Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist

Cape-Breton-University; Sydney; Hybrid; CAD 68,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Breton University (CBU) is seeking a Knowledge Mobilization and Community Engagement Specialist to join the Homeward Bound NS project, a seven-year initiative funded to improve aging support in rural Nova Scotia.

This full-time hybrid role is based in Cape Breton, NS, with a one-year appointment and potential renewal; salary CAD 68,000–78,000.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, PR, knowledge mobilization, public health, or related field; Master’s is an asset.
• Minimum 2–3 years of professional experience in knowledge mobilization or research communications.
• Experience developing integrated communications strategies for multiple platforms and audiences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities; ability to work independently.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a knowledge mobilization and communications plan aligned with the goals and 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 media relations and public engagement.
• Advise on best practices for knowledge mobilization, storytelling, and community-engaged communication.
• Track and report engagement metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Coordinate content for the project website, social media, newsletters, press releases, blogs, and multimedia.
• Translate research findings into accessible language for diverse communities.
• Coordinate print and digital knowledge products including reports and summaries.
• Supervise a student worker managing social media and website content.
• Prepare briefing materials for governance and project partners.
• Build relationships with external partners and sector stakeholders.
• Identify and engage new audiences with key messages and activities.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Organizational skills

Project management

EDI knowledge

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/PR/knowledge mobilization/public health or related

Master's degree is an asset

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

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 11, 2026