Research and Communications Specialist (1 Year Term)

Date Posted: 02/22/2024
Req ID: 36119
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00049869

Description:

About us:

TRANSFORM HF is an Institutional Strategic Initiative created in joint partnership by the University of Toronto and the Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research. We are looking for a dynamic motivated self-starter to communicate our vision of Digital Innovation for Heart Failure Care and tell stories about our community of engineers, scientists and clinicians who collaborate with Indigenous health experts and patients to develop point-of-care diagnostics, wearables, and AI technologies. Together, we monitor and proactively treat people with heart failure in their homes – and empower them to be more active in their own care.

Led by Dr. Craig Simmons, distinguished Professor of Mechanobiology, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in the the Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering and Dr. Heather Ross, Head of the Division of Cardiology and Loretta A. Rogers Chair in Heart Function at the University Health Network, TRANSFORM HF crosses disciplines to innovate, collaborate and dramatically alter the management and trajectory of people with heart failure, bringing new innovations into clinical practice, and improving access to equitable high-quality care.

In allyship with Indigenous partners, we work together to capitalize on the strengths of Indigenous people and communities to create new models of heart failure care that are responsive to their needs, culture and leadership.

Your opportunity:

Reporting to the Director, Strategy and Translation for TRANSFORM HF ISI, this role is a unique opportunity to use your creativity, strategic communications expertise and a passion for science to improve the experiences of patients, caregivers and families living with heart failure.

Working across the University of Toronto and UHN community of investigators – as well as bridging out to other institutions and partners – you will bring to life the experience of living with heart failure from the perspective of the patient, caregiver or family member; showcase innovative technologies and digital solutions in development to address heart failure and help build a community with shared purpose and vision.

We are looking for a team member who is goal-oriented and self-motivated, and who will engage respectfully and meaningfully with engineering and clinical leaders, technology developers and innovators, and with patients and Indigenous communities.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing knowledge translation and communications strategies/plans to promote programs, events and/or initiatives that support TRANSFORM HF’s vision and goals.
• Developing and implementing marketing plans to support business development and revenue-generating strategies and/or activities.
• Fostering relationships with internal and external contacts in the planning and execution of strategic communications and knowledge translation activities.
• Tracking and monitoring research activities and preparing materials documenting progress against goals, managing the www.transformhf.ca website and the @transformhf Twitter accounts; ensuring timely and innovative content delivery.
• Drafting documents for knowledge translation purposes, obtaining feedback and producing on various media (i.e., web, video, podcasts, documents) as well as producing promotional and outreach materials.
• Analyzing data to ensure effectiveness and ongoing ROI for marketing efforts and initiatives.
• Conceptualizing and overseeing the format and set-up of educational and stakeholder engagement events (e.g., seminars, workshops, and consultations with people with lived experience).
• Consulting with TRANSFORM HF community members and partners regarding the development of project scope and resources, and scheduling and assigning work to a small group in a limited area.

Essential Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in marketing, communications, journalism, knowledge translation or applied health sciences field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Minimum five years of related communications, media, knowledge translation and/or marketing related activities or an acceptable combination of relevant and practical experience gained through a role in co-operative education or internship programs.
• Experience organizing and implementing communications plans in a consultative manner across a variety of community channels and media (i.e., reports, web and social media).
• Experience with research evidence, metrics and measures of productivity; able to track, describe, summarize and profile research and/or network successes and achievements.
• Experience with conceptualizing, planning and executing educational and stakeholder engagement events (e.g., seminars, workshops, and consultations with people with lived experience).
• Experience with video editing (e.g., Final Cut or Adobe Premier) for posting to YouTube or social channels.
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and oral communication skills and proficiency in communicating and engaging effectively with a variety of audiences.
• Ability to assimilate, interpret, translate, and distill research from primary sources into compelling, engaging, and enlightening communications for a variety of audiences.
• Excellent organizational, time and project management skills to plan projects, achieve results and meet critical timelines in collaboration with stakeholders and the TRANSFORM HF community.
• Proficiency with design and web technologies (i.e., WordPress, Adobe Suite, Canva, Figma) and designing social media campaigns and assets.
• Strong interpersonal and collaborative skills to engage with a variety of individuals in a respectful and meaningful dialogue.

Assets (Nonessential):

• Excellent knowledge of the engineering and cardiology stakeholders across Canada, with particular focus on training, research, and care.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, particularly those working in health sector.
• Experience in working with people with lived experience of a complex health condition and in patient-oriented research.
• Experience with knowledge translation concepts and methods, able to translate complex scientific concepts and evidence into knowledge products for different audiences.
• Post-secondary education in biomedical sciences and/or biomedical, mechanical or industrial engineering would be an asset.
• Completion of Indigenous cultural safety training and Principles of OCAP training, as well as experience of working in allyship with Indigenous communities.

To be successful inthis role you will be:

• Adaptable
• Communicator
• Motivated self-learner
• Proactive

Closing Date: 03/01/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 13 -- $83,150 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $106,336. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Communication/Media/Public Relations

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.