Data & Research Lead

Position Overview

The Data & Research Lead at Canopy plays a pivotal role in managing and advancing the organization's data infrastructure, research initiatives, and technical knowledge base. This individual spearheads coordination within the Impact team, upholds data quality and governance standards, leads significant research endeavors, and directs the creation of analytical tools supporting strategy, stakeholder engagement, and thought leadership. The role also involves translating complex academic findings into actionable insights and overseeing both internal teams and external collaborators.

Key Duties

• Lead the research and knowledge systems program to position Canopy as a trusted partner in low-carbon and next-generation materials solutions.
• Design and maintain a unified data architecture linking Canopy's essential datasets, research outputs, source references, and decision-support tools.
• Coordinate diverse research efforts across the Impact team including surveys, audits, market and policy analyses, and commissioned studies.
• Systematically organize information derived from multiple formats such as spreadsheets, PDFs, APIs, public databases, fieldwork, and expert contributions into reusable and documented materials.
• Implement and enforce standards concerning source tracking, quality assurance, version control, data confidentiality, and responsible use of artificial intelligence.
• Oversee a development roadmap for dashboards, maps, calculators, and other tools influenced by campaign objectives and user feedback.
• Collaborate with subject-matter experts to capture and transform scientific, technical, and market knowledge into accessible resources.
• Ensure accuracy and integrity of data, analysis methods, and citations behind public reports and external communications.
• Integrate AI-enabled processes to enhance research, analysis, and knowledge management workflows, ensuring appropriate human oversight.
• Provide training for team members on relevant systems and tools while maintaining thorough documentation.
• Lead and manage internal staff, and coordinate work with external researchers, data professionals, and consultants.

First-Year Objectives

• Document and systematize Canopy's principal datasets, detailing ownership, source details, and update schedules.
• Define and implement shared standards addressing data quality, provenance, confidentiality, and AI-assisted analyses.
• Establish a structured process for commissioning and managing research within the Impact team.
• Create and begin executing a prioritized plan for internal data resources and decision-support tool development.
• Enhance capturing and application of technical knowledge related to next-generation materials and regional cohort development.
• Strengthen data handling and research workflows supporting key Canopy reports and outputs.
• Develop a strategic content calendar for thought leadership initiatives with the Communications Director.
• Collaborate with senior Impact team members to produce influential thought leadership and campaign content including tools, reports, and opinion pieces.

Required Qualifications

• Proven leadership experience overseeing complex data, research, or knowledge-management systems across various teams.
• Expertise in developing or managing data products such as dashboards, research platforms, or decision-support solutions.
• Comprehensive understanding of data governance encompassing source tracking, quality assurance, documentation, access controls, versioning, and confidentiality.
• Capability to commission, oversee, and synthesize deliverables from external researchers, data experts, and subject specialists.
• Proficiency with AI-based research and analysis tools, exercising sound judgment regarding validation, security, and appropriate application.
• Skill in conveying complex data and evidence effectively to audiences without specialist knowledge.
• Discernment to determine when advanced tools improve workflows versus when simpler methods suffice.
• Experience managing internal staff, consultants, or technical collaborators.
• A good sense of humor to foster a positive team environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with geospatial data, supply-chain mapping, data visualization, or decision-support platforms.
• Insight into forest, fiber, paper, packaging, textile, or agricultural residue/material supply chains.
• Scientific or technical expertise in environmental science, carbon accounting, biodiversity, materials science, circular economy, or industrial decarbonization.
• Experience contributing to public research projects and major published reports.
• Knowledge of survey methodology, audits, market research, life-cycle assessments, or policy analysis.
• Background working within nonprofit, advocacy, or market-transformation organizations.

Additional Information

This role entails occasional travel domestically and internationally. Candidates must be flexible with working hours to support global collaboration across time zones. Canopy is committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process and welcomes applicants to request accommodations as needed. The organization values diversity, equity, and inclusion within its workforce.

Application Instructions

Applicants should submit a CV, a cover letter addressing their interest in Canopy and the role, plus a separate prompt response. The prompt concerns data verification and presentation strategies for a carbon-footprint dataset comparing next-generation fibers with virgin wood pulp. AI tools may assist with brainstorming and editing but not generating original application content.