Community-Based Research Facilitator

Community-Based Research Facilitator – Position Description

Aunties within Reach (AWR) Program

Position Type: 0.8 FTE (32hrs/week)

Reports To: Principal Investigator and Aunties Within Reach Program Leadership

Location: Fort McMurray/Wood Buffalo Region (with travel to First Nation and Métis

communities in the region)

Term: Grant-funded position; 1-year contract with the opportunity for extension

Position Summary

The Community-Based Research Facilitator will support research, evaluation, and

implementation activities for Aunties within Reach (AWR), an award-winning, Indigenous-led

program dedicated to advancing reproductive health and family well-being in Indigenous

communities across the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB). This role is

embedded within the AWR program at Fireweed Wellness Lodge and serves as a link among

community knowledge, practice, and research, ensuring that research and evaluation activities

reflect community priorities, Indigenous perspectives, and the realities of program

implementation.

Through a research partnership between AWR and the University of Alberta’s CARE Lab, this

position will help generate and mobilize knowledge that strengthens the AWR program and

improves access to reproductive and maternal healthcare. The position will provide research and

evaluation support across multiple funded initiatives in partnership with AWR, including the

Indigenous Healthy Life Trajectories Initiative (I-HeLTI), which promotes parental social and

mental well-being during preconception, pregnancy, and early childhood, and the National

Women’s Health Research Initiative, which supports outreach midwifery, birthwork, and Auntie

navigation services in the community.

Working collaboratively with Indigenous community partners, community members, Elders,

Knowledge Keepers, service providers, and researchers, the Community-Based Research

Facilitator will foster meaningful relationships, support community engagement, coordinate

research and evaluation activities, and facilitate knowledge sharing and exchange. A core focus

of the role is to strengthen opportunities for Indigenous communities to participate in and help

shape research processes, ensuring that knowledge generation is respectful, reciprocal, culturally

grounded, and responsive to community priorities. Through these efforts, the Facilitator will

contribute to continuous program learning and improvement while supporting better health and

wellness outcomes for Indigenous women, children, and families throughout the RMWB.

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, partners,

Elders, Knowledge Keepers, service providers, and program participants.

• Coordinate community engagement activities, including meetings, sharing circles,

workshops, gatherings, and community events.

• Facilitate communication between community partners, Aunties within Reach staff, and

the UofA research team.

• Work with the UofA research team to plan community events to promote research

participation and knowledge sharing

Research and Evaluation Support

• Support community-based research and evaluation activities aligned with the goals of the

AWR program and funding grant requirements.

• Participate in regular research meetings to plan research and evaluation activities, design

data collection tools (e.g., sharing circle guides)

• Assist with participant recruitment, informed consent processes, and data collection

activities.

• Coordinate interviews, sharing circles, focus groups, surveys, and other participatory

activities to generate and share knowledge.

• Maintain accurate records and documentation of research and engagement activities.
• Support data management processes in accordance with OCAP®, Indigenous data

sovereignty principles, and University ethics requirements.

• Contribute to monitoring program outcomes and indicators related to maternal, child,

family, and community wellness.

Knowledge Mobilization and Learning

• Assist in the development of reports, presentations, briefing notes, community

summaries, and other knowledge-sharing products.

• Support the translation of research findings into accessible formats for community

members, service providers, and decision-makers (e.g., information sheets, visuals).

• Contribute to continuous learning and quality improvement processes within the AWR

Program.

• Participate in knowledge dissemination activities, including community events,

conferences, and partner meetings.

Program and Project Coordination

• Coordinate project logistics, scheduling, travel arrangements, and meeting preparation

related to research and evaluation activities.

• Prepare agendas, meeting notes, and action items.
• Track project activities, timelines, and deliverables related to community-based research

activities

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in public health, social sciences, Indigenous or Native studies,

community development, health sciences, social work, nursing, education, or a related

field. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

• Minimum 2–3 years of experience working in community engagement, health promotion,

program coordination, evaluation, or related roles.

• Experience working collaboratively with Indigenous communities, organizations, or

community-based health programs.

• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous health, wellness, cultural safety, and the

impacts of colonialism on health and social outcomes.

• Strong organizational, facilitation, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within interdisciplinary and

community-based teams.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.
• Valid Alberta Class 5 driver’s license and a reliable vehicle for travel

Preferred Qualifications

• Lived experience and/or strong connections to Indigenous communities.
• Knowledge of the local Wood Buffalo area and communities, especially traditional

Indigenous cultural practices and ways of knowing.

• Experience conducting community-based participatory research, Indigenous research, or

program evaluation.

• Knowledge of Indigenous research methodologies, OCAP®, and Indigenous data

governance principles.

• Experience facilitating sharing circles, community meetings, or participatory workshops.
• Graduate degree or training in a relevant field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated commitment to respectful, strengths-based, and reciprocal approaches to

research and engagement

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to multitask.
• Sound judgment, discretion, and ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Flexibility to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends to support community

events and engagement activities.

Working Conditions

• A combination of office, community, and remote work environments. Office space will

be determined.

• Regular travel within the Wood Buffalo region and surrounding First Nation and Métis

communities.

• Some evening and weekend work may be required to support community engagement

activities and events.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Indigenous Engagement

The University of Alberta is committed to creating an equitable, diverse, and inclusive

environment. We particularly welcome applications from First Nations, Métis, and Inuit

applicants and encourage candidates to self-identify in their application if they wish.

How to Apply

Please submit a letter of expression (1 page), resume and the names of two references via email

to Stephanie Montesanti (Professor, School of Public Health) @ carelab@ualberta.ca

For any inquiries about the position, please email Stephanie Montesanti @

• montesan@ualberta.ca OR Sheena Bradley @ sheena@ihkapaskwacollective.com