Community-Based Research Coordinator

Staff – Non Union

Job Category
M&P – AAPS

Job Profile
AAPS Salaried – Research and Facilitation, Level A

Job Title
Community-Based Research Coordinator

Department
Director Learning Exchange

Compensation Range
$4,688.67 – $6,754.00 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date
November 2, 2022

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

May 31, 2023

Background

The UBC Learning Exchange, established in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) in 1999, has developed as a welcoming, informal and lively hub where UBC students and faculty, and DTES residents and organizations connect, pursue common interests and learn from each other in order to increase community and university capacity to bring about positive social change. It provides free educational programs for community members, diverse learning opportunities for students, and support for community-based research and knowledge exchange. The Learning Exchange provides a physical shared space for university and community to come together but its activities extend into the UBC campus and into the DTES community.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Equity and diversity are essential to thriving universities and communities. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized for any reason listed in the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, class, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

As a unit rooted in facilitating reciprocal learning, and access for equity-seeking communities, the UBC Learning Exchange strives to create an inclusive environment for learning and work. We value diverse perspectives, intercultural skills, lived experience and all forms of expertise. We are committed to continually reflecting on our practices, unlearning our biases, and reducing systemic barriers.

Job Summary

Since 2015, the Learning Exchange has been increasing its capacity to support community-based research activities as a broker that brings together members of the DTES and university to add to the scope and impact of research. The unit links community organizations and faculty to facilitate participatory research and knowledge exchange, champions the Making Research Accessible in the DTES initiative to improve access to both academic and community-generated expertise, and offers free space that lends itself to research activities while being welcoming to community members.

The Community-Based Research Coordinator strengthens and operationalizes the Learning Exchange’s role in community-based research (CBR) and knowledge exchange (KE). The Coordinator 1) coordinates and supports the Making Research Accessible initiative; 2) works with key stakeholders in the DTES and UBC communities to identify, respond to and facilitate their CBR/KE priorities; 3) works closely with the Learning Exchange staff team to implement their CBR/KE activities; 4) integrates CBR/KE activities with Learning Exchange community-based programs and student learning activities, where appropriate.

Organizational Status

Reports to the Director, Learning Exchange and receives mentorship and core content supervision from the Academic Director. Within the Learning Exchange, works with management, program and student staff. May supervise graduate student research assistants or co-op students.
Work Performed

The work has four interrelated areas of focus:

1. Making Research Accessible Initiative (MRAi):

• As a member of the steering committee, contribute to the operationalization of the MRAi vision and strategic goals.

• Plan, coordinate and/or lead working groups, community consultations and other activities.

• Coordinate MRAi steering committee and operational team meetings and follow up on action items.

• Identify, create and curate CBR/KE resources for researchers, community partners, and Learning Exchange staff.

• Initiate and manage connections with researchers to advance the strategic goals of the MRAi.

• Facilitate development of KE products such as clear language summaries, infographics and podcasts for inclusion in the DTES Research Access Portal.

• Support scholarly communications and dissemination about the MRAi and DTES Research Access Portal.

2. CBR/KE with Researchers and the DTES:

• Create and manage a directory of research being conducted in the DTES.

• Follow up on new research projects identified through the Office of Research Services to provide information and offer CBR/KE assistance.

• Facilitate connections between DTES community organizations/local residents and UBC researchers.

• Advise researchers and community groups about conducting research in the DTES, and the planning, implementation and evaluation of KE and other dissemination activities.

• Coordinate the Learning Exchange’s partnerships with researchers to develop grant proposals, implement research and evaluation activities and report outcomes.

• Support DTES community members to contribute to CBR/KE activities.

• Provide consultancy to community groups undertaking research projects.

3. CBR/KE at the Learning Exchange:

• Advise graduate students on CBR at the Learning Exchange and with DTES community partners.

• Advise Learning Exchange staff about integrating research and evaluation into their work and the dissemination of findings.

• Manage the systematic tracking, reporting and evaluation of CBR/KE activity done by the Learning Exchange.

4. As a member of the Learning Exchange Team:

• Integrate CBR/KE activities with Learning Exchange community-based programs and student learning activities, as appropriate.

• Contribute to the development and achievement of the Learning Exchange’s strategic goals, including research and knowledge exchange goals.

• As part of the Learning Exchange team, provide regularly scheduled front-line support to community-based programs.

• Review and develop systems and processes and make recommendations as part of regular work planning; manage project budgets.

• Provide regular updates to the Learning Exchange staff team and participate in Learning Exchange work planning cycles.

• Work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and Saturdays as required

• Other related responsibilities as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Exercises tact and diplomacy interacting with students, staff, alumni and faculty from UBC, staff at community organizations, and individual community members. The Learning Exchange has a high profile in the community and engages program participants in situations that may be new. Staff need to minimize risk to participants and ensure the unit and the university respond sensitivity to community issues. Understands and adheres to confidentiality requirements. Errors in judgment or the disclosure of confidential information could have public consequences, affecting the reputation of the Learning Exchange and UBC.
Supervision Received
This position functions under the direction of the Director, Learning Exchange and according to objectives also established by the Academic Director and the Making Research Accessible initiative steering committee. The incumbent works independently and is expected to take initiative. Work is reviewed for achievement of university goals, and soundness of advice and judgment.
Supervision Given
As required, manages student staff and volunteers. Participates in hiring and evaluating work performance of these staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree preferred in a relevant discipline

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of two years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience with community-based research practices and research ethics.

• Experience creatively communicating research and exchanging knowledge with diverse, particularly non-academic audiences.

• Experience with consultative program planning, coordination and evaluation, including setting of goals and priorities.

• Ability to work collaboratively, to communicate effectively, and to interact with empathy, understanding and respect of diverse and divergent perspectives and behaviours, including navigating difficult conversations.

• Experience in community development, community-based organizations and equity-seeking / vulnerable communities is an asset.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity, complexity and change.

• Ability to manage a demanding workload, including determining priorities, planning ahead, anticipating and solving problems and meeting deadlines. Both goal and process-oriented, connecting long-range vision to day-to-day functions.

• Demonstrated ability to be an effective team member and lead within a team as a peer.

• Experience supervising students and / or staff.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software, email, and Internet.

• Commitment to the philosophy, values and goals of the Learning Exchange and UBC’s strategic plan.