Job Description

Department: Faculty of Community Services - CERC

Position supervisor: Dr. Karen Soldatic

Contract length: 6 months with the possibility of renewal

Hours of work per week: up to 24 hours over 4 days on site

Work Location: on site, Toronto campus; some travel to external partners will be required

Position type: Non-union casual, part-time

Rate of pay: $40 per hour


About Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University)


At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada's leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.


Toronto Metropolitan University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.


As an employer, we are working towards a people first culture and are proud to have been selected as one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto's Top Employer for 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018.
About the team


The Canada Excellence Research Chair in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing (CERC) program is a transformative research initiative that employs an engaged community partnership approach to expand our understanding, practice and delivery of health outcomes for all members of our communities. Collaborating closely with a network of healthcare institutions, service providers and civil society organisations, the CERC in Health Equity and Community Wellbeing aims for a paradigm shift - one that challenges a siloed, expert-driven approach to health and well-being and moves, instead, towards a community-engaged, preventative model of wellbeing. Uniquely applying a critical disability lens, the research program aims to not only reduce health disparities that are inextricable from their social contexts but to embed community knowledge into health-care institutions, systems and models of delivery.


Learn more about the CERC here: https://www.torontomu.ca/cerc-health-equity/


The opportunity


We are seeking a dynamic and innovative Knowledge Mobilization and Partner Engagement Specialist to join our team. This is an exceptional opportunity for a skilled professional seeking meaningful part-time work that offers scheduling flexibility, between the core operating hours of 8:30am - 5:30pm. This pivotal role will be responsible for co-creating, promoting, coordinating, and disseminating critical research outputs to diverse audiences across various platforms. The successful candidate will be instrumental in embedding knowledge mobilization throughout the entire research lifecycle, ensuring that research findings are accessible, actionable, and impactful, particularly for vulnerable population groups. Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:


Strategic KT Planning & Execution


Co-create and implement comprehensive Knowledge-to-Action plans, ensuring research and dissemination activities are participant and community-controlled. Design, implement, and review action-based strategies in consultation with partners throughout the research lifecycle to foster generative and ongoing learning. Scale the management and promotion of research outputs based on target audience, potential for policy change and impact, and required accessible formats.
Community Engagement, Partnerships & Dissemination


Initiate and collaborate with project partners and research teams to develop and deliver community health and social service workshops, presentations, webinars, and executive summaries. Identify and work with local community groups, partners, and interest groups to provide ongoing updates on project findings and identify opportunities for KT outputs.
KMT Promotion for Impact


Work closely with the Communications team to develop and execute a discrete plan and timeline for Knowledge Mobilization and Research Translation engagements across the research lifecycle. Develop and disseminate diverse knowledge and findings outputs, including podcasts, policy briefs, reports, interactive executive summaries, microfilms, digital storyboards, professional educational tools and checklists, interactive dashboards, infographics, online photo galleries, art forms, research educational clips for social media (e.g., Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok), dynamic interactive web pages, and expressive recordings. Identify and adapt KT outputs for research events such as symposia, exhibitions, galleries, and studio performances, ensuring content is modified for social media dissemination and adheres to EDI+A communication principles.
Policy & Report Writing


Translate final research findings into policy papers and/or briefs, tailored for project partners, institutional, industry, and policymakers, using appropriate language and design for readability and accessibility. Produce outputs including emerging and final snapshot data, representative case studies with suggested solutions, and policy recommendations.
Capacity Building


Conduct research translation workshops throughout the project lifecycle to facilitate engagement, knowledge exchange, and application for policymakers, healthcare institutions, organizations, and community groups. Develop plain language versions of project reports, policy briefs, and fact sheets in multiple languages, utilizing high-quality tile formats with community-designed visuals and engaging local artists/research participants where possible. Provide training and development to researchers, students, partners, and research participants on KMT strategies and output creation to integrate KT from project initiation.
Data Governance & Security


Ensure all knowledge translation outputs strictly adhere to the CERC HECW Data Governance, Security and Protection policy, in line with Tri-Council requirements.
Qualifications


Master's degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Public Health, Arts, Social Sciences, Knowledge Mobilization, Inclusive Education or a related discipline. Minimum 3 years of experience in knowledge mobilization, research translation, social communications, or a related field, preferably within an academic, health, or social services setting. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing knowledge mobilization strategies and plans. Demonstrated commitment to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) and proven experience promoting a respectful work environment for a diverse group of staff. Proven track record of creating diverse and accessible communication materials for various audiences. Experience working with vulnerable populations and community-led research initiatives is highly desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex research into clear, concise, and engaging content for diverse audiences. Strong understanding of knowledge mobilization principles, theories, and best practices. Proficiency in designing and developing educational and communication materials (e.g., presentations, reports, infographics, digital content). Experience with various social media platforms and digital communication tools. Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and build strong relationships with stakeholders. Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet deadlines. Familiarity with data governance and privacy principles, particularly in a research context. Proficiency in relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, design and communication platforms)
How to apply


Please send your resume and cover letter as one PDF document to: CERC - Health Equity and Community Wellbeing, Research Chair, at ksoldatic@torontomu.ca.


For applications and inquiries, please use the subject line: 'Application - Knowledge Mobilization + Partner Engagement Specialist'


Toronto Metropolitan University's commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion


We encourage all First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples or Indigenous peoples of North America, to self-identify in their applications. If you are an Indigenous applicant and require support during the recruitment process, please reach out to James McKay, Indigenous HR Lead at james13@torontomu.ca. Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture. We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process,please reach out to Human Resources: + Current employees can contact HR by logging into AskHR to submit a request.
+ External candidates who do not have TMU login credentials can contact HR by visiting torontomu.ca/human-resources/askhr/.
* All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.