August 14, 2025

PROJECT COORDINATOR (BAND LEVEL 7)

Rethinking Transformation Project - Transforming Climate Action

Research Initiatives and Services

Grenfell Campus

(One-Year Contractual Position; Possibility of Extension)

The University will consider applications from qualified permanent staff who may be interested in a secondment, subject to departmental approval

BACKGROUND

Rethinking Transformation: Centring Mist No'kmaq for Just and Equitable Climate Change Adaptation, or the Rethinking Project is hiring a Project Coordinator responsible for project management, stakeholder interactions, and research. Coastal communities can play a pivotal role in imagining new approaches to climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as local governance that can advance justice and equity. Indigenous communities have lived in balance with ecosystems since time immemorial and can help guide other coastal and island communities in restoring balance with the climate and other systems. However, predominant climate change narratives often exclude the coastal communities that are impacted most directly by climate change.

The Rethinking Project offers an alternative model that differs from scientists and policy-makers telling stories about what actions need to be taken, with communities often relegated to the role of vulnerable victims of climate impacts or as providers of "anecdotal" evidence. The Rethinking Project will critically examine the fundamental assumptions underlying calls for transformative climate actions and builds transdisciplinary problem-solving. We center the Mi'kmaw principle of Msit No'kmaq, which most closely relates to 'all my relations' when translated into English and is a key guiding principle of Mi 'kmaw ontology reflecting the interconnections between human and non-human beings. As a research team including both Mi 'kmaw and settler researchers, we explore what community-based climate action means informed by Msit No'kmaq, The Project Coordinator will support the university and community researchers or knowledge holders in their efforts to foreground relationship-building with Indigenous and other coastal communities. The Coordinator will advance a collaborative problem-solving process in pursuit of co-producing knowledge and developing capacity building programs through project management, stakeholder interactions, and research. The research will be developed in partnership with Mi 'kmaw and other coastal communities, where community-research relationships have been initiated and will guide the specific methods and outcomes. The Coordinator will work with project leads to enable cross-cultural learning, dialogue, and capacity building among diverse knowledge holders and decision-makers to catalyze research about community-based climate action and related innovations in governance and stewardship. Therefore, the incumbent will be responsible for duties specific to The Rethinking Project and will be based in the WATERR Lab. The WATERR Lab (Wellness and Transformative Engagement in Research Relationships) is founded by a Mi 'kmaq scholar. WATERR is an Indigenous Health Lab that is dedicated to uplifting communities through interconnected and transformative research focusing on a deep connection to Indigenous knowledge and ethics. With a welcoming and inclusive transdisciplinary community-based approach it aims to improve health and wellness in Indigenous communities, as defined by the communities involved. The Project Coordinator would help assist in research and work associated with the lab, particularly the Rethinking Project.

DUTIES

The Project Coordinator will be responsible for working with project leads to develop and implement a research agenda in response to community and project needs; contributing to background and desk-study research, knowledge synthesis and mobilization, including working with diverse knowledge types and community perspectives; liaising with stakeholders, including academics, government, and community agencies, and maintaining effective communication with stakeholders, funders, and project partners; documenting and reporting on Indigenous, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) practices and outcomes; managing outreach and knowledge mobilization activities, including media inquiries, website updates, newsletters, and social media; assisting project leads in project planning and implementation, budget reviews and reporting; and performing other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Experience (2 years) in research coordination; completion of a masters in a relevant discipline is required; or an equivalent combination of experience and training may be considered. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written, including diplomacy, tact, and the ability to prioritize work are essential. Connections to Indigenous or place-based communities on the west coast of Newfoundland are preferred. A PhD is considered an asset. Experience with research coordination and community-based research in collaboration with Indigenous communities, including critical appraisal and knowledge translation, with alternative formats, are key assets.

SALARY $61,099 - $71,679 per annum (Non-Bargaining)

CLOSING DATE August 28, 2025 by 5:00 p.m. NST

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, preference will be given to applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. Memorial University is committed to employment equity and diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women; 2SLGBTQIA+ people; persons whose gender identity or gender expression is nonbinary or otherwise not cisgender; Indigenous peoples; racialized people; black persons; and persons with disabilities. Memorial is committed to providing an inclusive learning and work environment.

If there is anything we can do to ensure your full participation during the application process, please contact [email protected] directly and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

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Please be advised that we are unable to provide updates on current competitions.

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