Knowledge Translation Specialist

This position has a term length of one year plus one day, with the possibility of renewal.

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and in-office work (in Alberta) based on work preferences. Preference for schedule will be discussed during the recruitment process.

As a Knowledge Translation Specialist working across the ABMI and affiliate Biodiversity Pathways, you will support an expanding portfolio of collaborative, multi-organizational initiatives and projects. You will help translate scientific outcomes from both organizations into accessible and useful information for diverse end users through a range of activities, including engagement, reporting, communications, and knowledge mobilization.

You will work throughout the lifecycle of initiatives and projects to understand and respond to end-user needs, build relationships with partners and other interest-holders, and support the development of data and information products that enable the effective use of biodiversity knowledge.

If you are passionate about sharing biodiversity knowledge, skilled at building relationships, and energized by making science accessible to diverse audiences, we encourage you to apply.

Delivering Interest-Holder Engagement

• Design engagement strategies to guide engagement activities throughout the lifecycle of the collaboration.
• Plan and deliver a range of engagement activities, including survey design and rollout, roundtable needs assessments, sessions, and meetings to understand the needs and perspectives of partners, collaborators, and other interest-holders.
• Create recommendation reports based on engagement activities to help guide next steps in the collaborative effort.

Science Communications & Knowledge Mobilization

• Develop and maintain communications plans for projects and initiatives, and coordinate communications activities throughout their lifecycle.
• Develop project-specific knowledge mobilization activities and content to support accessibility, literacy, and understanding of scientific information.
• Develop and coordinate associated content, including social media, website, newsletters, Science Letters, Story Maps, blog content, and video (e.g., YouTube).
• Support the maintenance of ABMI and Biodiversity Pathways websites and digital platforms.
• Develop and execute media releases, where appropriate, including for journal publications, public releases of datasets and applications, and other scientific outcomes.
• Monitor and evaluate communications activities, including engagement with social media content, product downloads, website visits, and other measures of reach and use.
• Maintain and update key communications resources and standard operating procedures, including editing and style guides and crisis communications plans.

Project Communications & Reporting

• Act as a key liaison with collaborators in the development and delivery of project communications, engagement, and knowledge translation activities.
• Work independently and collaboratively with supervisors, senior leadership, staff, and project collaborators to deliver project communications and reporting.
• Coordinate and contribute to project reporting, as required, to communicate progress and deliverables to funders and collaborators.
• Develop supporting materials to facilitate the uptake of project outcomes, including metadata for datasets, plain-language summaries, and other data and information products.
• Work with ABMI and Biodiversity Pathways Centre teams to develop impact reports that communicate the goals, approaches, results, and value of collaborative initiatives to end users.

• Post-secondary degree in Ecology, Natural Resource Management, or a related field. 
• Minimum 3 years working in science communication, engagement and/or knowledge translation with excellent organizational, writing, and interpersonal skills. 
• Equivalencies in education and experience will be considered.

Preference given to those with:

• Demonstrated ability to translate scientific content into succinct and engaging language.
• Experience writing, research, and editing in a professional setting.
• Ability to write for different formats such as print, web and video.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex scientific ideas to a range of audiences.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to meet deadlines and maintain high levels of professionalism.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational and time management skills.
• Certification and/or training in science communication, journalism, or professional editing is considered an asset.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter.

This position is subject to all applicable terms and conditions of the collective agreement between the Governors of the University of Alberta and the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA).

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package.