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Communications and Engagement Specialist

Position Details

Position Information

Position Title Communications and Engagement Specialist
Department/Unit Medicine
Research Project Solutions for Kids in Pain
Location Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
Posting Number GP91-23
Employee Group Grant-Paid
Position Type Term
Duration of Contract (if applicable) 1 year, with the possibility of renewal
Employment Type Full Time
Full-time Equivalency (FTE) 1.0
Salary $55,000 - $65,000 per annum (37.5 hours per week)
About the Organization
Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP) is a national knowledge mobilization network based at Dalhousie University whose mission is to improve children’s pain management by mobilizing evidence‐based solutions through coordination and collaboration. SKIP brings together Canada’s pediatric pain research community, over 100 partners, six hubs, and patients and caregivers.
Job Summary
Reporting to SKIP’s Executive Director, the Communications and Engagement Specialist will lead internal and external communications and engagement as SKIP transitions from a Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE)-funded network to an official Centre at Dalhousie University (effective April 1, 2024). The Communications and Engagement Specialist will also be instrumental in ensuring a successful transition and developing SKIP’s new and ongoing strategic communications and engagement initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
  • Internal and External Communications Management: Lead, develop and implement internal and external communications plans, products, campaigns and initiatives, social media framework, media relations, grow SKIPs reach and resource uptake, and create a narrative for SKIP’s transition into an official university Centre.
  • Content Creation and Management: Co-design, create, revise, and manage digital, visual, and print products including media, dashboards, summaries, newsletters, reports, videos, webinars, event materials, and SKIP branding and brand, for target audiences using excellent professional writing skills.
  • Network and Partner Engagement: Coordinate, engage, contribute to, and manage strong relationships, outreach, communications, and content with internal and external partners in the SKIP network, including patients, caregivers, partners, youth, stakeholders, and others in child health as well as events, workshops and government visits to effectively communicate the needs of children and youth living with pain.
  • Social Media & Digital Management: Develop, manage, collect, synthesize, and update all social media and content for SKIP materials and products such as reports, infographics, and newsletters, including metrics, website, postings, some graphic design, and external contractors including web and graphic designers, translators, printing services, and others.
  • Planning and Implementation: Manage communications planning, project implementation, activities, and events including gathering, analyzing and interpreting data to identify patterns and insights to support decision-making as well as structured analytics reporting and tailoring insights for internal and external audiences.
Note
The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines.
Required Qualifications
  • Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field with a minimum of 3 years of relevant communications and knowledge mobilization experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience) in a non-profit, healthcare, or academic setting.
  • Expertise in communications, digital media, content development, knowledge translation, editing and proofreading, metrics tracking, analytics, analyzing and reporting (digital metrics, outputs, and project milestones), and stakeholder and media relations.
  • Demonstrated ability to create, implement, evolve, and evaluate communications plans and campaigns aligned with the organizational vision, mission, and strategic focus.
  • Demonstrated ability to produce professional, quality, and compelling written, visual, and presentation products for digital and print media.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to develop strong relationships and collaborate with teams and a wide range of external stakeholders.
  • Excellent attention to detail, sensitivity, and accuracy when translating complex ideas about health research, pain management, and evidence adoption into engaging, accessible content for various healthcare professionals and lay audiences through a wide range of communications channels.
  • Demonstrated self-starter with strong organizational and multi-tasking skills, as well as project and time management to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-profile environment.
  • Passion for the well-being of children and youth.
Assets
  • Graphic design/video production skills.
  • Bilingualism in French/English.
Additional Information
Dalhousie University supports a healthy and balanced lifestyle. Our total compensation package includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans and an employee and family assistance program.
Application Consideration
We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Diversity Statement
Dalhousie University commits to achieving inclusive excellence through continually championing equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. The university encourages applications from Indigenous persons (especially Mi’kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. For more information, please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity.
Posting Detail Information

Number of Vacancies 1
Open Date 11/20/2023
Close Date 12/08/2023
Open Until Filled No
Special Instructions to Applicant
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/15161

Documents Needed to Apply

Required Documents
  1. Résumé / Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Optional Documents
  1. Cover Letter