that digital solutions are user-centric, effective, and engaging, the role contributes to:

• Increased adoption and engagement with new digital platforms or services.

• Improved user experience for donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, potentially enhancing retention and support.

• Identification of new market opportunities or engagement models that can drive philanthropic contributions and program reach.

Growth Opportunities:

• Skill Specialization: Develop deep expertise in specific research methodologies (e.g., advanced quantitative analysis, experimental design, ethnography) or emerging areas like AI-driven user insights.

• Leadership Potential: Progress to Senior UX Researcher or UX Research Lead roles, mentoring junior researchers and leading larger research initiatives.

• Cross-Functional Development: Gain exposure to product management, design, development, and business strategy within the innovation context, potentially transitioning into product roles or innovation strategy.

• Impact Amplification: Contribute to high-impact projects that directly support World Vision's global mission, offering a unique sense of purpose and career fulfillment.

📝 Enhancement Note: The growth path for a UX Researcher typically involves deepening expertise in research methods, expanding influence across product teams, and potentially moving into leadership or strategic roles. The "innovation hub" environment at World Vision Canada offers a unique opportunity to blend technical UX skills with a strong social impact mission.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," indicating a blend of remote work and in-office presence. This suggests a modern work environment that values flexibility while maintaining opportunities for in-person collaboration.

Office Location(s): The primary location is Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. This provides access to a major metropolitan area with a diverse talent pool and resources.

Workspace Context:

• The hybrid model allows for focused individual work remotely and collaborative sessions, brainstorming, and team building in the office.

• The MCI team's agile and lean startup approach likely means a dynamic and potentially open-plan office environment designed to foster collaboration and quick iteration.

• Access to necessary technology and tools for both remote and in-office work is expected.

• Frequent interaction with designers, developers, and project leads is anticipated, facilitating a rich collaborative experience.

Work Schedule: The standard 40-hour work week provides a structured framework. The hybrid arrangement allows for some flexibility in managing personal and professional commitments, which is beneficial for deep analytical work and collaborative sprints.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid model is increasingly standard, offering a balance that many professionals seek. For a UX Researcher, this means being able to conduct remote interviews and analysis, while also benefiting from in-person ideation and team cohesion at the Mississauga office.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: A review of your resume and portfolio to assess foundational UX research skills and experience.

• Hiring Manager Interview: Discussion about your experience, approach to research, understanding of core methods, and alignment with the MCI team's mission and methodologies (Agile, Lean, Design Thinking).

• Skills Assessment/Case Study: You may be asked to complete a take-home assignment or a live case study presentation. This could involve analyzing a dataset, designing a research plan for a hypothetical problem, or critiquing an existing user flow. Be prepared to demonstrate your analytical and synthesis skills.

• Team/Stakeholder Interviews: Meetings with potential collaborators (designers, developers, product leads) to assess your collaboration style, communication skills, and ability to influence others.

• Final Interview: Potentially with a senior leader to discuss your overall fit and potential impact within the organization.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Structure is Key: Organize your portfolio logically, typically by project. For each project, clearly state the problem, your role, the methodology, your process, key findings, and the impact.

• Show, Don't Just Tell: Include visuals such as wireframes, prototypes, user flow diagrams, personas, journey maps, and compelling charts or graphs derived from your analysis.

• Quantify Impact: Whenever possible, use metrics to demonstrate the success of your recommendations or the impact of your research (e.g., "reduced task completion time by X%", "identified Y key usability issues that led to Z design changes").

• Highlight Process: Explain why you chose certain methods and how your research process led to the insights. Demonstrate your critical thinking and decision-making abilities.

• Tailor to the Role: Emphasize projects that showcase your experience with experimentation, lean methodologies, or research for digital products, as these align with the MCI team's focus.

Challenge Preparation:

• Methodology Fluency: Be ready to discuss the pros and cons of various research methods and when to apply them.

• Data Synthesis: Practice synthesizing qualitative and quantitative data into clear, concise, and actionable insights. Be prepared to walk through your thought process.

• Storytelling: Develop a narrative around your projects that highlights problem-solving and impact.

• Ethical Considerations: Be prepared to discuss how you approach ethical research, especially concerning vulnerable populations.

• Tool Familiarity: Be comfortable discussing your experience with Figma and relevant research/analytics tools.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical application of UX research skills, ability to translate data into insights, and strong collaborative and communication abilities. A well-prepared portfolio is essential for demonstrating these competencies.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Design & Prototyping: Figma (required).

• Survey Platforms: Typeform, Qualtrics (familiarity with at least one required).

• Usability Testing Platforms: UserTesting.com, Lookback (familiarity with at least one required).

• Analytics Tools: Google Analytics (GA), Amplitude (familiarity with at least one required).

Analytics & Reporting:

• Tools for analyzing qualitative data (e.g., Dovetail, NVivo - not explicitly mentioned but good to be aware of).

• Tools for quantitative data analysis (e.g., Excel, R, Python - basic statistical knowledge is required).

CRM & Automation:

• While not a direct requirement for this role, understanding how CRM systems (like Salesforce, if used by WVC for donor management) and marketing automation tools integrate with user data can provide context for how research insights might be applied to broader engagement strategies.

📝 Enhancement Note: The specified tools (Figma, survey/testing/analytics platforms) are standard for UX researchers. Proficiency in these, coupled with a strong understanding of research methodologies and data analysis principles, will be critical. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience and comfort level with these technologies.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Commitment to the Poor: A deep dedication to serving vulnerable populations and making a tangible difference in their lives.

• Christian Faith: A guiding principle for operations, influencing ethical decision-making and a holistic approach to service.

• Stewards: Responsible management of resources, ensuring efficiency and impact.

• Value People: Respect for individuals, both internally within the team and externally for beneficiaries and partners.

• Partners: Collaborative approach, working effectively with internal teams and external organizations.

• Responsive: Ability to adapt quickly to changing needs and environments, a trait crucial for innovation and humanitarian work.

Collaboration Style:

• Agile & Lean: Emphasizes iterative work, quick feedback loops, and adaptability.

• Cross-functional: Strong emphasis on collaboration between UX, design, development, and other stakeholders.

• Evidence-Based: Decisions are informed by data and user insights, fostering a culture of critical thinking and shared understanding.

• Mission-Oriented: All efforts are aligned towards the overarching goal of improving the lives of children and communities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values of World Vision Canada are deeply rooted in its humanitarian mission and Christian foundation. The MCI team's culture is likely a blend of these core values with modern innovation practices like agile and design thinking, creating a unique environment where impact and efficiency are paramount.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Mission with Innovation: Integrating cutting-edge digital solutions while staying true to the organization's core humanitarian mission and ethical considerations (especially with vulnerable groups).

• Resource Constraints: Working within the nonprofit sector may involve managing limited budgets or resources, requiring creative problem-solving and prioritization.

• Cross-Cultural Research: Conducting research with diverse global populations presents unique challenges in terms of language, cultural nuances, and access.

• Measuring Impact: Quantifying the direct impact of UX research and innovation efforts on fundraising, program effectiveness, or beneficiary outcomes can be complex.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Advanced Research Techniques: Opportunities to deepen expertise in quantitative analysis, experimental design, and advanced qualitative methods.

• Innovation Methodologies: Gaining hands-on experience with Lean Startup, Agile, and Design Thinking in a real-world application.

• Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: Learning from designers, developers, and program specialists to understand the broader ecosystem of humanitarian aid and digital transformation.

• Industry Best Practices: Staying abreast of the latest trends in UX research and digital innovation through training, conferences, and internal knowledge sharing.

• Mentorship: Potential to be mentored by experienced leaders within the innovation team and across World Vision Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges presented are common in mission-driven innovation roles. They offer significant opportunities for learning and professional development, particularly in areas that require adaptability, strong analytical skills, and a deep understanding of user needs in complex environments.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• Research Approach: "Describe a time you had to choose between a qualitative and quantitative research method. What factors influenced your decision, and what was the outcome?" (Focus on logic, method selection, and impact).

• Data Synthesis & Storytelling: "Walk me through a project where you synthesized complex data into actionable insights. How did you communicate these findings to non-researchers, and what was the result?" (Prepare a concise case study with clear visuals).

• Problem Solving: "Imagine we are developing a new digital tool to connect donors with children they support. What would be your initial research steps to understand user needs and potential challenges?" (Demonstrate structured thinking and user-centricity).

Company & Culture Questions:

• Mission Alignment: "What interests you about World Vision Canada's mission, and how do you see UX research contributing to it?" (Show genuine interest and connect your skills to the organization's goals).

• Team Collaboration: "Describe your experience working in cross-functional, agile teams. How do you handle disagreements or differing priorities?" (Highlight collaborative skills and adaptability).

• Ethical Considerations: "How do you ensure ethical research practices, particularly when working with potentially vulnerable user groups?" (Emphasize safeguarding and informed consent).

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Concise Narrative: For each project, aim for a 3-5 minute overview, focusing on the problem, your solution/process, and the impact.

• Visuals are Key: Use well-designed slides with clear visuals (personas, journey maps, key data charts) to illustrate your points.

• Highlight Your Role: Clearly articulate your specific contributions, especially if it was a team project.

• Be Prepared for Deep Dives: Anticipate questions about your methodology, data analysis, and how you handled specific challenges.

• Connect to Their Needs: Briefly explain how your experience and projects align with the responsibilities and goals of the UX Researcher role at World Vision Canada.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating not only technical UX research skills but also an understanding of the organization's mission, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to translate research into tangible impact within an innovation context.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this UX Researcher position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Dayforce portal.

• Tailor Your Resume: Highlight your 1-2 years of UX research experience, specific methodologies used, tools you're proficient with (especially Figma), and any relevant academic or internship projects. Quantify achievements where possible.

• Prepare Your Portfolio: Ensure your UX research portfolio is polished, showcases 1-2 key projects, and clearly articulates your process, findings, and impact. Be ready to present it confidently.

• Research World Vision Canada: Understand their mission, values, current initiatives, and the role of innovation within the organization. Familiarize yourself with their digital presence and any user-facing platforms.

• Practice Your Storytelling: Prepare to discuss your projects and experiences using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) and be ready to articulate your contributions and the impact of your work.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

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