Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Knowledge Development and Exchange (KDE) Hub for Mental Health Promotion

Description

Renison University College, affiliated with the University of Waterloo, and respectfully acknowledging its presence on the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Attawandaron (Neutral) peoples, invites applications for the full-time, contract position of Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, Knowledge Development and Exchange (KDE) Hub for Mental Health Promotion. This contract is for 25 months in duration (March 1, 2022, to March 31, 2024). Please note that the salary range for this role is $65,000 to $80,000.

Respected as an inclusive community that values the diversity of its faculty, staff, and students, Renison is committed to engaged education for the well-being of the world, offering degree programs reflecting social engagement through the School of Social Work, and the Social Development Studies Department; global engagement through our Culture and Language Studies Department and community engagement in our non-degree programs, including the English Language Institute, through the Centre for Continuing and Professional Education.  More information about the College is available at uwaterloo.ca/renison.

The KDE Hub, with funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), was established in 2019. It is a national entity with an exclusive focus on mental health promotion. The Hub facilitates connections and knowledge creation and sharing for projects funded by the federal government, as well as with a broader stakeholder community in the growing field of mental health promotion. The Hub is hosted by Renison University College and built strong foundations in its first three years. The Hub currently and will continue to support up to 20 projects funded through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund. These projects address mental health promotion for children and youth. The Hub will be expanding in 2022 to support a larger number and wider range of mental health promotion projects.

The Hub a) creates new knowledge across funded projects, b) builds community and capacity amongst funded projects and others who share their interests, and c) strengthens systemic supports for sustaining and scaling promising approaches to mental health promotion. More information about the KDE Hub is available at kdehub.ca.

Objectives:  The Knowledge Mobilization Specialist is a new position, that will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring and reporting on Hub activities that emphasize knowledge sharing, audience engagement, and strategic communications. The incumbent will work closely with members of the Hub Secretariat to design and implement workplans with regards to knowledge mobilization activities. Additionally, the incumbent will represent Renison in a manner consistent with the values, goals, and strategic directions of the University College.

Qualifications

Education:

• Graduate degree with relevance to knowledge mobilization in health or social sciences, or equivalent combination of education, training and experience
• Formal knowledge mobilization training preferred

Skills & Experience:

• A minimum of three years’ experience in a position where knowledge mobilization was a key functional role
• Strong theoretical and practical understanding of knowledge mobilization approaches and methods
• Well-developed written and oral communications skills, and ability to produce products for a variety of different audiences
• Superior writing skills, including the ability to prepare plain language documents
• Prior experience with development of diverse knowledge mobilization products and tools (e.g., infographics, arts-based, digital storytelling)
• Flexible and able to work effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders and within a dynamic and geographically dispersed team
• Experience working in a highly autonomous setting; high degree of initiative and sound judgment required
• Ability to manage several large and small work plans involving various combinations of team members
• Knowledge of mental health promotion sector preferred
• Understanding of health equity, and the challenges facing diverse and/or vulnerable populations (e.g., Indigenous, refugees, newcomers, LGBTQ2S+, and others)
• In addition to strong English language communication skills, professional fluency in French an asset

Application Instructions

Renison University College respects, appreciates, and actively encourages diversity. As part of Renison’s commitment to equity within the College, we welcome and encourage applications from all qualified individuals with diverse experiences based on race, ethnic origin, religion, age, colour, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, ability or disability including women, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous Peoples, and other visible minorities. Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority. Renison is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request for candidates participating in all parts of the selection process. Please contact a member of Renison’s Human Resources department with accommodation requests.

Deadline for applications: January 26, 2022.

Application materials should be submitted online as PDF files through Interfolio.  Please include, at minimum, a cover letter, resume and three references. Please note that only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. The successful candidate will also be asked for consent to have an educational and a criminal records verification completed. The criminal records verification provides an indication of the existence of adult criminal convictions, for which a record suspension has not been granted, within the RCMP National Repository of Criminal Records.

A full job description is available upon request by contacting Carol Murray clmurray@uwaterloo.ca.