Specialist, Research & Knowledge Mobilization

at  United Way British Columbia

EDUCATION:

• Degree in Social Sciences, Population Health, Evaluation or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Master’s degree considered an asset.

EXPERIENCE:

• Three (3) years’ of demonstrated project management experience – including writing grant applications, developing budgets, overseeing evaluation plans and administering project plans
• Experience in the Community Based Seniors Services sector and working with diverse community groups, academics and researchers and social service organizations is required
• Experience in developing communications materials (i.e. newsletters, website posts etc.) and supporting contractors is an asset

SKILLS:

• Superior verbal and written communication skills; an effective listener and presenter
• Exemplary customer service and project management skills
• Analytical with business acumen and proven results in a strategic role
• Proven presentation, public speaking, and grant writing skills
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects and responsibilities concurrently
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment
• Ability to create and maintain good working relationships across organization
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse partners and stakeholders, including community groups, researchers, volunteers, skill based and professional staff
• Attention to detail; excellent organizational and time management skills
• Ability to exercise a high level of tact and discretion in both internal and external interactions
• Ability to analyze, develop and implement processes and procedures in workflow to achieve objectives
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and computer applications

JOB PURPOSE

Working under the direction of the Assistant Director, Community Engagement, this position leads the department’s research and knowledge mobilization activities as well as supporting with special projects and initiatives. The role leverages the Healthy Aging CORE platform and other knowledge mobilization opportunities to support information sharing across the CBSS sector and to increase the profile of the sector amongst diverse stakeholders and funding bodies. This position also supports the department internally with community-based research, evaluation initiatives, and knowledge mobilization needs in service to a diverse range of portfolios.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Builds and maintains relationships with academic, research, health, and other sector partners that are working to advance the health, wellbeing, and rights of older persons.
• Represents the department on research and special interest committees, advisory groups, and coalitions that support the strategic goals and directions of the Healthy Aging team.
• Prepares publications, conference presentations, and other knowledge dissemination materials to share information about United Way BC’s Healthy Aging work.
• Conducts surveys, literature reviews, environmental scans, interviews, or other research and knowledge synthesis activities to support the work of the department across portfolios.
• Compiles and synthesizes research evidence on the impacts of United Way BC-funded Healthy Aging programming and initiatives across the province.
• Supports research and strategy development around best practices in evaluation, accountability, and performance measurement to develop tools that meet departmental and programming needs
• Organizes webinars, newsletters, and other knowledge mobilization activities associated with the Healthy Aging CORE platforms.
• Oversees locating and vetting information to be shared on the Healthy Aging CORE website and in the bi-weekly newsletters distributed to across a membership base.
• Provides operations and coordination support for special projects and initiatives, including supporting with CBSS sector working group as needed.
• Supports other team members with research, evaluation plans, and knowledge mobilization needs.
• Supports the preparation and participation of the department on grant applications.

DON’T MEET EVERY SINGLE REQUIREMENT? STUDIES HAVE SHOWN THAT WOMEN, PEOPLE OF COLOUR AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLE ARE LESS LIKELY TO APPLY TO ROLES UNLESS THEY MEET EVERY QUALIFICATION. AT UWBC, WE ARE DEDICATED TO JUSTICE, EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION, SO IF YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT THIS ROLE, BUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS ARE NOT PERFECTLY ALIGNED, WE STILL ENCOURAGE YOU TO APPLY. YOU MAY BE JUST THE RIGHT CANDIDATE FOR THIS, OR OTHER ROLES.

This is a bargaining unit role with CUPE Local 1760. This position is a pay grade 38 which is $85,931.62 annually if you are within Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley region and $77,566.08 annually if you are outside Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley region.