Community Engagement and EDI/SGBA+ Lead, CanScreenT1D

The Canadian Population Screening for Risk of Type 1 Diabetes Research Consortium, "CanScreenT1D," a newly formed national initiative funded by CIHR and JDRF, focused on determining the acceptability and feasibility of screening Canadian children for risk of developing type 1 diabetes and for developing and implementing a pilot screening program.

The CanScreen T1D Research Consortium is seeking an experienced professional to lead the integration of community engagement into the design, implementation, and analyses of the consortium's research, and to lead efforts to build equity, diversity, and inclusion principles as well as sex, and gender-based analyses into our work. This role requires a seasoned individual with the ability to independently develop community engagement programs and implementation strategies to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders including people with lived experience (PWLE) [e.g., parents/caregivers, children and adults living with T1D, etc.], parents without any experience with type 1 diabetes, health care professionals, equity-deserving groups, the general public and various public and private organizations.

Here is What You Will Get To Do:

Community Engagement Responsibilities:

• Coordinate the formation of a community engagement network(s) to ensure community voices are integrated into the consortium's work and decision-making processes.
• Develop approaches to community engagement that bring the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion to life in all Consortium activities, from governing the Consortium to mobilizing knowledge and conducting research.
• Identify opportunities for, and independently organize and participate in, community engagement activities to promote consortium activities and goals.
• Advise research teams on the best strategies and methods for engaging with communities to ensure diverse perspectives in research efforts.
• Independently curate, co-develop, and adapt education materials alongside consortium staff and partners including training, templates, modules, webinars, and other resources.
• Contribute to developing the capacities of the consortium's key players on the principles of community involvement as well as their intersection with EDI.
• Contribute to the development of consortium governance documents, engagement tools, communications and help prepare key performance indicators and reports for leadership.
• Spearhead day-to-day engagement activities including arranging meetings.
• Collaboratively co-create strategies to facilitate knowledge sharing within the consortium and with community partners such as Diabetes Action Canada (DAC) and DAC Patient Partner Groups.
• Build and maintain relationships with PWLE, members of research teams, members of equity-deserving groups, and other key stakeholders to ensure their perspectives are recognized and valued through all consortium activities.
• Deliver presentations internally as well as externally.

Sex, and Gender Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Responsibilities:

• Support all consortium projects to ensure EDI and SGBA+ is effectively planned, implemented and analyzed
• Independently lead and organize training sessions across all consortium levels to boost awareness and skills related to sex and gender-based analysis plus as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion.
• Function as the primary contact for all EDI/SGBA+ related inquiries, providing guidance and support to both employees and management.
• Craft and execute strategic initiatives to enhance SGBA+ (meaning analyzing data by sex, gender, and other relevant identity characteristics) as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion within the consortium.
• Work closely with projects leads to recruit a diverse array of community advisors and research participants, ensuring varied representation.
• Keep abreast of the latest EDI best practices, legislation, and trends to ensure the consortium's strategies remain effective and current.
• Track and report on key metrics related to EDI/SGBA+ initiatives to inform and guide strategic planning.

Here is What You Will Need:

• Master's degree in Social Sciences, Public Relations, Public Administration, Communications, Human Resources, Health Studies, or another relevant field. A PhD in a relevant field is a significant asset.
• Minimum 2-5 years of experience in a previous leadership role in community engagement, public relations is required.
• Experience developing and independently supporting training and community advisory councils for the purposes of research or clinical service delivery.
• Formal training and certification in EDI fundamentals as well as solid understanding how to overcome systemic barriers.
• Demonstrated experience applying sex and gender plus based analyses in data collection.
• Experience in research, corporate and/or nonprofit settings
• Personal or professional experience with type 1 diabetes is an asset.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, ability to engage/influence diverse audiences, proficiency in community engagement methods and digital tools.
• Proficient in data analysis/reporting with focus on measuring initiative effectiveness.
• Strong organizational/project management skills, ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong computer skills including Zoom, Microsoft Office, familiar with digital tools for community engagement/data management.
• Demonstrated commitment to understanding and aiding in the pursuit of equity, diversity and inclusion objectives

Employment Type: 1-year renewable contract with benefits; 1.0 FTE (Full Time Equivalent). Hybrid work possible. Candidates who would prefer to take on one, but not both roles, will be considered for a 0.5 FTE position.