Opioid Research Communications and Project Liaison

Opioid Research Communications and Project Liaison
A great opportunity for a qualified and motivated individual to join Chiefs of Ontario (COO) for the position of Opioid Research Communications and Project Liaison. Working with the Opioid Use and Related Harms research project, this is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to engage with and support First Nations community members in research, exercise your creativity to create various knowledge translation materials, and assist in research dissemination strategies. You will work in close collaboration with the Chiefs of Ontario, the Ontario Drug Policy Research Network, participating First Nations leadership and communities, and various working groups and diverse external stakeholders involved in this program of research.
Location: Virtual office working from home. Travel within Ontario to the COO office in Toronto or communities may be required for meetings (pandemic restrictions permitting).
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develop a knowledge translation and dissemination strategy to communicate research findings to First Nations leadership, health care providers, and communities
- With guidance from the project team, lead the recruitment and ongoing engagement of people with lived or living experience with opioids to form an advisory committee for the Opioid Use and Related Harms project
- Build positive, meaningful relationships with external partners and carry out stakeholder engagement activities, facilitate collaboration with community members in compiling and sharing findings of research projects. Assist research teams in incorporating community input into research deliverables
- Create a variety of communications products which respectfully integrate First Nation knowledge, ways of knowing, stories, and lived experience, in collaboration with project partners. These may include tools such as infographics, reports, research summaries, slide decks, videos, social media posts, and other data visualization materials
- Administrative duties such as coordinating meetings, preparing minutes, agendas, briefing materials, and other supporting materials as needed
- Assist with presentations at First Nations events, such as the annual Chiefs of Ontario Health Forum, PTO/IFN meetings, or Leadership Assemblies
Relevant Skills:
- Education: Minimum post-secondary degree in a related field (e.g. communications, public relations, health sciences, social sciences); 1 year of related practical experience is an asset;
- Experience working with First Nation communities or organizations, as well as demonstrable knowledge and awareness of First Nation ways of learning, traditions, cultures, values, social determinants of health, health systems and intergenerational impacts of government policies;
- Proficiency developing communications materials using software such as Microsoft Office or other graphic design, familiarity with bibliographic software (e.g. Endnote), as well as social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, YouTube) is an asset;
- Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills, including relationship building and proven stakeholder engagement capabilities;
- Excellent organizational skills with the ability to meet deadlines, prioritize and manage multiple projects, with attention to technical accuracy;
- Certified in The Fundamentals of OCAP® or willing to complete certification;
- Capacity to work from home in a virtual environment and ability to travel as required.
- The following background and skills are also considered to be an asset:
- Understanding of opioid use disorder and treatment
- First Nation ancestry/language
- Familiarity with summarizing scientific literature, data, and/or statistics
- Experience creating reports, summaries, and presentations for academic and non-academic audiences;
DURATION: ASAP to March 31, 2024. (With the possibility of extension based on funding availability). COO offers an attractive benefit package and retirement savings plan, extended Christmas Holiday break, and competitive salaries.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Open until filled
Successful Candidate must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
Send letter of application, resume, an example of a knowledge translation product or communications report, and two professional references marked confidential to: Opportunities@coo.org