Description
Apply for this opportunity on the UBC Staff Careers job board.
This is a one-year maternity leave replacement position.
Job Summary
The Can-SOLVE CKD Network is Canada’s largest-ever kidney research initiative. It is a national partnership of patients, researchers, health care providers, and policy-makers working to transform treatment and care for Canadians affected by chronic kidney disease. The network is changing the culture of kidney research by coordinating and conducting 27 innovative projects shaped by patients’ experiences and priorities. It is also creating resources and national infrastructure that enhance Canada’s ability to lead innovative kidney health research.
Can-SOLVE CKD is one of five chronic disease networks supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research through Canada’s Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research (SPOR). Funding is also provided by more than 60 partners, including provincial kidney care agencies, health charities, universities, and pharmaceutical companies. The network’s second phase (2022-2027) is funded by a total of $11.8 million obtained from federal and partner sources.
Can-SOLVE CKD comprises more than 450 research team members and more than 75 patient partners across Canada. This large, multi-disciplinary team is supported by a core operations team that oversees the day-to-day work of all research projects, committees, and workgroups, ensuring that the network’s key deliverables are achieved on time and within budget.
As a member of the network’s operations team, the Communications Coordinator supports the execution of strategies and tactics to increase awareness of the network’s activities among a wide range of audiences. Effectiveness in this role requires a detailed understanding of Can-SOLVE CKD, its priorities and key activities, and the interests and needs of external audiences.
Organizational Status
Reports to the Communications & External Relations Lead. Works with the core operations team and key network structures, including research projects, Patient Governance Circle, Indigenous Peoples’ Engagement and Research Council (IPERC), and partner organizations across Canada.
Work Performed
Social Media
- Creates and posts original content to Can-SOLVE CKD social media properties (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram). This content includes text, images, videos, and other media with the aim of increasing awareness of Can-SOLVE CKD among relevant audiences and driving engagement with the network’s programs.
- Monitors Can-SOLVE CKD social media accounts to identify content opportunities and respond to emerging issues.
- Monitors trends in social media and proactively makes recommendations to improve the performance of the network’s content and align with best practice.
Content Marketing and Publications
- Proactively identifies important news and updates for sharing via the network’s website and monthly newsletter. Develops creative suggestions for new content to increase the network’s profile.
- Writes articles for the network’s website and monthly newsletter. These may include updates on network activities, research impact stories, patient partner profiles, and promotion of upcoming events.
- Contributes story ideas for Can-SOLVE CKD’s feature publication The Kidney Quarterly. Writes long-form stories, which may include interviewing key stakeholders, conducting independent research, and synthesizing information from a variety of sources.
- Holds primary responsibility for formatting and distributing the network’s monthly newsletter and Kidney Quarterly.
- Creates graphics and images for inclusion in network publications.
- Manages and updates email distribution lists.
- Monitors trends in content marketing and proactively makes recommendations to improve the network’s content and align with best practice.
KidneyLink
- Identifies new and ongoing kidney research opportunities across Canada that are seeking patient participants/partners. Posts these opportunities to the KidneyLink platform (kidneylink.ca) and shares the information via social media.
- Updates and maintains educational information and resources for patients on KidneyLink.
- Creates and distributes biweekly notification emails alerting registered users to new research opportunities. Curates relevant opportunities, designs email campaigns, writes text summaries, and maintains email distribution list.
Strategy
- Contributes to Can-SOLVE CKD’s communications strategy by identifying and recommending new content opportunities, strategies, and tactics.
- Leads the creation and execution of Can-SOLVE CKD’s social media strategy and content plan.
- Leads the creation and execution of a communications strategy for the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (a national infrastructure supported by Can-SOLVE CKD).
- Develops and executes strategic communication campaigns to increase awareness of Can-SOLVE CKD webinars and public events.
Communications Support
- Participates strategic and tactical communications support to Can-SOLVE CKD research projects, committees, and working groups. This support includes advising on strategic approaches to effectively disseminate information to relevant internal and external audiences, as well as the development and execution of communication campaigns around specific projects or research outputs.
Other Duties
- Conducts regular media monitoring to identify relevant coverage of Can-SOLVE CKD projects, investigators, and partners. Proactively shares this information internally with key stakeholders (e.g., network leadership, Operations Team) and externally, as appropriate, via social media and newsletters.
- Designs and develops promotional materials (e.g., posters, pamphlets, fact sheets) for Can-SOLVE CKD and its related properties, including KidneyLink and the Canadian Nephrology Trials Network (CNTN).
- Identifies opportunities for Can-SOLVE CKD to present at conferences and other events. Maintains a listing of these opportunities and coordinates abstract submissions.
- Represents Can-SOLVE CKD at relevant conferences and partner events.
Consequence of Error
Must be able to work independently and exercise good judgment and decision-making. Errors in performance of the above-related duties could have a significant impact on the effectiveness, image, reputation and financial status of Can-SOLVE CKD. Errors in job function will reflect poorly on Can-SOLVE CKD. The consequences of error would damage public relations and diminish the efficiency and effectiveness of Can-SOLVE CKD. A high level of discretion and confidentiality is required. Errors in interpretation of policy and practices could have serious negative impact on relations within the network and with key partners.
Supervision Received
This position reports to the Communications & External Relations Lead. Work is carried out with minimal supervision and is reviewed in terms of sound communication practices and achievement of specific objectives identified during annual review and throughout the year at regularly scheduled meetings.
Supervision Given
None given.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
- Minimum of two years’ experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Excellent writing skills and demonstrated ability to create compelling content.
- Experience managing organizational social media accounts and developing social media content. Familiarity with social media analytics is an asset.
- Experience formatting web content in WordPress (or a similar content management system). Familiarity with HTML and CSS is an asset.
- Experience developing email marketing campaigns (e.g., monthly newsletters).
- Basic graphic design experience is an asset, including familiarity with Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and Canva.
- Strong ability with Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Experience developing materials for a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work proactively and independently and in a team environment.
- Ability to identify and respond to contentious, politically and/or culturally sensitive issues with discretion.
- Ability to plan, organize, and complete projects within allocated time and resources.
- Ability to liaise with diverse internal and external audiences, including research team members, patient partners, and funding partner organizations.
- Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail.
- Enthusiastic, interactive, and energetic.
- Willing to travel to team-related meetings as required.
- Flexible with work hours.
