TITLE: Research & Special Projects Coordinator
ORGANIZATION: POLIS Water Sustainability Project, University of Victoria
JOB OVERVIEW: This is 1-year position that is renewable pending funding and candidate fit, with a 6-month probation period. Part time option possible. FTE entry salary 38-50k commensurate with experience.
POSITION DESCRIPTION: The POLIS Water Sustainability Project is seeking a highly organized, motivated, and growth-oriented Research Assistant and Special Projects Coordinator to join our team at the University of Victoria. The successful candidate will support a variety of POLIS’ core areas of research and engagement, including organizing and convening the B.C. Water Leaders Network, and applied watershed governance research. The successful candidate will be an enthusiastic network builder and team player with strong interpersonal and organizational skills.
This position provides exciting opportunities for professional growth and will involve working and building relationships with an extensive network of B.C. water organizations, governments at all levels, and community groups. The incumbent will build skills in applied policy research, community engagement, strategic events, and communications.
The Research and Special Projects Coordinator will be co-supervised by the POLIS WSP Director/CFGS Associate Director and the Water Law/Policy Researcher & Program Manager. The successful applicant will work out of the POLIS offices at the University of Victoria’s Centre for Global Studies, and be an active member of the Centre’s community of scholars and practitioners.
Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
EVENT & NETWORK-BUILDING SUPPORT: In particular, the incumbent will take a leadership role in organizing focussed workshops, roundtables, and meetings as part of efforts to strengthen and build the B.C. Water Leaders Network, an extensive network of organizations working to advance freshwater priorities in B.C.
Other event activities include: coordinating planning committee calls; preparing and distributing agendas; communicating with invited participants and resource guests; preparing minutes, resource packages, and feedback surveys; liaising with venues; and day-of event logistics and support.
RESEARCH SUPPORT: Activities include primary and secondary research; preparing draft report content; summarizing/synthesizing documents and preparing presentation slides; and coordinating the design and editing for major reports and briefs. The successful candidate will support a major research project on local government and watershed governance.
COMMUNICATIONS: Assisting with: quarterly e-newsletter (Mailchimp); the Creating a Blue Dialogue Webinar Series; and digital communications for events/meetings.
QUALIFICATIONS: Undergraduate or Master’s degree in Environmental Studies, Geography or related field; or equivalent combination of training and experience.
A specific background in water/resource management is not critical—but interest and enthusiasm for growth in this field must be demonstrated. The successful candidate will be committed to working in a team environment, while also highly self-motivated and able to work independently. Key competencies and skill for this position include:
● Organization and attention to detail
● Exceptional writing and professional communication skills
● Experience with event management and coordination
● Strong research and synthesis skills
● Problem solving and ability to prioritize
● Competency with Microsoft Office Suite, Mailchimp, InDesign, Adobe Acrobat.
HOW TO APPLY: Please send a cover letter and resume to Oliver M. Brandes and Rosie Simms at [email protected]. Selected candidates will be contacted for a follow-up interview.
