Program Coordinator, Partnerships and Engagement

This position has an expected end date of March 31, 2027 with the possibility of extension or renewal.

Location - This role is hybrid with a mix of remote and in-person work at North Campus Edmonton.

This position will be directed by the Assistant Director, Learning Health System Team, Alberta SPOR SUPPORT Unit, in the Department of Medicine.

The major roles and responsibilities of the position will encompass managing the Learning Health System Team’s program of stakeholder engagement, including collaborative research projects, and the Team’s communications activities. The successful candidate is responsible for identifying and stewarding multiple partner and stakeholder relationships. The person in this role will assist with defining and implementing new engagement practices and approaches to ensure the success of all initiatives including ongoing research projects. The Specialist develops approaches to engagement, collaboration, and innovation that create improved value for the Team and its stakeholders.

This individual demonstrates a standard of excellence, enjoys challenge, and is results driven. They are also highly motivated, demonstrating the ability to use their own initiative and managing time effectively.

1. Managing all activities of the AbSPORU Implementation Science Collaborative. This will require excellent ability to communicate, work collaboratively, and maintain momentum and enthusiasm in the face of ambiguity and shifting timelines. This includes:

• Developing and maintaining professional relationships between self and stakeholder organizations (Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge; Alberta Health and other federal and provincial ministries; Alberta Health Services; Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR); and Alberta Innovates (AI)), policy/decision makers, researchers, care providers and networks;
  • Linking decision makers, researchers, and care providers with each other so that they are able to better understand each other's goals and professional cultures;
  • Where appropriate, identifying or responding to opportunities for assembling groups (i.e, working groups, etc.) to engage in an ongoing assessment of topic specific issues and possible subsequent plans;
• Leading the planning of community-building events (meetings, capacity-building and professional development events, and social events) in consultation with the Team Co-Leads, Assistant Director, other team staff and community stakeholders;
• Coordinating networks, organized around specific interests, e.g. training;
• Being a resource and point of contact for other team members and for external collaborators and clients;
• Working with the SPOR Learning Health System Team Lead and Assistant Director to monitor resources and quality control;
• Working with the Assistant Director to advise on the development of the Team’s business and strategic plans and assisting in reporting to funders and other stakeholders;
• Designing and implementing mechanisms for evaluating the Team’s work.

2. Coordinating high-level, complex research activities and analysis specific to knowledge mobilization, implementation science and learning health systems. This coordination will require a high degree of knowledge about the science involved in this work as well as highly developed abilities in management and communication.

This work includes:

• Setting objectives and timelines for each project;
• Determining which resources are needed and drawing on the knowledge of clinical and methodological experts;
• Overseeing operations and quality of work regarding all areas of research project execution;
• Establishing and maintaining the network of internal and external experts that will be required on each project;
• Supervising research team.

3. In addition to coordinating the Team’s stakeholder engagement and communications stream of work, the incumbent will be required to independently carry out scholarly work, including:

• Writing research papers, preparing presentations and publications;
• Presenting analytical research at seminars, stakeholder meetings, and conferences;
• Applying for research funding as a co-applicant only.

4. Other duties required of this position will include:

• Keeping abreast of best practices and emerging issues in knowledge mobilization, implementation science and learning health systems to support the Alberta SPOR Learning Health System Team as a leader in innovation;
• Contributing to special reports on the Learning Health System Team’s projects, activities, or accomplishments;
• Assisting with preparation of research grant applications and contract proposals; coordinating informal training sessions for the Team staff;
• Participating in formal training opportunities within the Team;
• Other duties as may be assigned by the Assistant Director.

• PhD preferred; minimum of a Masters degree.
• Experience with the principles of knowledge translation and implementation, and building and maintaining partnerships with multiple stakeholders to achieve common goals.
• Experience in a complex working environment dealing with multiple stakeholder groups.
• Excellent communication and writing skills for a variety of audiences.
• Experience with independently coordinating large research projects, including proposal preparations, project coordination, and ability in writing and editing scientific manuscripts.
• Strong leadership skills and management skills to lead projects and people. Ability to work collaboratively in an environment characterized by ambiguity, shifting timelines and priorities, and multiple projects underway simultaneously.
• Demonstrated excellent skills in oral and written communication.
• Detail-oriented, with strong organizational skills and proven ability to handle multiple projects and meet deadlines; attention to the accuracy of grammar, spelling and punctuation is imperative.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and ability to meet project deadlines.
• Skilled in facilitation, collaboration, negotiation and problem-solving.

Application Instructions

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This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $83,195 to $114,418.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry is one of the world’s top academic health science centres. With 21 departments, multiple research institutes and centres, and a focus on excellence in education, research, and clinical care, the faculty trains outstanding medical and dental professionals and drives global health innovation in collaboration with partners across sectors.

The University of Alberta, its buildings, labs and research stations are primarily located on the territory of Néhiyaw (Cree), Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Métis, Nakoda (Stoney), Dene, Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) and Anishinaabe (Ojibway/Saulteaux), lands that are now known as part of Treaties 6, 7 and 8 and homeland of the Métis. The University of Alberta respects the sovereignty, lands, histories, languages, knowledge systems and cultures of all First Nations, Métis, and Inuit.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.

All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms—physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.

The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.

L’Université de l’Alberta s’engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.