911吃瓜

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Research Communications Specialist (TSSU Employee Group)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Research Communications Specialist is responsible for developing and executing knowledge translation, communication, marketing and design activities for Health Data Research Network (HDRN) Canada to advance HDRN Canada's vision of enabling data access and use to drive improvements in health and health equity, and supporting transformative and world-leading multi-regional health research.  The Research Communications Specialist is a skilled communicator with a passion for health research, knowledge translation and an ability to transform complex ideas into compelling narratives and a talent for designing effective campaigns that create impact and effectively share the stories of research success from HDRN activities and projects.  The incumbent reports to the HDRN Scientific Director and PI and works with various HDRN Canada member organizations, partners and teams to transform network initiatives and research into engaging marketing and communications products.

Position Location: 911吃瓜 Surrey Campus; hybrid

Duration: Temporary contract, end date March 31, 2028 with possibility of extension

Expected Salary: $62,000 - $78,000/ year

Principal Investigator: Dr. Kim McGrail

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Supports communications and knowledge mobilization activities of the network by:

• Participates in the development, design and dissemination of communications and marketing materials to support awareness of various research and data resources and training offered by HDRN Canada members and partners
• Knowledge translation, graphic design and writing in a variety of styles for print, social media and web; event support; social media management; website content creation and maintenance; and the creation of audiovisual assets and implementation of communications tasks as needed
• Provides communications support to online and in-person events.
• Supports communications and knowledge mobilization activities in collaboration with stakeholders, including through web, social media, and other digital channels.
• Liaises with stakeholders to meet research communication needs; consults with relevant stakeholders to determine visual/design needs; and supports knowledge translation activities.
• Supports communications and knowledge mobilization activities in collaboration with stakeholders, including through web, social media, and other digital channels.
• Supports the dissemination of research findings through various design and knowledge translation activities.
• Communicates project goals and works with partners to disseminate findings.

2. Enables network-wide planning, communication and engagement by:

• Supports HDRN Canada member and partner organizations in the identification of opportunities to improve awareness of network initiatives.
• Develops and utilizes processes to monitor and evaluate communications, marketing and knowledge translation and mobilization strategies. Works with Director of Communication to track and monitor relevant communication products, campaigns and other outputs to assess impact of research output from HDRN members.
• Developing operational processes that support HDRN member and partner access to communication support and graphic design services throughout the lifecycle of their network projects
• Identifies gaps and opportunities for improving existing communication, marketing and design activities.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of relevant communications and marketing standards, products, and tools.
• Develops a broad understanding of researcher access to data in BC, Canada and around the world in order to support efforts to streamline data access at the provincial and national levels.
• Provides strategic recommendations regarding communication and marketing activities.

IMPACT OF DECISION MAKING

The Research Communications Specialist, makes decisions regarding:

• Determining appropriate approaches for communicating complex research project information to researchers, partners, and governance bodies to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with HDRN Canada objectives.
• Ensuring accuracy of communication materials and knowledge products released publicly where any errors in communication will have a significant effect on the reliability of information released by HDRN Canada. The release of erroneous or misleading information may have implications that affect the network, the research community, partners, stakeholders and public bodies, including funders. 
• Responding well to unexpected circumstances and exercise independent judgment to ensure project milestones are met. Failure to meet deliverables by specified deadlines will have consequences on funded projects and HDRN Canada鈥檚 relationships with its partners.

PROBLEM SOLVING AND LEVEL OF SUPERVISION

The Research Communications Specialist solves problems related to:

• Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information communicated to the public, partners, and the research community.
• Coordinating complex interactions among researchers, policymakers, and partner organizations with differing priorities or requirements.
• Ensuring a high level of engagement with marketing and media campaigns to drive interest and support for HDRN initiatives and partners.

Reports to the PI and Scientific Director (Dr. Kim McGrail), HDRN Canada and has accountability to the CEO / Director of Communications.

RELATIONSHIPS

Supervisory

Works primarily independently and may direct the work of external service providers, including contractors.

Primary Working Relationships

Internal Connections

• Works closely with the Director of Communications, HDRN Canada, Research team members, providing communications, marketing and knowledge translation support to drive engagement with network research and initiatives.
• Collaborates with Strategic Initiatives Manager, Project Coordinators, and Operations staff on a day-to-day basis
• Works collaboratively with others in the School of Medicine and with 911吃瓜 staff in the Communications office who support large initiatives.

External Connections

• Works closely with network member organizations and other HDRN Canada staff; these colleagues are spread across all provinces and territories in Canada.
• Works closely with external partners, including members of the Health Data Research Alliance, and others who contribute to our broader mission.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree in Communications, and four years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Experience working with a data-focused organization or health-related institution is an asset.  Experience or working knowledge of a range of health research methods and processes is an asset.

Skills: 

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, demonstrating mastery of advanced English grammar, precise spelling, accurate punctuation, and proficient use of technical terminology.
• Demonstrated understanding of communications, marketing and knowledge exchange approaches, with experience in content and graphic design.
• Strong and demonstrated proficiency with HDRN Canada鈥檚 platforms and channels: WordPress, Canva, Asana, Cyberimpact, Eventbrite and Zoom.
• Strong and demonstrated proficiency in graphic design theory and practice, including the Adobe Creative Suite
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in social media standards, platforms, tools and best practices.
• Comprehensive computer literacy including demonstrated intermediate level skills with Microsoft Office programs.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with individuals at varying levels of expertise, including HDRN Canada staff and teams, researchers, and members of the public.
• Demonstrated excellence  in writing in a variety of styles for a range of audiences, for web and print, and to translate scientific concepts into lay language, both verbally, visually, and in writing.
• Ability to synthesize information from stakeholders to inform content design, delivery and communication.
• Knowledge of and ability to conduct project evaluation and incorporate into a variety of knowledge exchange products.
• Ability to identify learning and knowledge needs within the network and its audiences, and to develop knowledge exchange strategies, activities and products.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise tact, discretion, and judgment is required.
• Strong ability to function as a team player in a multi-stakeholder environment.
• Exceptional attention to detail is required at all times.
• Demonstrated time management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multi-tasking and competing priorities on a day-to-day basis.
• Exceptional initiative and willingness/ability to learn new concepts and detailed procedures.
• Experience in conference/event planning an asset.
• Ability to work effectively both independently, prioritizing time and tasks to complete and within a team environment.
• A positive attitude and being a team player is required.

The 911吃瓜 School of Medicine acknowledges with deep respect that our work takes place on the unceded, ancestral, and traditional territories of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples, including the Kwantlen, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen Nations, as well as the Semiahmoo Nation. These Nations are part of the Fraser Salish health region, and we are committed to building relationships grounded in reciprocity, respect, and shared responsibility.

911吃瓜 is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact med_research@sfu.ca