Help us make Terry's dream of ending cancer through research a reality

About this opportunity

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) is seeking a proactive, self starter passionate about cancer research and innovation in Canada to join us as Program Coordinator, DHDP. Reporting to the Program Manager, DHDP, and working in collaboration with the TFRI Finance team and DHDP Product team, the Program Coordinator, DHDP will play a key role in working with our Ultimate Recipients and communicating and reporting their needs to the broader DHDP team. This role combines traditional program management, full cycle competition support, and institutional onboarding support within a collaborative product delivery environment.

This is a full-time, temporary position until September 2027.

About the Terry Fox Research Institute and Ditigal Health & Discovery Platform

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), named for Canadian icon Terry Fox, is built on Terry's dream to end cancer through research. Established in 2007, TFRI is a registered charity and invests its funds in cutting-edge cancer research through highly collaborative, team-oriented programs and national research networks. Together with its many research and funding partners, TFRI empowers Canada’s brightest researchers to seek out new transformational and precision medicine discoveries to advance our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for patients.

The Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP), a research initiative led by the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), is a federated data-sharing and AI software product development project for advancing disease research where critical health data is resident at multiple institutions across Canada. This project sits at the intersection of healthcare and artificial intelligence and is among the first of its kind globally.

Key responsibilities

• Support DHIF program coordination and administration, including maintaining project trackers, timelines, action items, records, reporting, claims coordination and submissions, and other program documentation.
• Develop and maintain document and knowledge management for Programs, ensuring current versions of agreements, policies, onboarding processes, templates, and reporting materials are organized and easily accessible.
• Support the preparation and administration of DHIF agreements and related documentation, including preparing URCAs from approved templates, maintaining accurate records, and tracking changes and execution status.
• Conduct interviews with participating institutions to capture onboarding requirements and implementation needs.
• Ensure effective communication of critical information between internal and external stakeholders, including translating and documenting Ultimate Recipient feedback with the TFRI Product and Engineering teams as required.
• Ensure all policies and procedures of the DHDP are up to date, communicated, and executed on.
• Coordinate Executive Committee and other program meetings, including scheduling, agendas, meeting materials, presentations, minutes, and follow-up actions.
• Lead administrative activities for the DHDP including (but not limited to) arranging meetings, special events, webinars, agendas, minute taking, and assisting with financial and progress reporting where appropriate.
• Support the administration and continuous improvement of program workflows, reporting tools, and TerryFoxTrack and other project tracking systems.
• Provide administrative and coordination support for future RFAs and ongoing DHIF activities.
• Assisting the National Director, DHDP in calendar management as required.
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

• Post secondary degree in business, technology, science, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may also be considered.
• Minimum of four (4) years progressive experience in large-scale program coordination.
• Previous experience working on a healthcare technology, biotechnology, or precision medicine platform is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, with the ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships across internal team members and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated project management experience, including coordinating multiple priorities and managing timelines across multiple program requirements while managing competing deadlines.
• Previous experience supporting contract lifecycles, including preparation, execution, and tracking of financial components as required.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to work independently.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills, with a demonstrated ability to balance competing priorities from internal and external stakeholders.
• Team player with a can-do attitude.

Benefits of working with us

• Flexible schedule
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Hybrid and remote work options available
• Extended medical and dental coverage
• A work culture that values excellence, creativity, teamwork, learning, fairness, and integrity
• A passionate group of high-performing teammates across Canada who all want to reduce suffering from cancer

Salary: $60,000 - $70,000 per annum

How to Apply: If you are passionate about making a difference in cancer research and are ready to take on this challenging and important position, we invite you to submit your application. This position is open to candidates residing and authorized to work in Canada.

Please include a cover letter, resume, and any relevant supporting documents. Applications can be submitted through Indeed or emailed to hr@tfri.ca.

Application Deadline: job requisition will be open until filled.

As an equal opportunity employer, we recognize the importance of diversity and equity in our workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including but not limited to Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, minorities, and other underrepresented communities. Should an accommodation be required at any time, please let us know.  We appreciate all applications, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

About the Terry Fox Research Institute

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), named for Canadian icon Terry Fox, is built on Terry's dream to end cancer through research. Established in 2007, TFRI is a registered charity and invests its funds in cutting-edge Canadian cancer research through highly collaborative, world class research teams and specialized national-scale research networks. Together with its many research and funding partners, TFRI provides research project funding that empowers Canada’s brightest researchers to seek out new transformational and precision medicine discoveries to accelerate our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer with the goal of bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and patient bedside care to save the lives of cancer patients.

About this opportunity

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) is seeking a highly qualified individual with a strong background in one or more of the following backgrounds to join our Board of Directors:

• Clinical professional in oncology, medicine, or a related healthcare discipline.
• Legal professional with experience in non-profit and charitable law.
• Data governance or cybersecurity professional.

In addition to professional ability, the Terry Fox Research Institute is committed to ensuring regional representation on its Board of Directors. Preference will be given to candidates from the Territories, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Atlantic provinces.

This individual will bring objective scientific judgment to TFRI’s strategic direction and governance while helping advance our mission to drive impactful cancer research. The Director should exemplify Terry’s values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Perseverance, Creativity, and Excellence.

About the TFRI Board

The role of the Board is two-fold: decision-making and oversight. The decision-making aspect includes the selection and appointment of the President and Scientific Director and, working with management, the formulation of TFRI’s strategic goals and policies. Oversight focuses on reviewing management decisions and ensuring adequate systems, controls, and the successful implementation of strategic policies. Directors receive no remuneration for their service in accordance with the By-laws of TFRI. TFRI does reimburse out-of- pocket expenses for travel and accommodation. The TFRI Board is composed of professionals from diverse fields, including research, oncology, business, communication, finance, and philanthropy. United by Terry Fox’s legacy, they provide strategic oversight and guidance to advance cutting-edge cancer research and improve outcomes for patients.

Key responsibilities

Strategy

• Work with the President & Scientific Director to set long-term goals for TFRI.
• Provide objective scientific input and broad judgment to ensure strategic initiatives align with TFRI’s mission.
• Work with management to develop, approve and monitor the implementation of TFRI’s strategic plan, ensuring its success in advancing cancer research.

Governance

• Steward TFRI’s financial resources by approving annual operating and capital budgets.
• Authorize expenditures and approve cancer research investments based on recommendations from the President and Scientific Director.
• Monitor financial performance against the approved budget and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Vote on recommendations from the Finance & Audit Committee and approve the annual audited financial statements.

Interest holder accountability and communication

• Ensure stakeholder relationships are maintained based on principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, accountability, and fairness.
• Balance the interests of key stakeholders, including the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF), researchers, patients, hospitals, governments, and donors.
• Contribute to the development of effective communication strategies for TFRI’s stakeholders.

Risk management

• Understand the risks inherent in cancer research supported by TFRI and balance these with potential benefits to patients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: PhD, MD, MBA or equivalent in oncology, medicine, law, or data science.
• Professional Experience: minimum of ten (10) years of experience of the following depending on background:
  • Clinical oncology or cancer research
  • Law in the non-profit and charitable sector
  • Progressive leadership in data governance and cybersecurity
• Leadership and Governance: Previous board or significant leadership experience in their respective discipline is required.
• Strategic Judgment: Proven ability to collaborate in strategic decision-making, taking into consideration the long-range strategic vision of an organization.
• Collaborative Approach: Experience working with diverse stakeholders including but not limited to fellow Directors, researchers, government, funders, and patients.
• Commitment: Availability to attend quarterly board meetings (in-person or virtual) and engage in ongoing board activities.

Join us!

Please email your cover letter and resume to board@tfri.ca with the subject line: Board of Directors Application. 

We recognize the importance of diversity and equity in our workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, minorities, and other underrepresented communities.

Please note this is a volunteer position.