Director, Research Programs

Canadian Cancer Society•Prince George, BC

14h•CA$96,000 - CA$110,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save lives, improve lives and drive collective action against cancer. Together, with patients, volunteers, donors, and communities across the country, we raise funds to invest in transformative cancer research, provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer, and advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. Reporting to the Vice President, Research Programs, the Director, Research Programs provides key leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of the Canadian Cancer Society’s (CCS) grant programs, ensuring that CCS’s research portfolio addresses CCS’s Strategic Plan and drives meaningful impact. Through internal and external relationship building and networking, this role is essential to upholding and strengthening CCS’s reputation as a leading cancer research funder in Canada.

Requirements

5–10 years of progressive experience in Senior related roles
Strong scientific background with a broad understanding of oncology
Experience with research grant programs and grant management software
Proven ability to engage diverse stakeholders, including (academic and patient audiences).
Experience leading specialized, cross-functional teams.
Ability to manage concurrent priorities in a fast-paced environment
Strong relationship-building and relational competencies.
Knowledge of equity, diversity and inclusion and health equity principles
Excellent communication skills – both written and oral – adaptable to both technical and lay audiences
Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational skills
Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion
English is required
Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
Others may apply

Nice To Haves

PhD in a Health Sciences field is a strong asset
Project/ program management experience within non-profit or academic research administration settings (asset)
French/Bilingualism (French /English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations.

Responsibilities

Lead the strategic planning and evolution of CCS research funding programs, aligning priorities, timelines, and resources.
Contribute to Advisory Council on Research (ACOR) activities, including preparing materials and leading funding discussions.
Lead program design, refresh, and implementation of new CCS research funding programs. Act as subject matter expert related to CCS research programming internally and externally.
Represent CCS on internal and external interagency committees as required/requested.
Oversee the operational implementation of CCS’s large, investigator-initiated research funding programs by leading a cross-functional team through development, implementation, and delivery of individual programs.
Oversee deliverables as well as budget, in consultation with all members of the research team, as appropriate.
Lead related consultations, workshops, and working groups as needed to ensure appropriate input (including people with lived and living experience, researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers, and others) informs CCS’s grant programs for program refresh and relaunch, in consultation with the research impact and evaluation team.
Work with VP, Research Partnerships and others to ensure funding partners are kept apprised of competition timelines and engaged at appropriate timepoints throughout the process, including providing access to or copies of relevant information (including but not limited to the funding opportunity, review process documents, and grant applications).
Ensure a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review process, including recruitment of reviewers and panel Chairs.
Serve as subject matter expert and determinant on CCS research policies and program guidelines, escalating issues to VP, Research Programs as needed.
Prepare and deliver high-level presentations communicating CCS Research programs and policies to build awareness internally and externally.
Lead the review and development of CCS Research policies and ensure they are implemented across programs.
Maintain the integrity and quality of CCS’s research funding programs – through policy updates/refresh/keeping up with industry standards.
Accountable for ensuring that program recommendations (Chair reports and assembly of ‘Yellow Books’) are prepared accurately and in a timely manner for ACOR review and discussion, liaising with Research Impact and Evaluation team members as required.
Participate in relevant Research Grant program communities of practice to ensure CCS upholds and strengthens its reputation as a rigorous cancer research funder.
Work collaboratively with the Research Impact and Evaluation team to ensure alignment around CCS program evaluation.
Oversee funding recommendations, approvals, and financial processes in compliance with CCS policies.
Oversee program launches and public funding announcements and ensure coordination with research communications team.
Maintain end-to-end program administration expertise by leading the Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research program annually, ensuring timely launch and promotion of the Call for Nominations, recruitment of reviewers, oversight of review committees, and creation of final recommendations for ACOR and CEO approval.
Contribute to other projects identified/requested.
Collaborate with internal teams to enhance program impact, evaluation, and researcher engagement. Support the research impact and evaluation team in the development of various program-related evaluation surveys.
Prepare and submit grant/award program funding recommendations to CCS CEO for approval.
Accountable for ensuring appropriate (funding) encumbrances are assigned to successful grants/awards in CCS’s Grants Management System, in support of CCS research policies and procedures.
Ensure programs are delivered within budget and aligned with overall research funding plans.
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team (including interns).
Foster an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment that leverages the unique talents and strengths of each member while encouraging a high-performance culture.
Champion CCS as a hero in the face of cancer.
Contribute to our culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity (DIBE) by ensuring that all staff feel represented, valued, and heard across all aspects of their identity, including gender, age, religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, and sexuality.
Other duties as assigned