Senior Communications Specialist KT MAP UpstreamLab (Job ID: 7796)
Overview: At the Upstream Lab, our mission is to promote health equity and address social determinants of health through innovative research. Our work is organized into four main streams: integrating health and social care, population health management, proactive care enabled by data, and conducting clinical trials. The Senior Communication Specialist plays a crucial role in advancing these initiatives by leading our communication strategy and enhancing knowledge translation (KT) capabilities. We are looking for someone that has a strong background in communications, a passion for health equity, social justice and public engagement, and a flair for creativity.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning and Development:
· Develop a strategic communication plan that aligns with overall mission and objectives of the Upstream Lab;
· Build awareness and support for project activities, including key projects such as CanTreatCOVID and PREPARED that outlines objectives, target audiences, key messages, and channels.
· Establish metrics to evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and tactics
· Regularly review and adjust the communication plan based on feedback and performance data.
Relationship Building and Collaboration /Media Relations
· Build relationships with content experts and stakeholders, including Upstream Lab's Community Advisory Council, to bridge gaps between research and practice.
· Design and execute in-person and virtual events to make complex information accessible to relevant audiences.
· Facilitate workshops and visioning sessions to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration.
· Organize meetings and facilitate communications between experts and relevant groups.
· Foster ongoing collaboration among content experts, stakeholders, and community partners.
· Maintain strong media relationships, both national and targeted, and seek partnerships with other organizations;
Knowledge Translation and Communication:
· Develop and implement innovative communication strategies / plain language material to effectively translate complex knowledge into accessible formats.
· Collaborate with researchers and subject matter experts to understand key findings and their implications
· Develop and implement dissemination plans for knowledge translation activities.
Content Management and Development:
· Develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure timely publication of articles, blogs, job opportunities, announcements and other resources.
· Regularly update Upstream Lab website, social media content to ensure accuracy and relevance, including text, images, and multimedia.
o Monitor website, social media performance, troubleshoot issues, and implement improvements
Other:
· Assist in drafting grant applications and managing grant activities.
· Lead the development of academic papers and provide feedback on research outputs.
· Other duties, as assigned
Qualifications:
· Undergraduate degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
· Minimum of 5-8 years of experience in health, research, public policy, or academic environments.
· Experience in development of strategic communication plans that align with organizational goals, including defining objectives, target audiences, key messages, and channels.
· Experience in establishing metrics to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies and adjusting plans based on data and feedback.
· Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with diverse stakeholders including scientists, content experts, media, stakeholders, and community/patient partners
· Demonstrated ability to create and implement innovative communication strategies and plain language materials
· Exceptional attention to detail in written and visual communications.
· Proficiency in developing and maintaining a content calendar
· Experience in assisting with grant applications and managing grant-related activities an asset
· Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
· Strong organizational and time management abilities.
· Ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
· Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
· Proficient in social media platforms, and content management systems.
· Strong critical thinking skills and the ability to work independently.
· Creative and strategic thinker who can propose innovative projects.
· Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
· Willingness to review and adjust strategies based on emerging trends and audience feedback.
· Understanding of public health, health equity, and social determinants of health.
· Familiarity with policy processes and advocacy efforts in relevant areas.
· Ability to communicate in French is considered an asset.
· Experience with event planning and management.
· Knowledge of multimedia content strategy, including video editing and photography.
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If you are an internal employee, please apply through the Intranet for your application to be considered.
Thank you for applying.