Job Posting: Community-Based Research Coordinator, UBC Learning Exchange

Job Summary

The UBC Learning Exchange is a learning hub in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside (DTES) where members of the community and the University can exchange experience and expertise, creating a unique shared space for exploring ideas and opportunities, and building capacity for social change. As a non-traditional academic space, the Learning Exchange bridges conventional boundaries by sharing knowledge year-round, including: community-based programs; real-life learning opportunities for UBC students; support for faculty to extend and enrich coursework; community-based research collaborations and results-sharing; partnerships with local organizations to address critical issues. The Learning Exchange is a Canadian leader in the field of community-university engagement, a signature program for the portfolio of VP External Relations, and a key contributor to UBC’s strategic plan.

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 is being piloted as a new position that will explore, strengthen and operationalize the Learning Exchange’s role in community-based research (CBR) and knowledge exchange (KE). The Coordinator is expected to 1) work with key stakeholders in the DTES and UBC communities to identify, respond to and facilitate their CBR/KE priorities; 2) work closely with the Learning Exchange staff team to implement CBR/KE activities; 3) integrate 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 core content supervision from the Academic Director. Within the Learning Exchange, works with management, program and student staff.

 

Work Performed

The work has four interrelated areas of focus:

CBR/KE with Researchers and the DTES:

  • Conduct an initial needs assessment of the Learning Exchange resources and processes needed to support CBR/KE and make recommendations based on the needs assessment
  • Consult with community organizations to better understand what research and knowledge the community needs from the University and then write a report with draft recommendations
  • Facilitate connections between DTES community organizations/local residents and UBC researchers, using Learning Exchange space, existing and new relationships, and knowledge of promising practices
  • Identify, meet with, and advise researchers and community groups to implement KE and other dissemination activities, such as forums and focus groups, including the planning, coordination, execution and evaluation
  • Supervise and empower community volunteers to contribute to CBR/KE activities
  • Identify, develop and curate useful CBR/KE resources to share with researchers, community partners, and within the Learning Exchange

 

CBR/KE at the Learning Exchange:

  • Advise graduate students on how to identify opportunities for doing CBR at the Learning Exchange and with DTES community partners
  • Advise Learning Exchange staff on if/how it’s appropriate to integrate research into their work, including responding to requests for research, and ensure promising practices are adhered to
  • Develop and disseminate Learning Exchange evaluations, research and knowledge
  • Coordinate the Learning Exchange’s partnerships with researchers on grant development, administration and reporting
  • Create and maintain a structure for systematic tracking, reporting and evaluating CBR/KE activity done with the Learning Exchange, for a variety of stakeholders including UBC researchers, community, private donors and granting agencies
  • Collaborate closely with Operations team to support CBR/KE use of Learning Exchange space

 

Making Research Accessible Initiative:

    • Plan and coordinate working groups, community consultations and other activities of the Making Research Accessible initiative
    • Plan and facilitate the Making Research Accessible initiative steering committee meetings, including preparing agendas, facilitate discussions, and follow up on action items

 

Within the Learning Exchange Team:

      • As part of the Learning Exchange team, provides occasional front-line support to community-based programs including managing difficult behaviors and conflict, and dealing with challenging situations
      • Contribute to the development and achievement of the Learning Exchange’s strategic research and knowledge exchange goals
      • Review and develop systems and processes and make recommendations as part of regular work planning; manage project budgets when applicable
      • 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

 

Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Graduate degree preferred. Minimum of one to two years of related experience or the equivalent combination of education and experience. Strong working knowledge of and experience with community-based research, including understanding of the research cycle and research ethics. Experience in creatively communicating research and exchanging knowledge to a range of audiences. Experience in community development, community-based organizations and marginalized communities is an asset. Experience in resources and issues in the Downtown Eastside of Vancouver preferred. Experience with consultative planning processes in educational and community-based research contexts. Experience with program planning, coordination and evaluation, including setting of goals and priorities. Demonstrated ability to lead within a team as a peer. Self-starter who is comfortable in the ambiguity of a new role. Strong ability to lead others and to function as an effective team member. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, and interpersonal skills. Excellent problem-solving skills; knowledge and understanding of academic curriculum and learning objectives. Ability to manage a demanding workload by determining priorities, planning ahead, anticipating problems and meeting deadlines. Both goal and process-oriented. Knowledge of and sensitivity to the University community. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Software, email, and internet. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in cross-cultural settings. Commitment to the philosophy, values and goals of the Learning Exchange and UBC’s strategic plan. Ability to maintain connection between a long-range vision and day-to-day functions.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. 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 on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.

 

Read complete job posting for list of all considerations and application procedure