Sun Life CHC Research & Program Operations Coordinator

Department: Faculty of Science

Job Type: Limited Term

Full-time/Part-time: Full Time (>=1249 hrs/year)

Campus: Waterloo

Reports to: Manager, Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities

Employee Group: WLUSA

Application Deadline: 11/10/2026

Requisition ID: 11924

Wilfrid Laurier University is a leading multi-campus university that excels at educating with purpose. Through its exceptional employees, students, researchers, leaders, and educators, Laurier has built a reputation as a world-class institution known for its rich student experience, academic excellence, and global impact. With a commitment to Indigenization and commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, Laurier’s thriving community has a place for everyone.

Laurier has more than 21,000 students and 2,100 faculty and staff across campuses in Waterloo and Brantford, as well locations in Kitchener and Milton. The university is committed to providing an inclusive workplace, a flexible work policy and employing a workforce that is reflective of local and national demographics. Laurier's Waterloo, Kitchener, and Brantford campuses are located on the shared traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishnaabe, and Haudenosaunee peoples. This land is part of the Dish with One Spoon Treaty between the Haudenosaunee and Anishnaabe peoples and symbolizes the agreement to share, protect our resources, and not to engage in conflict. Laurier's Milton campus is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and part of the Nanfan Treaty of 1701 between the British Crown and the Haudenosaunee Confederacy.

This job posting is for a current vacancy.

Position Summary

The Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC) is focused on enhancing the health of the communities in which Laurier has a presence and demonstrating the impact of CHC funded programming. CHC programming with the support of Sun Life seeks to enhance our community by further developing enriching partnerships and creating inclusive spaces for community members to engage in healthy behaviours. The CHC also provides several opportunities for Laurier students on both the Waterloo and Brantford campuses to engage in hands-on learning through volunteer opportunities and community service learning integrated into Laurier courses.

Reporting to the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities (CHC) Manager, the Research & Program Operations Coordinator supports the coordination, analysis, evaluation, and dissemination of research related to CHC programs. The Coordinator will engage in quantitative and qualitative research activities, including surveys, interviews, and focus groups, in collaboration with the CHC Manager, CHC Executive Director, Research Coordinator, and other research partners. The role will also support the development of relationships with Laurier faculty and other collaborators to advance research and evaluation related to CHC programs.

A key responsibility of this position is translating research findings and current literature into accessible knowledge mobilization resources that can inform CHC programming and be shared with internal and external audiences. The Research & Program Operations Coordinator will analyze program data, contribute to program evaluation processes, prepare reports and presentations, and support opportunities to disseminate CHC research through conferences, presentations, and other knowledge mobilization activities. The Coordinator will also support the academic and research components of CHC events and coordinate administrative processes associated with CHC research grants.

In addition to responsibilities within the research arm of the Centre, this role will support the administration of community programming. The CHC Research & Program Operations Coordinator will apply research knowledge to assist in the development of program skill progression plans, ensuring that CHC programming remains evidence-informed and aligned with current best practices. The Coordinator will also support participant registration processes and communication with parents/guardians.

The role will contribute to the development and facilitation of volunteer and staff orientations and serve as a primary point of contact for volunteers participating in CHC programs (approximately 60–80 volunteers per semester). Responsibilities include assisting with coordinating volunteer onboarding and program requirements, supporting volunteer engagement, and providing ongoing feedback to foster volunteer growth, skill development, and a positive program experience.

This role requires the ability to take initiative and make sound judgment independently while dealing with multiple competing priorities. The CHC Manager will provide strategic direction, mentorship, and support, and the incumbent is expected to take ownership of their responsibilities, proactively identify solutions, and make day-to-day decisions with confidence. The ideal candidate is self-directed, resourceful, and comfortable balancing autonomy with collaboration when guidance is needed.

Accountabilities

Research Coordination and Evaluation

• Coordinate and support research activities related to CHC programs, including planning, implementation, data collection, and project tracking.
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative research activities, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other evaluation methods.
• Analyze and interpret research data to assess program outcomes and impact.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and summaries of research findings for internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist with the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of program evaluation frameworks.
• Support the academic planning and delivery of the CHC Annual Conference or Showcase.
• Coordinate the administration, review process, and selection procedures for CHC research grant applications.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of CHC research policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Create knowledge mobilization materials and inform research findings through reports, presentations, newsletters, social media, websites, and other communication channels.
• Identify appropriate conferences to share research findings and prepare abstracts and presentations for conference presentations.

Programming and Administration

• Assist in implementation of evidence-informed program skill progression plans and other resources.
• Collaborate with Manager to ensure research findings and best practices are used to strengthen program quality and participant outcomes.
• Collaborate with CHC team members regarding participant registration processes and maintain accurate program records.
• Work collaboratively with CHC Outreach Coordinator to support tracking program metrics.
• Communicate with participants, parents, and guardians regarding program registration, schedules, and program-related inquiries.
• Support ongoing administrative operations as required.

Volunteer and Staff Coordination

• Coordinate volunteer recruitment, onboarding, and program placement processes.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for approximately 60–80 volunteers per semester.
• Monitor and track volunteer requirements, documentation, training, and participation.
• Assist with the development, coordination, and facilitation of volunteer and staff orientation sessions.
• Provide ongoing supervision, support, and feedback to volunteers to promote skill development and positive program experiences.
• Foster volunteer engagement and contribute to volunteer recognition and retention initiatives.

Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records, databases, and documentation related to research, programming, and volunteers.
• Assist with the preparation of reports, presentations, and other materials required for CHC operations
• Perform other related duties that support the successful operation of the Sun Life Centre for Healthy Communities.

• Represent CHC in a professional manner when engaging with internal and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• The successful candidate should (a) hold a graduate level degree (Masters/PhD) with a focus on a social-psychological area of Kinesiology, (b) have experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analyses, (c) have experience working with in a collaborative environment, and (d) be able to work with academic and community groupsExperience and Knowledge

• Minimum 2 years of related experience in research, program coordination, community programming, health promotion, or a related environment.
• Experience supporting quantitative and/or qualitative research, including activities such as survey development, data collection, interviews, focus groups, data management, and/or analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to review, interpret, and synthesize academic literature and translate research findings into accessible, practical resources for non-academic audiences.
• Experience supporting the development, implementation, evaluation, or continuous improvement of evidence-informed programs.
• Experience working with community-based programs and/or diverse participant populations is an asset.
• Knowledge of research ethics, informed consent, confidentiality, and responsible data management practices.
• Experience working in a university, research, health promotion, recreation, or community-based organization is considered an asset.

• Strong research, analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to prepare research summaries, reports, knowledge mobilization materials, program resources, and professional correspondence.
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and timelines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with researchers, faculty, staff, students, community partners, and program participants.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate program and research documentation.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications; experience with research/data-analysis software or tools is considered an asset.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility, and creating inclusive

This position has not been deemed eligible for Educational Equivalencies.

Hours of work: This is a full-time, limited term position with an approximate end date of December 31, 2027. The normal hours of work are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. Flexibility in hours will be required, including evening and/or weekend work due to timing of programs/ CHC events will be needed. When possible, the manager will adjust the work schedule so that no more than 35 hours are worked in a week.

This role requires daily in person attendance and is not eligible for a flexible work arrangement as per Policy 8.14 (Flexible Work Policy).

As Per Article 12.7.6 of the collective agreement, prior approval of a member’s manager is required to return to their previous position upon the completion of a Limited-Term Position.

Compensation

Level: D

Rate of Pay: $39.87 to $42.15 per hour with an annual step progression on anniversary date up to $45.57 per hour.

Considerations for new hire step placements include, qualifications and length/depth of required experience, relevant market rates for similar jobs, internal equity, and estimated learning curve in starting the job.

Job Evaluation Factor Scores

Wilfrid Laurier University endeavors to fill positions with qualified candidates who have a combination of education, experience, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position while demonstrating Laurier's Employee Success Factors.

Equity, diversity and creating a culture of inclusion are part of Laurier’s core values and central to the Laurier Strategy. Laurier is committed to increasing the diversity of faculty and staff and welcomes applications from candidates who identify as Indigenous, racialized, having disabilities, and from persons of any minority sexual and gender identities. Indigenous candidates who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact the Office of Indigenous Initiatives. Candidates from other equity deserving groups who would like to learn more about equity and inclusive programing at Laurier are welcomed to contact Equity & Accessibility. We have strived to make our application process accessible, however if you require any assistance applying for a position or would like this job posting in an alternative format, please contact People and Culture. Contact information can be found at careers.wlu.ca/content/How-to-apply/

Should you be interested in learning more about this opportunity, please visit www.wlu.ca/careers for additional information and the online application system. All applications must be submitted online. Please note, a resume and cover letter will be required in electronic form.

Please note, when pre-screening questions are used as part of the application process, AI is utilized to score responses. All other aspects of the hiring process are reviewed by our Talent Acquisition team.