About the Organization

Solutions for Kids in Pain (SKIP; www.kidsinpain.ca) is a national knowledge mobilization network whose mission is to improve children's pain management by mobilizing evidence-based solutions through coordination and collaboration. Based at Dalhousie University and with hubs across the country, SKIP brings together Canada's world-renowned pediatric pain researchers, health professionals, policy-makers, patients, caregivers, and partner organizations.

Position Description

Reporting to the Scientific Director, the Knowledge Broker (KB) will be based in SKIP's Administrative Centre on the Dalhousie Halifax campus and will work closely with SKIP's Scientific Director, Associate Scientific Director, Managing Director, Project Coordinator(s), and broader national network. This role will play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between research, practice, and policy by facilitating the implementation of evidence-based pain management strategies across Canadian health institutions, thereby improving care and outcomes for children and their families. The KB is responsible for liaising locally and nationally to facilitate the exchange of knowledge between researchers, health professionals, patients, caregivers, and other key interest holders. This will include engaging with SKIP's hubs and partners across the country, supporting those with an interest in pediatric pain practice and policy, as well as building relationships and knowledge mobilization capacity amongst the Dalhousie University community. The KB will lead and support initiatives aimed at improving children's pain (e.g., supporting widespread adoption of the Pediatric Pain Management health standard [CAN/HSO13200:2023]), as well as other emerging project-based initiatives. Note: This is a 1-year term position within Dalhousie University's grant-paid employement group. However, we anticipate extending the role beyond this initial term, depending on funding, performance, organizational needs, and mutual interest.

Duties and responsibilities

Synthesize and Translate Research Evidence

• Regularly review the research evidence on pediatric pain management to ensure that SKIP's knowledge mobilization efforts remain up-to-date and impactful.
• Create, update, and distribute evidence-based tools, resources and training materials focused on pediatric pain management for different audiences (e.g. health professionals, patients and their caregivers, organizational leaders, etc.)
• Through consultations, tailor knowledge mobilization tools and resources to address local interest holder needs and local contexts.
• Through training, mentoring, and provision of resources, help remove barriers to enhance implementation of evidence-based practices and build capacity.

Funding Development and Academic Outputs

• Support efforts to identify and secure funding for SKIP's activities e.g. through grant applications or other opportunities for monetary support.
• In collaboration with SKIP's Associate and Scientific Directors, support the preparation and submission of funding proposals and applications.
• Support the preparation, editing, and publication of academic outputs, including posters, presentations, and peer-reviewed journal articles.

Amplification and Awareness Building

• Actively advocate for the prioritization of pediatric pain management in health policy discussions, funding initiatives, and institutional strategies, ensuring that it remains a key focus within the health system.
• Lead outreach efforts to educate health professionals, decision-makers, patients and families, and the public about the importance of evidence-based, quality pain management.

Build Relationships and Engage Interest holders

• Facilitate ongoing dialogue and knowledge exchange between researchers, health professionals, decision-makers, and partners to ensure implementation of best evidence in their practices.
• Continuously establish, build, and sustain productive working relationships with other knowledge brokers within SKIP, to share insights, coordinate efforts, and align strategies for effective knowledge mobilization and implementation.
• Identify key knowledge users to champion efforts and support the adoption of evidence-based practices.
• Consistently integrate and apply best practices in patient partnership, ensuring that the voices, needs, and experiences of patients and their caregivers are central to knowledge mobilization activities, resource development, and engagement with interest holders.

Evaluate and Measure Impact

• Monitor and document knowledge mobilization strategies, assessing their impact on clinical practices, patient outcomes, and organizational change, and share findings across the SKIP network to encourage broader adoption and inform future projects.
• Regularly share best practices and lessons learned across the SKIP network and pediatric pain community, contributing to continuous improvement in the field.
• Collect feedback from interest holders on the relevance and effectiveness of knowledge mobilization tools and adjust strategies as needed.
• Support annual reporting and funding applications by providing evidence of the impact of knowledge mobilization efforts in improving pediatric pain management outcomes.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or professional degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., science, health, medicine, communication, or equivalent).
• Evidence of experience with the academic landscape, academic writing, and funding mechanisms, with a track record of successful funding applications and peer-reviewed publications.
• A passion for improving the lives of children and youth living with pain, knowledge of pediatric pain management strategies, and a commitment to advancing these strategies into routine practice.
• Expertise in gathering, critically appraising, and synthesizing evidence, with the ability to interpret and communicate complex topics into plain language and to tailor messaging for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver clear, compelling, and accessible presentations to engage and inspire diverse partners to enact change. Examples of partners may include: researchers, clinicians, policymakers, patients and caregivers, and community partners.
• Proven experience leading collaborative projects in a virtual environment, building partnerships, and advocating for change.
• Strong organizational and relationship building skills are essential, along with the ability to take initiative, work independently, and collaboratively.

Assets

• Prior experience in pediatrics and/or pain management is a strong asset.
• Proficiency in French, both verbal and written, as SKIP engages with diverse partners and knowledge users across Canada, including Francophone communities

Additional Information

The successful applicant will be eligible for hybrid work (combination of in-person work on campus and remote work) as agreed by all parties based on operational requirements and university guidelines. Please note that this is not a fully remote position, regular physical presence in Halifax, Nova Scotia is required.

This grant-paid position at Dalhousie University has a total compensation package that includes a voluntary RRSP, health and dental plans, and an employee and family assistance program. We encourage applications from Indigenous Peoples of Turtle Island (especially Mi'kmaq), persons of Black/African descent (especially African Nova Scotians), and members of other racialized groups, persons with disabilities, women, persons identifying as members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community. In accordance with Dalhousie University's Employment Equity Policy, preference will be given in hiring processes to candidates who self-identify as members of one or more of the equity-deserving groups listed above. For more information, including details related to the Employment Equity Policy and Plan and definitions of equity-deserving groups please visit www.dal.ca/hiringfordiversity

How to Apply

Please submit your application here (https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/18972).

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.