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About the Role

The Director, Research Programs provides key leadership, strategic planning, and oversight of the Canadian Cancer Society’s grant programs, ensuring the research portfolio aligns with the Strategic Plan and drives meaningful impact. This role is essential for strengthening the organization's reputation as a leading cancer research funder in Canada through relationship building and networking.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic planning and evolution of 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 research funding programs, acting as a subject matter expert.
• Represent the organization on internal and external interagency committees.
• Oversee the operational implementation of large, investigator-initiated research funding programs by leading a cross-functional team.
• Oversee deliverables and budget in consultation with the research team.
• Lead consultations, workshops, and working groups to inform grant programs with diverse input.
• Work with relevant teams to ensure funding partners are kept apprised of competition timelines and engaged appropriately.
• Ensure a rigorous, fair, and transparent peer review process, including reviewer recruitment and panel chair selection.
• Serve as subject matter expert and determinant on research policies and program guidelines, escalating issues as needed.
• Prepare and deliver high-level presentations communicating research programs and policies.
• Lead the review and development of research policies and ensure their implementation.
• Maintain the integrity and quality of research funding programs through policy updates and staying current with industry standards.
• Ensure program recommendations are prepared accurately and in a timely manner for ACOR review.
• Participate in relevant Research Grant program communities of practice.
• Work collaboratively with the Research Impact and Evaluation team to ensure alignment around program evaluation.
• Oversee funding recommendations, approvals, and financial processes in compliance with organizational policies.
• Oversee program launches and public funding announcements, ensuring coordination with the research communications team.
• Maintain end-to-end program administration expertise by leading the Awards for Excellence in Cancer Research program annually.
• Contribute to other identified or requested projects.
• Collaborate with internal teams to enhance program impact, evaluation, and researcher engagement.
• Support the research impact and evaluation team in developing program-related evaluation surveys.
• Prepare and submit grant/award program funding recommendations for approval.
• Ensure appropriate funding encumbrances are assigned to successful grants/awards in the Grants Management System.
• Ensure programs are delivered within budget and aligned with overall research funding plans.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team, fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and growth-oriented environment.
• Champion the organization as a hero in the face of cancer.
• Contribute to a culture of diversity, inclusion, belonging, and equity (DIBE).

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.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Skills

• Strategic planning
• Research program oversight
• Grant management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Cross-functional team leadership
• Project/program management
• Relationship building
• Communication (written and oral)
• Attention to detail
• Organizational skills
• Handling confidential information
• Working independently and collaboratively
• French/Bilingualism (French/English) is an asset

Location

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

Work Type

• Hybrid Work Model

Experience Level

• Senior related roles
• 5–10 years of progressive experience

Education Level

• PhD in a Health Sciences field is a strong asset

Salary/Compensations

• $96,000 - $110,000CAD

Benefits

• Paid parental leave
• Family sick time
• Health insurance

About the Company

• 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.

Equal Opportunity

• 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 RIGOROUS.
• 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.
• 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!
• AI Disclosure: Artificial intelligence (AI) tools may be used to assist with certain administrative or screening tasks; however, all hiring decisions are made by people.