Manager, Research & Innovation

Overview

The Partnership’s Cancer Systems, Performance and Innovation (CSPI) Division drives improvements in Canada’s cancer system through data, research, economic modelling and innovations such as digital healthcare. This division monitors emerging health technologies and leverages data systems to determine gaps and opportunities for improvements in cancer care and informs internal partners on innovative approaches, international best practice and compelling evidence to support key partnership decision making.

The Research & Innovation team, part of the CSPI division, promotes cancer research across Canada as well as driving the adoption of innovative approaches. It supports this work through its role as the Executive Office of the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance (CCRA) and its activities scanning international and academic best practice.

The Manager, Research & Innovation supports the Cancer Systems, Performance & Innovation Division in carrying out projects and initiatives to achieve organizational priorities.  Reporting to the Director, Research & Innovation, the Manager leads delivery of program/project objectives.  As a highly organized professional with strong management skills, this position delivers on the tasks of the job while contributing to the Partnership’s overall vision to reduce the burden of cancer on all Canadians.

In all that we do, Research & Innovation seeks to promote equity and justice across all communities through our work with others and in our work together. Internally, we promote a flexible, inclusive culture that prioritizes diversity of thought and experience whilst inviting constructive challenge. We actively seek to widen our perspectives, networks and capabilities. We welcome all applications including those from individuals with non-traditional experience or who identify as part of an under-represented community.  We value flexible working and support this at all levels of our team.

Core responsibilities and activities

Program specific accountabilities

• Plays a leadership role in helping to develop and provide oversight for the organization strategy for research and innovation, including the management of research and innovative related activities that advance the priorities and actions of the Canadian Strategy for Cancer Control
• Proactively engages with internal and external partners and stakeholders to identify, develop, and implement innovative pan-Canadian programs and initiatives to promote the integration of cancer control and cancer research
• Collaborates with others to develop and monitor Research and Innovation project milestones, timelines, budgets, risks and contracts to ensure programmatic objectives and outcomes are met
• Collaborates with others to manage the planning, development, communication and completion of knowledge transfer and exchange activities and products
• Drives innovation within the Partnership to achieve maximum productivity and synergies between programs and projects. Identifies and leads opportunities for improvement
• Complements the work of the Program Manager, Canadian Cancer Research Alliance, by building and maintaining external relationships throughout the scientific and research communities both nationally and internationally.
• Keeps abreast of trends and best practice in cancer care, and identifies opportunities for advancing the Partnership’s priorities. Oversees and facilitates pan-Canadian meetings to engage partners in the advancement of the Partnership’s priorities
• Works with the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Lead to advance First Nations, Inuit and Métis governed and led research priorities in the Canadian Strategy of Cancer Control

General accountabilities

• Manages the planning, development, and execution of evaluation activities as appropriate
• Facilitates the integration of expert advice into program/project work to further organizational outcomes
• Supports the Director in program planning, including the development of the annual work plan and budget, long term plans, and determining the outcomes of projects/programs
• Acts as a primary contact and source of information, as appropriate, for internal and external stakeholders regarding program/project content, status, and findings
• Works closely with others to contribute content expertise to project opportunity assessments and project plans, and ensures alignment with the Partnership’s goals and priorities
• Manages related external partner agreements, workplans, and vendor contracts
• Oversees and actively contributes to progress reporting as required for senior management, the Board of Directors and Health Canada
• Leads and supports staff to implement projects and achieve team objectives
• Coaches and develops staff through the annual performance management process
• Prepares and presents content and/or represents the Research and Innovation team at meetings, both internal and external, and/or conferences and other forums as directed
• Assists the Director with other duties and ad hoc projects as assigned

Competencies

The Partnership’s core competencies are a key element to reviewing performance. While the duties and responsibilities of a position tell you the “what,” the competencies tell you the “how.”  We have developed five universal competencies which we expect to be exhibited by all employees regardless of level or position, as well as five leadership competencies which we expect to be exhibited by staff in people management positions.

Universal competencies

• Inclusive – values diversity and applies an equity lens; consciously thinks about who needs to be included
• Agile – is constantly adapting to partners, priorities and outcomes; is committed to continuous learning and improvement; promotes new ways of doing things
• Collaborative – partners and builds strong relationships; works effectively with team members, focusing on delivering individual contributions to meet collective outcomes
• Outcomes-focused – focuses on the ultimate impact, priorities work with a focus on underserved groups
• Systems-thinking – connects the dots between their work and the broader system, has political acuity

Leadership competencies

• Inspiring – cultivates a common purpose, building energy for change
• Empowering – builds capability and removes barriers to success
• Influential – builds and leverages strong relationships, driving action without authority
• Results-oriented – delivers value from budgets and resources
• Strategic – thinks ahead; focuses on what’s important; knows when to act

Experience and qualifications

• Undergraduate degree in Health Sciences, or other relevant discipline, or a combination of comparable education and experience in a related field
• Minimum 7 years’ experience, preferably in policy, technology healthcare, or a related field (candidates with breaks in employment are welcome, candidates with fewer years of highly relevant experience will be considered)
• Experience with project planning and process development with an ability to anticipate organizational priorities
• Experience engaging with a diverse group of stakeholders to achieve or create change
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive)
• Experience in the following is highly desirable but not mandatory:
  • Project management experience, PMP designation
  • Working in an ambiguous or political environment
  • Embedding innovation within a healthcare system
  • Applied or translational research
  • Regulation of emerging technology
  • Bilingual in both English and French is an asset

Apply now

To apply, please forward your CV and cover letter combined in one file in Word or PDF format to:
Talentmanagement@partnershipagainstcancer.ca.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer thanks all applicants; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Canadian Partnership Against Cancer has a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer.