EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Please ensure you upload your resume, attach a cover letter, list of references in the correct upload area. Any other documents required please add to Additional Documents. Cape Breton University (CBU) is accepting applications for a Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist to join a transformative, multi-year research initiative titled Homeward Bound: Enhancing Healthcare, Housing, and Social Support for Aging Rural Nova Scotians.

Funded by Research Nova Scotia, this 7-year initiative aims to support aging in the right place (AIRP) by improving the integration of healthcare, housing, and social services in rural communities across Nova Scotia’s Eastern Health Zone. This ambitious project brings together a multidisciplinary team spanning social work, architecture, nursing, medicine, pharmacy, computer science, economics, and policy, in partnership with communities, government, and academic institutions. Find out more here: www.homewardboundns.ca

PURPOSE:

The Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist supports the Communication bucket of the Homeward Bound NS project, working under the supervision of Dr.

Sheryl

Bourgaize (Co-PI, Communications) and collaborating closely with Dr.

Alison

Grittner (Co-PI Community). The position is responsible for leading the development and execution of knowledge mobilization strategies, coordinating communications across internal and external channels, and supporting the translation of research findings for community, sector, and public audiences.

This is a full time hybrid role based in Cape Breton, NS. The appointment is for one year, with renewal depending on funding and project needs. Salary Range: $68,000–$78,000 CAD annually

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Develop and implement a strategic knowledge mobilization and communications plan aligned with the goals, values, and EDI commitments of Homeward Bound NS;
- Develop and implement community-engagement strategies in project communities that align with research activities;
- Create key messages and communications materials to support the project’s media relations and public engagement;
- Advise the Communications Co-PI on best practices for knowledge mobilization, storytelling, and community-engaged communication;
- Track and report on engagement metrics, adjusting knowledge mobilization and communications strategies based on feedback and performance data;
- Work in alignment with Homeward Bound communications and branding guidelines (including language the project avoids, such as “patients,” “stakeholders,” and ageist terminology);
- Create and manage content for multiple platforms including the project website, social media, newsletters,



press releases, blog posts, and multimedia materials (e.g., videos, infographics);
- Translate research findings and project activities into accessible language for diverse communities and public audiences;
- Coordinate production of print and digital knowledge mobilization products including community reports, research summaries, and multimedia materials;
- Supervise a student worker responsible for managing the project’s social media platforms and website content;
- Prepare briefing materials, progress reports, and communications updates for the Governance Collective and project partners;
- Build and maintain relationships with external partners, community groups, and sector partners;
- Liaise with communications teams at partner organizations and post-secondary institutions;
- Identify and engage new community and sector audiences with the project’s key messages, activities, and research findings;
- Plan, promote, and coordinate project-related conferences, workshops, community events, and knowledge mobilization activities;
- Manage event communications including promotion, registration, and post-event reporting;
- Support co-design workshops and community engagement events in coordination with the research team;
- Coordinate internal project communications including team newsletters, meeting materials, and shared online platforms;
- Establish guidelines and protocols for effective communication within the project team;
- Prepare information notes, memos, and briefing materials on behalf of the Co-PI team;
- Support the development and implementation of the project’s Authorship and Intellectual Property policy in collaboration with the Communications Co-PI;
- Assist with knowledge dissemination activities consistent with project IP guidelines and open-access commitments;
- Uphold EDI, Reconciliation, and Feminist Governance values in all work, reflecting the project’s commitment to Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) and anti-oppressive practice.

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS:

- Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Knowledge Mobilization, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field, OR an equivalent combination of professional experience and community-based communication work. Master’s degree is an asset;
- Minimum 2–3 years of professional experience in knowledge mobilization,



research communications, or a related field
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies for multiple platforms and audiences
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience writing for diverse audiences across multiple formats (social media, newsletters, press releases, reports)
- Strong organizational and project management skills; ability to prioritize multiple tasks and work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Understanding of and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles, including Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) and anti-oppressive communication practice
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

- Experience working in research, academic, or community-based organization
- Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and website
- management platforms (e.g., WordPress)
- Experience with social media management and digital analytics tools
- Anti-racist training, as is experience working with Indigenous communities
- Experience supervising student workers or research assistants

Applications for the successful candidate will include a:

- Cover letter describing the expertise and interest of the applicant
- Complete resume
- Writing sample (knowledge mobilization, research communications, or public relations preferred)
- List of at least three references

Please upload all required documents to Additional Documents if no designated area is listed. Incomplete applications may not be considered. Applications must be received by 11:00PM on October 9, 2026

Cape Breton University is strongly committed to fostering diversity within our community. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our staff, our faculty and its scholarship including, but not limited to, women, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply but applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

CBU is committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and applicants are encouraged to self-identity if they are part of a marginalised community, or have experience working with Indigenous communities.

If we contact you for an interview and you are a person with a disability who requires technical aids or alternative arrangements, please let us know of these needs and how we can be of assistance.

Cape Breton University

Human Resources Dept.

[email protected]

1250 Grand Lake Road,

Sydney, NS B1M 1A2

📌 Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist (Sydney)
🏢 Cape Breton University
📍 Sydney