Project Coordinator

Job Summary

The emerging prominence of patient-oriented research in health care has been welcomed by patients, clinicians and policy makers. Its impact has already been evidenced in many areas of research and care; however, there are gaps in this evolving process such as 1) evidence-based information on disorders can be hard to find by the family, 2) there is no repository for knowledge from those with lived experience, and 3) the patient voice is ignored. Miles Sibley, a patient advocate in the UK notes “if you can’t find the evidence, you can’t act on it”. And where there is the expression of the patient voice -- it is limited, there are dispersed sources of patient experiences/evidence, and there is no coherent synthesis of the patient data to inform other patients, the clinical/research settings, or the policy world. These points are exacerbated by three other issues: 1) The voices of marginalized populations are typically not heard, 2) the individual with lived experience can be ignored as a complainer, and 3) when one is involved in pediatric conditions these issues are further exacerbated, that is the child’s voice is often neglected. An initial effort to fill some elements of these gaps was the creation of the Patient Experience Library that has been started in the UK by Miles Sibley and colleagues. In the US, there is the Courageous Parents Network that has put together professionally produced documents and videos called VOICES to better appreciate the patient experience.

The overall goal of this project is to embed the patient and family voice into the healthcare system to benefit research in, and care of children with neurodevelopmental conditions in BC. The project focuses on advancing the care of children with neurodevelopmental conditions through research, practice, and policy using an integrated, multidisciplinary approach driven by voices of those with lived experience. We see this as a powerful platform to build in BC and across Canada, to democratize and improve care for affected children and their families.

We are looking for a part-time (0.6 FTE) project coordinator who will oversee the administrative aspects of the project and coordinate logistical elements to promote the implementation of the Library of Lived Experience.

Organizational Status
This position will report directly to Dr. Daniel Goldowitz, Senior Scientist at the Centre for Molecular Medicine and Therapeutics and PI for the Lived Experience Library: Brain-based Pediatric Conditions. This position will also work closely with leadership teams at the Tapestry Project and CHILD-BRIGHT, two key partners in this activity.

Work Performed

• Schedules, attends and supports virtual steering committee, advisory board, and working group meetings. In supporting these meetings, minutes would need to be taken and follow ups on key activities as needed.
• Maintains progress on the overall project timeline, identify resource needs, assign responsibilities as required and resolve or escalate issues in a timely fashion.
• Assists with creation of the Library, including usability evaluation, adoption and adaptation, dissemination, implementation, evaluation, and sustainability
• Assists with coordinating activities with sites or programs; supports continued engagement with community- and institutional partners
• Helps identify and support recruitment of individuals with lived experience
• Assists in supporting delivery of- and data collection at virtual stakeholder and community partner meetings
• Assists with administering project finances, authorizing and reviewing expenditures, reconciling monthly statements, resolving discrepancies, budget forecasting, preparing statements of financial status, directing the transfer of funds as necessary
• Supports the efforts of the Librarian and ensures the organization and maintenance of project files and data
• Liaises with outside agencies and other institutions to identify areas of collaboration as needed Identifies, develops and maintains ongoing communications and information-sharing channels, with researchers, clinicians, trainees, and individuals with lived experience patients for the purposes of publicity, KT and outreach In collaboration with partner organizations and internal groups; develop and coordinate the preparation of material (e.g. Funding Agency Reports, Brochures, newsletters, etc.)
• Identifies opportunities for improvement and make constructive suggestions for change
• Performing other related duties as required.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Candidate will have the opportunity to exercise judgement to manage the program activities and financial resources. Failure to manage the financial resources and the timely delivery of outputs could result in over-expenditures and delays in meeting project milestones which could jeopardize future initiatives.

Errors by this employee could have negative impacts on funding, employment and education. Failure to effectively manage the initiative can adversely affect effective knowledge translation and engagement of relevant stakeholders.

Supervision Received
Works under supervision of PI and co-sets priorities based on work load.

Supervision Given
May occasionally supervise part-time student project workers.

Minimum Qualifications
Completion of a university degree in a relevant discipline or technical program and a minimum four years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some positions may require a graduate degree.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• Degree in an area related to the health sector with specialization in brain development, developmental disabilities, and/or patient engagement preferred.
• Previous experience in managing projects preferred.
• Strong organizational skills, ability to think logically, understand instructions, multitask, and work well under pressure.
• Knowledge and experience with scientific research, the health sector, budget management, task prioritization, project management, as well as a knowledge of university systems, policies and procedures are strong assets.
• Highly-organized, self-motivated and able to prioritize and multi-task under tight deadlines.
• Efficient, detail-oriented, and quality performer with a collegial, collaborative, and professional working style.
• This position requires flexibility and the responsiveness to changing needs.
• Accuracy and attention to detail are required.
• Familiarity with UBC financial policies and Workday is an asset.
• Creative ability with experience in coordinating marketing activities and event planning.
• Understanding of knowledge mobilization and knowledge transfer activities.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, Power Point, MS Project; familiarity with Adobe suite of programs.
• Outstanding oral and written communication, interpersonal, analytical, supervisory, multi- tasking, and organizational skills are required.
• The incumbent must have the ability to work both independently and within a team environment.