Knowledge Translation and Exchange Specialist

About Queen's University

Queen’s University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.

We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Assistant Scientific Director, supporting the senior leadership team, the Knowledge Translation and Exchange Specialist (KT&E Specialist) is responsible for the design, implementation, and evaluation of knowledge translation, exchange, and mobilization strategies that advance CIMVHR’s national research agenda. The KT&E Specialist works collaboratively with high-level partners, including academic researchers, clinicians, members of the Department of National Defence and Veterans Affairs Canada, and partner institutions. These relationships are critical to ensuring the strategic alignment, uptake, and application of research evidence across the military, Veteran, and family health sectors.

The incumbent will demonstrate an understanding of key concepts and considerations with regards to health and well-being research for military, Veterans and their families, and the science of knowledge translation. The KT&E Specialist will support CIMVHR by using established and emerging knowledge translation and research impact frameworks, adult learning theory, and health communication strategies to identify implications and to recommend strategic evidence-based KT interventions which support CIMVHR’s mandate; working with agencies, researchers and other partners to inform policy and advance CIMVHR’s mandate.

Job Description

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In concert with CIMVHR scientific leadership, design, execute and evaluate CIMVHR’s institutional knowledge translation, exchange, and mobilization plan using a diverse range of methods.
• Build performance measurement frameworks logic models, and impact pathways to assess CIMVHR’s research use, relevance, and influence across programmatic, policy, and health system-level domains; identify data gaps, propose, and implement corrective strategies.
• Provide technical expertise in KT planning, including facilitation of co-creation processes, barrier/facilitator assessments, adult education design, and deployment of tailored KT interventions across clinical, policy, advocacy, and research environments.
• Design and conduct KT research and impact assessments to evaluate how CIMVHR-supported knowledge is being accessed, applied, or acted upon in policy, clinical, and program settings; synthesize findings to inform continuous improvement of mobilization strategies.
• Coordinate assigned projects from design to evaluation; proactively anticipate and resolve issues or delays and apply expert judgement to resolve challenges; escalate sensitive or strategic matters to the CIMVHR directors. Support annual CIMVHR Forum with Plain Language Summaries of Keynote Speakers and other activities as required.
• Support the annual reporting to various partners. Annual reports include performance metrics and impact statements of work and activities completed by CIMVHR in accordance with Canada/CIMVHR contribution agreement.
• Support Garnet Families, through direction from Scientific Director, with knowledge translation
activities as required.
• Identify and foster relationships with partners including national funders, scientific advisors, research networks, and government officials to enhance CIMVHR’s knowledge exchange reach and policy, practice, and program influences.
• Undertakes additional duties as required, in support of CIMVHR.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in a relevant field (e.g., educational studies, health sciences, social sciences, science communications) or another relevant discipline. A master’s degree would be considered an asset. Minimum of 5years of applicable, relevant experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies; advanced knowledge of policy development and knowledge translation methodologies, adult learning theory, and evaluation methods; and advanced ability to translate complex research findings for varied audiences including policymakers, clinicians, researchers, and funders. Experience leading KT, research, and evaluation of project strategies and activities, preferably within the health and/or non-profit sector; familiarity with program delivery and evaluation methods.
• Bilingual in English/French (written and oral) is considered an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Respects diversity and promotes inclusion in the workplace.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and synthesis skills for diverse communications and audiences (e.g., research briefs, academic publications, executive summaries, strategic plans, plain language summaries, Op. Eds., infographics, funding/program proposals, stories, announcements, case statements). Demonstrated ability to produce high-impact KT products for different media (print and digital).
• Ability to work in a confidential, high-pressure environment and to independently make decisions and set and manage shifting priorities, diverse demands and manage multiple, concurrent strategic initiatives with time sensitivity.
• Analytical, interpretive and problem-solving skills for knowledge translation and implementation analysis, and to support strategic decision-making.
• Ability to adapt to changing technology and implement KT innovations to increase impact and productivity.
• Expertise in data communication software, such as data visualization, publishing, and or graphic design software.
• Proficiency in using a variety of office software, literature search engines, bibliographic software.
• Proven project management skills. Innovative and flexible thinking and ability to manage interdisciplinary KT projects through conception to final implementation.
• Organizational, problem-solving, research and analytical skills, to collect, process, and summarize data and explain in plain language to others.
• Capable of working independently, and as a team player, strong initiative, professional and big picture orientation.
• Knowledge of university procedures, policies, and regulations.
• Knowledge of Government, health, Veterans and Canadian Armed Forces systems, policies and procedures.
• Be prepared to define scope, objectives, and deliverables for undergraduate students engaged in knowledge translation activities; supervise and evaluate their performance in alignment with academic and institutional standards.

DECISION MAKING:
• Determine content and presentation of reports, work-plans, and other publications, correspondence and communications materials often in consultation with others.
• Exercise professional judgment and discretion to establish daily priorities, KT project focus, and timelines in alignment with institutional mandates and evolving research impact opportunities.
• Select and apply appropriate knowledge translation, dissemination, and impact evaluation methodologies based on the nature of the evidence, target audiences, and strategic objectives.
• Advise CIMVHR directors and external collaborators on KT design, audience adaptation, product development, implementation and assessment strategies. Provide guidance and advice to interdisciplinary research teams, staff, and trainees engaged in knowledge mobilization activities.
• With consultation from other CIMVHR staff, determine optimal timing, platform, and format for distribution of KT products and research communications, including plain language summaries, Op. Eds., infographics, and policy briefs, based on audience engagement goals and resource considerations.
• Establish and coordinate priorities across multiple KT outputs, project deliverables, and institutional reporting cycles, ensuring alignment with deadlines, funder expectations, and internal capacities. for publications and other activities in the face of deadlines and limited resources.
• Problem-solve and resolve project-level and dissemination-related issues related to KT implementation, partner communication and product accessibility. Refer issues to senior leadership team.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities.