Description

he O'Brien Institute for Public Health connects academic researchers, community organizations, students, and policymakers to support the advancement of health and health equity through community academic research partnerships. This is further enhanced by the Health Equity Hub (HUB), supporting the co-development of research that responds to community priorities and contributes to meaningful improvements in programs, services, and policy. The HUB works at the intersection of academic research and community action to advance health equity for populations experiencing systemic disadvantage.

While this position serves the broader OIPH community engagement mandate, it is housed within and managed by the Health Equity Hub. The Specialist is responsible for building and sustaining community partnerships. This role will focus on facilitating and maintaining high quality community-academic research partnerships, serving as the primary liaison between community organizations and academic researchers.

Reporting to the Manager, Health Equity Hub.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to): Community Partnership Development & Relationship Management

- Identify, cultivate, and maintain meaningful relationships with community organizations, Indigenous communities, and equity-deserving populations interested in health equity research
- Serve as the primary point of contact for community partners, ensuring timely, respectful, and transparent communication
- Conduct culturally sensitive outreach using approaches informed by equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression principles
- Represent the OIPH and HUB at community meetings, public events, and partnership forums

Community-Academic Research Partnership Support

- Act as a liaison between academic researchers and community partners,



facilitating mutual understanding and shared research priorities
- Support the development of community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships, including co-developing research questions, participation agreements, and dissemination plans with community collaborators
- Support equitable partnership practices, including shared decision-making, recognition of community expertise, and appropriate compensation approaches where feasible
- Advise researchers on community engagement best practices, ethical considerations, and culturally appropriate approaches, particularly in relation to equity-deserving and Indigenous communities
- Contribute to knowledge mobilization by supporting the translation and dissemination of research findings in formats accessible and relevant to community partners

Engagement Strategy & Program Coordination

- Contribute to the development and implementation of the OIPHs overarching community engagement strategy, aligned with health equity principles
- Design, plan, and coordinate community-based activities including workshops, consultations, focus groups, and other events
- Develop tools, resources, and communications materials to support engagement activities (e.g., plain-language summaries, translated materials, promotional content)
- Monitor and evaluate engagement activities, tracking outcomes and preparing summary reports for internal and external audiences




- Identify and advance shared goals between community orgs and academics
- Identify needs and opportunities among community organizations and academic researchers for collaboration

Internal Coordination & Reporting

- Collaborate closely with OIPH and HUB researchers, trainees, and staff to facilitate community-academic partnerships in health equity research, grounded in community priorities
- Maintain organized records of engagement activities, partner contacts, and outcomes using appropriate tracking tools
- Prepare regular reports and briefing notes for the Manager summarizing engagement activities, relationship status, and emerging issues
- Contribute to team meetings and planning processes, sharing community perspectives and engagement insights

Qualifications / Requirements :

- A university degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Community Development, Social Work, Health Sciences, Sociology, or Indigenous Studies; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
- A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, partnership development, or a related field, preferably within a health, research, or non-profit context
- Demonstrated experience working with and alongside equity-deserving communities, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and populations experiencing socioeconomic marginalization
- Experience supporting community-based or participatory research processes is a strong asset
- Experience working in an academic or research workplace is an asset
- Knowledge of community engagement principles, methodologies, and best practices, inclu

📌 Community Partnerships Specialist, O'brien Institute for Public Health (Calgary)
🏢 The University of Calgary
📍 Calgary