Job title: Outreach and Engagement Coordinator
Reports to: Evelien VanderKloet, Senior Program Director
Start date: May 11, 2026
Starting salary: $59,099-$74,832
Location: In person, Halifax, NS
The Ocean Tracking Network (OTN) is an international marine and freshwater monitoring platform that focuses on tracking the movements of aquatic animals in the context of a changing global environment. Established in 2008, OTN is one of Major Research Facilities supported by the Major Science Initiatives program of the Canada Foundation for Innovation.
POSITION SUMMARY:
This position is a key part of OTN project management team and provides key executive support to OTN leadership. People skills, professionalism, and organization are essential for this role. The position helps identify, plan and execute outreach events for a wide variety of stakeholders. This position carries out strategic actions as directed by OTN senior management, including supporting the work of governance committees and proactively seeking out and organizing high-level networking opportunities, including coordinating meetings with representatives from all levels of government helps the organization of outreach, engagement, and knowledge transfer opportunities (community events, workshops, symposia, etc.) This position reports directly to the Senior Program Director. This position is based out of Halifax, but occasional travel (2-3 times per year) is required, as is some evening and weekend work.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Lead and/or coordinate major events, including the OTN Symposium, early career researcher workshops.
- Lead, coordinate, and/or participate in outreach and engagement opportunities, including community events, workshops, festivals, demonstration days, etc.
- In collaboration with Dalhousie’s government relations team, schedule and coordinate meetings for senior management with all levels of government, including elected officials and civil servants.
- Coordinate all aspects of OTN’s governance committee meetings, including agenda development, meeting scheduling, communication with members, and meeting documentation.
- Provide executive-level support to the senior management team
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- Organize high-level functions (e.g., facility tours, meetings, receptions) on behalf of senior management to showcase OTN to current and potential funders, political allies, senior university officials, and government representatives.
- Attend internal and external meetings alongside senior management to document and action meeting outcomes.
- Prepare draft meeting documents, such as briefing notes and reports, and circulate to senior management.
- Conduct meeting follow-ups as required.
- Together with the project management staff, design and implement organizational processes and workflows to improve coordination across the organization.
- Provide project coordination support to the OTN teams within OTN to help them achieve their goals.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Undergraduate degree in political science, marketing, environmental science, or related field, with a minimum of 3 years’ related experience in event planning, public outreach, communications, or an equivalent combination of practical experience and education.
- Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills. Able to facilitate effective meetings and work with a variety of personalities and backgrounds.
- Experience providing executive-level support to senior management.
- Highly organized and process-oriented, with a strong attention to detail.
- Demonstrated time management and prioritization abilities. Able to work well under pressure and accommodate tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated experience planning and organizing events for a variety of audiences and formats.
- Experience working in an academic or grant-based environment.
- Highly comfortable using a wide variety of digital platforms, including project management and collaborative work platforms (e.g., Asana, Slack, Office365).
- Able to work well independently and as part of a team.
ASSETS:
- Formal project management training (i.e., PMP designation).
- Experience working with politicians, civil servants, academics, research assistants, and research administrators.
- Experience working with different types of knowledge holders, including Indigenous groups, local fishermen, and community members.
- Fluency in French
TO APPLY:
Interested applications should submit a cover letter and resume via PeopleAdmin by April 30, 2026: https://dal.peopleadmin.ca/postings/20805
Please note: Non-probationary bargaining unit employees (PSAC Local 86001) are given priority consideration. All other applications will be considered when there is no qualified candidate from the bargaining unit. We sincerely appreciate all applications and note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted directly by the hiring department or People and Culture.