Job Description

Staff - Non Union

Job Category M&P - AAPS

Job Profile AAPS Salaried - Information Services, Level C

Job Title Communications & External Relations Lead Can-SOLVE CKD Network

Department Levin Laboratory Support Division of Nephrology | Department of Medicine | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range $6,677.33 - $10,433.50 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date July 22, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date Jul 31, 2024

This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.

This position is located within a health-care facility, therefore, the successful candidate will be required to provide verification of full vaccination against Covid-19 provided prior to the start date, as required by a provincial health mandate.

Job Summary

The Can-SOLVE CKD Network is Canada\xe2\x80\x99s largest-ever kidney research initiative. It is a national partnership of patients, researchers, health care providers, and policy-makers working to transform treatment and care for Canadians affected by chronic kidney disease. The network is changing the culture of kidney research by coordinating and conducting 27 innovative projects shaped by patients\xe2\x80\x99 experiences and priorities. It is also creating resources and national infrastructure that enhance Canada\xe2\x80\x99s ability to lead innovative kidney health research.

Can-SOLVE CKD is one of five chronic disease networks supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through Canada\xe2\x80\x99s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR). Funding is also provided by more than 60 partners, including provincial kidney care agencies, health charities, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. The network\xe2\x80\x99s second phase (2022-2027) is funded by a total of $11.8 million obtained from federal and partner sources.

Can-SOLVE CKD comprises more than 450 research team members and more than 75 patient partners across Canada. This large, multi-disciplinary team is supported by a core operations team that oversees the day-to-day work of all research projects, committees, and workgroups, ensuring that the network\xe2\x80\x99s key deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.

As a senior member of the core operations team, the Communications & External Relations Lead is responsible for the network\xe2\x80\x99s communications portfolio, leading the development and execution of strategies and tactics to increase awareness of the network\xe2\x80\x99s activities among a wide range of audiences. The role also leads the formation and maintenance of partnerships with relevant external organizations. Effectiveness in this role requires a detailed understanding of the Canadian health research landscape, including the interests and needs of external audiences. It also requires the ability to think strategically and anticipate future needs of the network and its partners.

Organizational Status
Reports to the Executive Director. Works closely with the core operations team and key network structures, including the Leadership Team, Steering Committee, research projects, Patient Governance Circle, Indigenous Peoples\xe2\x80\x99 Engagement and Research Council (IPERC), and partner organizations across Canada.

Work Performed

Communications

• Leads the creation and implementation of innovative and effective public relations, communications and marketing campaigns, initiatives and activities that raise the profile of the Network provincially, nationally, and globally.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates communications and marketing activities to ensure effectiveness.
• Provides advice and consultation on external and internal communications issues, strategies, and messaging to ensure completeness, accuracy and consistency of messaging and content.
• Provides advice on emerging trends and opportunities to enhance the Network\xe2\x80\x99s communications.
• Develops and leads the implementation of the overall strategic communications plan for Can-SOLVE CKD. Defines goals, objectives, key messages, tactics, platforms, and performance targets. Oversees the evaluation of the plan against key metrics and indicators. Collects and analyzes data to inform strategic decision-making and enhance existing approaches. Develops and implements mitigation strategies where necessary.
• Provides strategic and tactical support to research projects, including the development of communication materials (e.g., websites, fact sheets, logos, newsletters).
• Participates in network committees and working groups to provide strategic communications guidance into key activities, such as publications, event planning, and policy development.
• Defines and upholds brand guidelines for Can-SOLVE CKD, the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network, KidneyLink, and various research projects.
• Manages incoming requests from news media. Proactively coordinates opportunities to profile Can-SOLVE CKD through news media as appropriate.
• Facilitates the network\xe2\x80\x99s participation in relevant conferences and events. Develops slide decks, research abstracts, scientific posters, videos, and other materials to support public presentations.
• Oversees the creation and distribution of monthly update newsletters, quarterly features, social media, and website content. Researches, writes, and prepares content for these platforms and delegates work as appropriate.
• Leads development of promotional materials (e.g., posters, flyers, backgrounders, banners) for Can-SOLVE CKD and its related properties.
• Develops policies and procedures to enhance internal communications among network members.

External Relations

• Develops and leads the implementation of an external relations strategy for Can-SOLVE CKD to build and enhance partnerships and foster network sustainability. Responsible for evaluation of the plan and mitigation strategies as necessary.
• Leads the development of the network\xe2\x80\x99s annual reporting to funding partners and organizes an annual funders\xe2\x80\x99 forum. Routinely assesses the information needs of partners and develops strategies to ensure these needs are met.

Network Platforms

• Develops and implements a communications and marketing strategy to increase user engagement with KidneyLink (kidneylink.ca), including a re-development exercise to ensure the platform meets the growing needs of the network.
• Facilitates regular working group meetings, engages with key partners, and liaises with external contractors as needed.
• Manages and maintains the network\xe2\x80\x99s information technology infrastructure (e.g., email hosting, web hosting, document storage/shared files, productivity tools, additional software). Develops IT policies and standard procedures for the network and recommends new tools or platforms as appropriate.

Performs other duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Works independently and exercises extensive judgment and decision making. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the effectiveness, image, reputation and financial status of Can-SOLVE CKD. Errors in job function will reflect poorly on Can-SOLVE CKD. The consequences of error would damage public relations and diminish the efficiency and effectiveness of Can-SOLVE CKD. A high level of discretion and confidentiality is required. Errors in interpretation of policy and practices could have serious negative impact on relations within the network and with key partners.

Supervision Received
This position reports directly to the Executive Director. Work is carried out with minimal supervision and is reviewed in terms of sound management practices and achievement of specific objectives identified during annual review and throughout the year at regularly scheduled meetings.

Supervision Given
Leads the network\xe2\x80\x99s Communications Team. Supervises the work of the Communications Coordinator and Medical Writer. Provides task delegation to the Administrative Assistant and others, such as contract communications staff and students hired by the network

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum six years of related experience, or communication services, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Innovative, creative thinker.
• Experience with developing and implementing strategic communications plans.
• Experience using social media tools and developing social media strategies.
• Experience with email marketing.
• Experience using website content management systems (Wordpress experience is an asset, as is familiarity with HTML and CSS).
• Graphic design experience with expertise in Adobe Creative Suite.
• Competency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to work proactively and independently and in a team environment.
• Ability to identify and respond to contentious, politically and/or culturally sensitive issues with discretion.
• Experience developing materials for a variety of audiences.
• Ability to select the most effective communication media for a situation and to show ingenuity from the conception of ideas to completion of projects.
• Ability to conduct needs analyses, plan, organize, manage, monitor, complete, and evaluate projects within allocated time and resources.
• Ability to interact with faculty, staff, students and personnel from public, private and international organizations.
• Ability to liaise with diverse internal and external partners from faculties, institutions and organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise diplomacy, discretion and good judgment.
• Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
• Accuracy is essential as errors may have a major impact on the reputation of the network.
• Ability to effectively facilitate groups to achieve appropriate outcome.
• Ability to initiate projects.
• Enthusiastic, interactive, and energetic.
• Willing to travel to team-related meetings as required.
• Flexible with work hours.

University of British Columbia