Knowledge Engagement and Translation Specialist, Taylor Institute of Teaching & Learning

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta. The City of Calgary is also home to Métis Nation of Alberta, Districts 5 and 6.

Position Overview

The Taylor Institute of Teaching & Learning in the  is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Knowledge Engagement and Translation Specialist for approximately 24 months.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Communications and Programming, the Knowledge Engagement and Translation Specialist will work with the WIL for Neurodiverse Students Initiative to develop knowledge translation tools, resources, and products to support the broad dissemination of information collected and curated over the length of the project. Working collaboratively with the Initiative staff and within the Communications and Programming team, this role will support strategic projects within the Taylor Institute for Teaching and Learning.

The Knowledge Engagement and Translation Specialist works with a team to systemically change work-integrated learning programming to be inclusive of all neurologies. Working on a broad, institution-level initiative, the Knowledge Engagement and Translation Specialist will work on projects related to work-integrated learning, neurodiversity in the workplace, and other strategic priorities while engaging internal and external partners.

The Work-Integrated Learning (WIL) community at the University of Calgary is located across faculties and programming areas. WIL opportunities are incorporated in several degree programs, in the form of internships, co-ops, field placements and practicum positions. These programs are facilitated by a network of academic and non-academic staff across UCalgary's faculties and schools. WIL activities and processes vary across campus accounting for differences across professions, accreditation requirements and history of WIL in the field.

The successful candidate will create engaging and effective tools that enable Work Integrated Learning  practitioners and employers to implement the skills and knowledge needed to foster neuro-affirming education and workplaces. With an understanding of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) theory, the Specialist will work with UCalgary faculties in addressing communication and training challenges. The Specialist will also work with Taylor Institute teams on the design and implementation of online interactive learning modules and will also engage in our students as partners framework by supervising student staff throughout the project who will be engaging in work related to knowledge engagement and translation.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

 Knowledge Engagement & Mobilization

• Develop tailored strategic communication and knowledge mobilization projects to achieve project goals.
• Engage knowledge users throughout the life cycle of projects and initiatives to identify knowledge needs and gaps, develop and implement plans in response, and iteratively improve tools and resources based on feedback.
• Develop strategies to raise the project’s profile, locally and globally.
• Develop an in-depth understanding, positioning and strategic objectives for the project.
• Rapidly develop and deliver creative knowledge mobilization products. 
• Collaborate with the Communications team and campus partners to plan and implement knowledge mobilization initiatives using various platforms.

 Knowledge Translation

• Lead development of knowledge sharing strategies alongside initiative partners including WIL program staff, evaluators, employer and community partners, and other post-secondary institutions.
• Work with the project evaluation working group and external evaluator on data collection, report consolidation and sharing using principles of Universal Design for Learning to ensure that reporting reflects learner and reader needs and multiple neurologies.
• Develop and maintain filing structures, policies, and procedures for the organization and maintenance of KT tools.

Evaluation Coordination

• Responsible for coordinating and managing the collection of data related to the Initiative for reporting purposes and to support strategic planning needs.
• Lead communication and knowledge mobilization strategy for the WIL for Neurodiverse Students Initiative in collaboration with the Taylor Institute Communications & Programming team.
• Develop compelling website and social media content to highlight the project’s milestones.
• Participate as a contributing member on required committees and working groups in the Office of Experiential Learning and campus-wide.
• Partner and leverage Taylor Institute resources including Academic Leads, Educational Development Consultants, and other OEL experts on the team to develop training and resources for a variety of audiences including students, staff, faculty, and/or external partners.

Student Supervisor                    

• Provide in-scope supervision to student leaders supporting the Initiative in a variety of roles. This may include task delegation, providing on-the-job training, and liaising with management on project updates and day-to-day workloads of students.
• Act as a role model, mentor, resource and coach to students working in positions supporting the WIL & Neurodiverse Students Initiative dealing effectively with complex tasks using expertise, judgement, and professionalism.

Qualifications / Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing or related field is required. Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in a communications, knowledge translation, engagement, mobilization, or project coordinator role.
• Experience translating complex information to a lay audience a variety of forms, including presentations, speaking remarks, marketing materials and storytelling.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize creative plans and solutions for an array of challenges.
• Strong analytical, interpretive, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to prepare a wide range of assets and help stakeholders understand evidence/ data.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and translate complex information for different audiences in a variety of formats, including verbally, in writing, and through social media.
• Advanced computer skills, including the ability to use various applications to build knowledge mobilization products and resources.
• Demonstrated Ability to generate and transform creative ideas into inspiring and compelling communications activities, materials and messaging.
• Strong time management, interpersonal, and communications skills.
• Excellent attention to detail, reading and editing skills.
• Demonstrated experience with graphic design (including Canva, Adobe, or other design products).
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with multiple competing priorities.
• Experience with designing and creating interactive online modules using Articulate or similar tools is an asset. 

Application Deadline:  January 15, 2024

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist / Advisor Job Family, Phase 3.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website . 

The University strongly recommends all faculty and staff are fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada’s leader in the creation of start-ups . Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca .

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy  committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected] ) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected] ).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities , and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role. 

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.