KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

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. 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:

• Lead knowledge mobilization and communications for Homeward Bound NS, developing and implementing strategies aligned with project goals, EDI commitments, Reconciliation, Feminist Governance, and Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing).
• Build and strengthen community and sector relationships by engaging diverse audiences, community organizations, partners, and post-secondary institutions, and supporting co-design workshops, events, conferences, and other engagement activities.
• Develop engaging, accessible content and knowledge products for a range of audiences and platforms, including websites, social media, newsletters, reports, research summaries, press releases, blogs, infographics, videos, and other digital and print materials.
• Support project communications and storytelling by developing key messages, briefing materials, progress updates, and communications resources, and providing strategic advice to the Communications Co-PI, research team, Governance Collective, and project partners.
• Coordinate and evaluate communications and engagement activities, including event promotion and reporting, engagement tracking, feedback, and performance measurement, using insights to strengthen and adapt communications and knowledge mobilization approaches.
• Coordinate day-to-day communications activities and resources, including supervising a student worker, liaising with partner communications teams, maintaining internal communications platforms, supporting authorship and intellectual property processes, and ensuring all communications reflect Homeward Bound NS branding, language, accessibility, 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 Oct 11, 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 marginalized 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.

HumanResources@cbu.ca

1250 Grand Lake Road,

Sydney, NS B1M 1A2