Director, Research Programs (Montreal)

Director, Research Programs

Location: Toronto, ON | Ottawa, ON | Montréal, QC | Québec, QC | Calgary, AB | Halifax, NS | Kelowna, BC | Prince George, BC | Vancouver, BC

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: $96,000 - $110,000 CAD

Responsibilities

1. Strategic planning of CCS’s research programs
   • 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
2. Program Delivery & Operations
   • 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 and 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 experience, researchers, healthcare providers, policymakers and others) informs CCS’s grant programs for program refresh and relaunch
   • 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
   • 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
3. Program‑related finances
   • 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
   • Oversee funding recommendations, approvals, and financial processes in compliance with CCS policies
4. People Leadership
   • 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

Qualifications

• 5–10 years of progressive experience in senior related roles
• PhD in a Health Sciences field is a strong asset
• 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
• Project/program management experience within non‑profit or academic research administration settings (asset)
• 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 solid organizational skills
• Ability to handle confidential information with tact and discretion
• English is required; French/Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Competitive salary and excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance
• Approach to work‑life balance, with hybrid work model options
• Inclusive workplace celebrating diverse experiences and skills
• Opportunity to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer

EEO Statement

CCS is dedicated to employment equity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates. In accordance with the local provincial Accessibility Act, accommodation will be provided as requested throughout the recruitment process. CCS is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone.