Description

The Department of Health Equity and Systems Transformation (HEST) in the Cumming School of Medicine is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Scientific Director, HEST.

Reporting to the Senior Associate Dean, Health Equity and Systems Transformation (HEST).

HEST Portfolio Overview: Health Equity and Systems Transformation (HEST) portfolio is a dynamic and evolving unit anchored by two established offices: the Office of Faculty Development (OFD) and the Precision Equity and Social Justice Office (PESJO). Additionally, HEST includes three emerging units, each led by a director, focusing on planetary health, Black health, and precision equity research and evaluation. At the core of HEST's strategy is "precision equity" an evidence-informed, data-driven approach that designs tailored equity solutions for maximum impact for all at CSM. Grounded in implementation science, this approach positions HEST at the forefront of health equity innovations in Canada.

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

Strategic Alignment and Leadership
• Translate the vision and strategic objectives of the HEST portfolio, into operational priorities and actionable tasks for the HEST suite of units
• Ensure that initiatives undertaken by HEST align closely with the overarching strategic goals of CSM and the University of Calgary. Implementation of the striving for social justice through action health equity pillar of the CSM strategic plan is a priority for the portfolio
• Support the Senior Associate Dean in preparing documents, presentations, and publications
• Produce an annual report on HEST activities, including key performance indicators and deliverable related to health equity and systems transformation
• Collaborate closely with associate deans, directors, and interdisciplinary teams within the HEST portfolio to achieve shared equity goals
• Foster collaborative efforts that transcend disciplinary boundaries, promoting comprehensive solutions for CSM
• Staff management, including the creation of job profile, hiring, termination and performance reviews of staff members

Program Development
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to identify gaps and opportunities for equity-deserving groups within CSM
• Collaboratively develop robust programs and educational interventions tailored to address identified needs and promote equity within CSM
• Work with the team to establish and monitor metrics, evaluations, and key performance indicators (KPIs) to gauge the effectiveness of precision equity strategies and initiatives particularly as it relates to the health equity pillar of the CSM strategic plan

Health Equity Interventions and program evaluation
• Utilize implementation science methodologies to design, implement, and rigorously evaluate evidence-informed equity interventions across multiple levels from faculty initiatives to community and provincial outreach
• Champion initiatives that promote equitable access to quality healthcare and address disparities within healthcare delivery systems. This will be done collaboratively with the health equity hub of the O'Brien Institute of Public Health
• Data Driven Solutions
• Collect and analyze survey, qualitative, and quantitative data to understand intervention efficacy
• Utilise healthcare data to assess the impact of interventions on health equity indicators, such as healthcare access and health outcomes
• Synthesize research findings to inform evidence-based practices and policies, providing actionable insights to support decision-making in healthcare settings
• Visualize data driven solutions and assets for use at CSM and in healthcare settings

Research and Knowledge Sharing
• Recommend, develop, implement, and evaluate HEST research initiatives and programs related to the content areas of the portfolio
• Conduct literature reviews and analyze research findings to inform evidence-based interventions in health equity
• Present research findings at conferences and contribute to scholarly publications to advance knowledge in health equity and systems transformation
• Develop and secure funding for innovative research projects and initiatives
• Develop a pilot program of work in health equity as a model for future scale and application to serve underserved populations

Social Accountability
• Lead Disparity Reduction Initiatives: Lead targeted initiatives aimed at reducing healthcare disparities and enhancing access to quality care for marginalized or underserved populations within the Calgary community
• Support CSM's Social Accountability Mandate: Align initiatives with CSM's commitment to social accountability, ensuring healthcare equity across diverse populations

Community Engagement, Partnerships and Outreach
• Cultivate and sustain strategic partnerships with external stakeholders, including academic institutions, government bodies, non-profits, and private sector entities
• Promote actionable research on health equity and represent HEST and CSM at relevant professional associations, conferences, and forums from time to time as directed
• Actively engage with community groups from identified marginalized communities to understand their needs and incorporate their perspectives into health equity initiatives

Qualifications / Requirements:
• MSc in implementation science, public health, health policy, or related fields required
• PhD preferred
• 10 or more years of work experience in postsecondary environment with proven experience in designing and implementing health equity interventions in diverse settings, with a track record of achieving measurable outcomes
• Experience with visualization data or other relevant software tool experience, presenting research and publication experience, funding experience
• Experience supporting faculty in research, program development, and mentoring junior faculty
• Experience with administrative healthcare data, analysis, interpretation and creating data driven understanding and solutions
• Skills: Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data and health information for program evaluation and policy development
• Understanding of anti-oppression concepts and ability to apply anti-oppressive frameworks to literature, interventions, policy, and dissemination
• Ability to analyze interventions and policies using critical analytic approaches
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Experience mentoring junior team members and guiding research projects
• Knowledge of AI applications in medicine and medical education is an asset

Application Deadline: September 6, 2024

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 classified in the Management and Professional Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.

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 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.

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 ****** 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 Equity, Diversity and Inclusion ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

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.