Director, Research Programs

Job Title: Director, Research Programs

Vacancies: This posting is for (1) current vacancy

Location: Toronto, ON | Ottawa, ON |Montréal, QC | Québec, QC |Calgary, AB | Halifax, NS | Kelowna, BC| Prince George, BC | Vancouver, BC (Detailed office location information can be found by visiting this link: https://cancer.ca/en/contact-us)

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: 8 ($96,000 - $110,000CAD)

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CANADA

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, we provide a caring support system for everyone affected by cancer and we advocate to governments to create a healthier future for all. It takes a society to take on cancer – and the Canadian Cancer Society is leading the way

MAKING AN IMPACT

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.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING:

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 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.

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 strong 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.
• Others may apply

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

CCS provides impactful opportunities to transform the lives of Canadians affected by cancer. We are devoted to creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates diverse experiences and skills, encouraging all qualified candidates to join us. Our inspiring culture is rooted in our core values and commitment to meaningful change:

COURAGEOUS UNITED CARING RIGOROU

We offer a competitive salary, excellent benefits, including paid parental leave, family sick time, and health insurance—and a fulfilling work environment where your efforts make a meaningful impact daily.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we celebrate individuality and the strength of diversity. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace that empowers everyone. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates, including those from equity-deserving groups such as BIPOC, 2SLGBTQI+ communities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and others who contribute to the richness of our organization. Together, we unite Canadians to shape the future of cancer care.

HOW TO APPLY:

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their resume, cover letter and salary expectations by June 12th, 2026.

We thank all candidates for their interest and advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

OTHER INFORMATION:

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. We want to make the interview process a great experience for you!

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

Privacy Disclosure

We collect your personal information through forms, by phone or in person to evaluate your candidacy for the role(s) you have applied for, to contact you regarding your candidacy, and to generate recruitment-related reports. If selected for a position at CCS the information provided will be used for the purposes of pre-employment checks and added to your employee file. We may share your personal information with third parties, including recruitment consultants, within or outside your province or territory or outside Canada to carry out the purposes identified above, or as required by law. We may contact you by mail, email, phone or text. You can exercise your right to access your information or have it corrected, unsubscribe from communications or withdraw your consent by selecting these options within the ADP system, or by contacting privacy@cancer.ca. For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

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.

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