Communications Officer – Knowledge Translation & Exchange, Indigenous Portfolio

Data. Discovery. Better Health.

ICES is a world-leading health research and analytics institute. With a wealth of data and analytic expertise, we create trusted evidence that has changed health policy and practice and helps ensure better health for all.

Ready to discover more with us? Join our outstanding, collaborative team where your skills, knowledge and curiosity are valued and can change the future of health care.

At ICES, we recognize what matters most to our employees. Some of the great benefits of working at ICES include:

Flexible remote work arrangements anywhere in Ontario
Competitive Compensation
Comprehensive Benefits Program
HOOPP Pension Plan (Defined Pension)
Employee Assistance Program and Dialogue Well Being Program
Generous vacation, float and caregiver days for all employees
Education Fund and Dedicated Education Days
Holiday Closure
Perkopolis Employee Discount Program

Introduction:

ICES is seeking a Communications Officer, Knowledge Translation & Exchange to join the ICES Indigenous Portfolio team. Reporting to the Director, Strategic Partnerships, the Communications Officer, Knowledge Translation & Exchange (KTE) will focus on two broad areas. First, the successful candidate will be responsible for developing and disseminating KTE products based on Weeneebayko Area Health Authority’s (WAHA) public health and community-based initiatives that are targeted at a variety of parties. In addition, they will be supporting KTE activities related to Community-led research projects that ICES supports.

Acting as a resource to internal and external partners, the Communications Officer will help ensure that information is transferred and exchanged in a way that meets the needs and realities of First Nations, Métis, Inuit, and urban Indigenous partners.

Responsibilities of the position include, but may not be limited to:

Support the development of a WAHA KTE-specific communications strategy including providing input towards communications initiatives;
Work closely with various members of the ICES Indigenous Portfolio team to create knowledge products for First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous Communities and organizations;
Work with the ICES and WAHA public health team media advisor and communications director to support KTE efforts;
Maintaining connections with project team members and collaborators from WAHA and ICES;
Develop and maintain KTE products, ensuring that public facing materials are developed to promote public health messaging;
Work collaboratively to ensure communications and KTE efforts are aligned with Indigenous culture, world views, and epistemologies;
Identify relevant audiences for KTE campaigns, build and sustain positive, mutually supportive relationships, and anticipate and respond to their needs;
Compile and maintain inventories of knowledge translation/evidence-informed best practice literature tools, resources and capacity building materials that are applicable to First Nations, Métis, Inuit and urban Indigenous populations;
Evaluate KTE programs and vehicles on an ongoing basis, revise and refine efforts to ensure maximum effectiveness and impact;
Other duties as may be assigned within the scope of this position.

Knowledge, skills and abilities required:

Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous cultures in Canada, preferably through personal lived experiences;
Knowledge of Indigenous models of health service delivery and a willingness to learn about Indigenous data governance;
Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies, approaches and ethical requirements such as OCAP;
Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or Northern isolated communities;
Experience integrating local Indigenous knowledge and applying this knowledge to the work;
Experience with designing and implementing KTE initiatives;
Ability to research, analyze, plan and execute in the areas of: message development, communications vehicle development and communications effectiveness measurement;
Ability to adapt style for specific mediums, voices and formats and distill complex technical content for an Indigenous audience;
Familiarity with reading scientific literature and experience with translating research materials into accessible language;
Organizational skills and the proven ability to manage multiple projects, workflows and timelines;
Ability to work independently, reliably and to take initiative;
Social media competence and experience;
Communications experience in the healthcare or research sector is an asset;
Certificate or diploma in Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, Communications or related field would be an asset;
Graphic design abilities would be an asset;
Experience in public relations, editing, proofreading and writing would be an asset;
Video and photography skills, including editing, are an asset.

This position is one year contract with possibility of renewal and is located in Ontario.

Security clearance may be required.