Chief Mission Officer

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Montreal or Ottawa preferred, or another CCS office

Vacancies: This posting is for 1 new role.

Direct Reports: Three Executive Vice Presidents

Indirect Reports: 350 Employees

Application instructions: Please indicate your interest and apply directly to Caldwell, https://caldwell.thriveapp.ly/job/1274 and not through our Canadian Cancer Society career page.

Position Overview

The Chief Mission Officer (CMO) is a strategic and visionary leader responsible for driving the organization's mission through a comprehensive impact strategy. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, in this newly created executive leadership position the CMO will oversee a team of 350 employees with an operating budget of over $95M, and will guide the development and delivery of programs, research, advocacy, and support services that advance CCS's efforts to save lives, improve lives, and drive collective action against cancer.

The CMO will be joining CCS at the time that it is launching its 2026-2031 strategic plan. At this pivotal moment, the CMO will be responsible for creating long‑term benefits for the Canadian population as a whole: intensifying efforts to improve cancer survival, stop cancer before it starts, and improve the quality of life of people affected by cancer. The CMO will also build powerful external relationships and collaborations with government, researchers, cancercontrol and other health organization partners, donors, and media to maximize the impact of CCS's programs and investments.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Ensure that all research, policy, advocacy, cancer information, and cancer support services maximize the organization's social impact.
• Collaborate with the CEO and other members of the executive leadership team to enable mission impact through strong collaboration with other CCS teams including fundraising, marketing, communications, digital technology, and operations.
• Define clear goals, metrics, and frameworks to clearly measure and monitor the progress of all mission goals.
• Guide CCS's mission work to ensure a focus on population‑scale education, policy change, and research advancements – all with a health equity lens.
• Manage organizational resources with a focus on high return on investment.
• Stay abreast of emerging evidence, and scientific and policy developments that have an impact on cancer prevention, care, and equity.
• Ensure the organization remains at the forefront of cancer research, health policy and advocacy, and support programming by staying current with industry trends, advancements, and best practices; prepare rapid responses to cancer‑related news and developments, to ensure CCS's voice is heard at critical moments.

People Leadership

• Lead three executive vice presidents with large portfolios and ensure that resources are allocated to the research, advocacy, and information and support services most aligned with CCS's strategic plan.
• Develop and implement an ongoing change management plan for the mission portfolio designed to maximize collaboration and efficiency and ensure a relentless focus on the organizational purpose.
• Ensure succession and development plans are in place within the mission portfolio to fortify bench strength within leadership.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, accountability, and inclusion.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a CCS ambassador, promoting the organization's mission and purpose internally and externally, and elevating CCS's profile within the cancer control community.
• Educate and engage stakeholders – including employees, donors, researchers, cancer control and other healthcare organizations, government organizations, and media – on cancer issues and the impact of the organization's mission; look for opportunities to deepen and grow partnerships.

Knowledge Translation and Communication

• Communicate scientific findings and complex health topics to diverse audiences, including donors, policymakers, and the media.
• Ensure research outcomes are translated into policy, practice, and public benefit.
• Represent the organization in scientific forums, policy discussions, and advisory panels.

Executive Team Leadership

• Develop and execute the organization's strategic plan.
• Ensure compliance, efficiency, and stewardship of resources.
• Work closely with the CEO, Executive Leadership Team, and Board of Directors to ensure good governance, public accountability, and transparency.
• Act as a trustee on behalf of Canadians, ensuring resources are directed to cancer's most complex challenges.

Education & Qualifications

• Master's degree in business strategy, social impact, public health, health administration, or a similar field; PhD or MBA/MPH preferred.
• 10+ years in executive non‑profit leadership or a similar role, with experience in program implementations, strategy development, impact measurement, and board accountability.
• Strategic thinker with excellent communication skills and change management ability. Expertise in stakeholder engagement with the ability to build strong relationships at all levels of government, academic, and research organizations, and associations within the cancer control community.
• Strong financial and operational acumen with experience overseeing an operating budget of $50M+.
• Track record of measurable results achievement in complex organizations and environments.
• Strong understanding of the Canadian health care system, cancer research ecosystem, health policy, health‑related program management, and government relations.
• Well‑developed emotional intelligence with the ability to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong presentation and media relations skills.
• A seasoned people leader with experience building future leaders.
• Bilingualism (French/English) is highly preferred, with French being an asset due to the organization's pan‑Canadian operations and the need for effective communication across various regions and with all levels of government.
• Ability to travel throughout Canada on a frequent basis.
• A passion for advancing cancer‑related initiatives and making a meaningful impact on cancer outcomes today and for the future.

Application Information

CCS celebrates individuality and the strength of diversity, and is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity‑deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of the organization. Together, CCS unites Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

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.

Please note that in keeping with the mandate of CCS to model and promote healthy lifestyles, employees are not permitted to smoke in or around CCS premises or while carrying out CCS business.

All responses to Caldwell are confidential. For information on Caldwell's privacy policy, please see www.caldwell.com/privacy-policy. The appointment will be made as soon as possible. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

AI Disclosure: We are committed to transparency and, the responsible use of technology in our hiring process. Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people. We review and approve AI‑assisted outputs to ensure fairness, accuracy, and alignment with our values. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

Seniority Level

Executive

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Business Development and Sales

Industries

Non‑profit Organizations