Community Partnerships Specialist, O'Brien Institute for Public Health

The O'Brien Institute for Public Health in the Cumming School of Medicine invites applications for a Community Partnerships Specialist . This Full-time Fixed Term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding), with the possibility of extension.

he O'Brien Institute for Public Health connects academic researchers, community organizations, students, and policymakers to support the advancement of health and health equity through community academic research partnerships. This is further enhanced by the Health Equity Hub (HUB), supporting the co-development of research that responds to community priorities and contributes to meaningful improvements in programs, services, and policy. The HUB works at the intersection of academic research and community action to advance health equity for populations experiencing systemic disadvantage.

While this position serves the broader OIPH community engagement mandate, it is housed within and managed by the Health Equity Hub. The Specialist is responsible for building and sustaining community partnerships. This role will focus on facilitating and maintaining high quality community-academic research partnerships, serving as the primary liaison between community organizations and academic researchers.

Reporting to the Manager, Health Equity Hub.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

Community Partnership Development & Relationship Management

• Identify, cultivate, and maintain meaningful relationships with community organizations, Indigenous communities, and equity-deserving populations interested in health equity research
• Serve as the primary point of contact for community partners, ensuring timely, respectful, and transparent communication
• Conduct culturally sensitive outreach using approaches informed by equity, inclusion, and anti-oppression principles
• Represent the OIPH and HUB at community meetings, public events, and partnership forums

Community-Academic Research Partnership Support

• Act as a liaison between academic researchers and community partners, facilitating mutual understanding and shared research priorities
• Support the development of community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships, including co-developing research questions, participation agreements, and dissemination plans with community collaborators
• Support equitable partnership practices, including shared decision-making, recognition of community expertise, and appropriate compensation approaches where feasible
• Advise researchers on community engagement best practices, ethical considerations, and culturally appropriate approaches, particularly in relation to equity-deserving and Indigenous communities
• Assist in developing grant applications and research proposals for community-based or community-led health equity research
• Contribute to knowledge mobilization by supporting the translation and dissemination of research findings in formats accessible and relevant to community partners

Engagement Strategy & Program Coordination

• Contribute to the development and implementation of the OIPHs overarching community engagement strategy, aligned with health equity principles
• Design, plan, and coordinate community-based activities including workshops, consultations, focus groups, and other events
• Develop tools, resources, and communications materials to support engagement activities (e.g., plain-language summaries, translated materials, promotional content)
• Monitor and evaluate engagement activities, tracking outcomes and preparing summary reports for internal and external audiences
• Support the identification and application for funding opportunities related to community engagement and partnership development
• Identify and advance shared goals between community orgs and academics
• Identify needs and opportunities among community organizations and academic researchers for collaboration

Internal Coordination & Reporting

• Collaborate closely with OIPH and HUB researchers, trainees, and staff to facilitate community-academic partnerships in health equity research, grounded in community priorities
• Maintain organized records of engagement activities, partner contacts, and outcomes using appropriate tracking tools
• Prepare regular reports and briefing notes for the Manager summarizing engagement activities, relationship status, and emerging issues
• Contribute to team meetings and planning processes, sharing community perspectives and engagement insights

Qualifications / Requirements

• A university degree in a relevant field such as Public Health, Community Development, Social Work, Health Sciences, Sociology, or Indigenous Studies; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered
• A minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in community engagement, partnership development, or a related field, preferably within a health, research, or non-profit context
• Demonstrated experience working with and alongside equity-deserving communities, including but not limited to Indigenous Peoples, racialized communities, persons with disabilities, and populations experiencing socioeconomic marginalization
• Experience supporting community-based or participatory research processes is a strong asset
• Experience working in an academic or research environment is an asset
• Knowledge of community engagement principles, methodologies, and best practices, including trauma-informed practice and anti-oppressive frameworks
• Knowledge of health equity concepts and the social determinants of health
• Familiarity with Indigenous community engagement protocols and cultural safety principles; knowledge of Indigenous data sovereignty (including but not limited to OCAP and CARE principles) is an asset
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with the demonstrated ability to build trust across diverse communities and institutional settings
• Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to adapt messaging for varied audiences: community members, researchers, funders, and decision-makers
• Skilled facilitator with experience designing and leading group processes, workshops, and consultations
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines

Application Deadline: July 16, 2026

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist/Advisor Job Family, Phase 2 .

For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website .

About the University of Calgary

UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy ii' taa'poh'to'p committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

The university's commitment to the Indigenous Strategy is evident through the oversight of 18 Elders serving on the Circle of Advisors and the many unit-based circles working towards implementation of the strategy including the Faculty Advisory Circle and teams such as the Office of Indigenous Engagement, the Writing Symbols Lodge, and the Indigenous Research Support Team. Many Indigenous-based events and processes are impacting curriculum, programming and polices at the University of Calgary.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (View email address on canada.jobradars.com) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture (View email address on canada.jobradars.com).

Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.

We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.