Research Impact and Outreach, Manager at Canadian Cancer Society

Job Title: Research Impact and Outreach, Manager

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

Work Model: Hybrid Work Model

Salary Band: 6 ($64,000 - $96,000 CAD)

This is a full-time, contract (1 year) position.

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF CANCER CARE IN CA NADA

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We raise funds to fuel the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by all type of cancer, across Canada. Together with patients, supporters, donors and volunteers, we work to create a healthier future for everyone. Because to take on cancer, it takes all of us. It takes a society.

MAKING AN IMPACT

The Research Impact and Outreach Manager plays a pivotal role in advancing the CCS Research Strategy by leading research outreach initiatives supporting knowledge to action (i.e. research to impact) and general audience engagement through the identification, development and implementation of research impact and outreach opportunities within the cancer research community. Notably, the Manager leads the national RIOT program (Research Information Outreach Team), a growing volunteer-based program aiming to bridge the gap between cancer research and the public.

Reporting to the Director, Research Program, Impact, and Outreach, this critical role will build a strong research community through strategic research outreach initiatives. It will act to build and strengthen CCS’s ability to meaningfully share about cancer research in an accurate and ‘non-complex’ way, and to share about the impact of cancer research.

The Research Impact and Outreach Manager is responsible for the supervision, performance management and professional development of the group of active volunteers they oversee (>100 and growing).

What You’ll Be Doing

Lead the Research Information Outreach Teams (RIOT) program:

• Coordination of researchers volunteering through RIOT:
• Manage and oversee the national RIOT program and act as the main point of contact with CCS for over 100 volunteers.
• Ensure each volunteer chapter lead has the tools and knowledge required to manage their own team of volunteers.
• Responsible for all interactions with the volunteers. This includes monitoring progress and fostering relationships, including through quarterly chapter leads check-in meetings, regular check-ins with individual chapter leads, development of training modules, and new member initiatives.
• Manage, in close collaboration with the volunteer engagement team: the onboarding, the understanding of CCS policies and offboarding of all volunteers. Ensure Chapter leads properly communicate and implement volunteer processes (as above) within their own teams.
• Act as the first point of contact for conflict resolution and questions.
• Manage administrative responsibilities associated with the program, including processing expense claims with the Research Grants Administrator, tracking of annual spending
• Develop and maintain an integration plan, Terms of Reference and policies for RIOT with respect to CCS with guidance from the Director, Research Program, Impact, and Outreach and other key members of the Research Team.
• Develop a streamlined process to manage internal and external RIOT-related requests in order to meet growing needs and collaboration across the organization.
• Coordinate the amalgamation of budgetary request from outreach initiatives implementation and support the Director, Research Program, Impact, and Outreach in budget planning, reconciliation and resource allotment.
• Plan and deliver an annual meeting/leadership retreat with various chapter leads to evaluate successes and challenges encountered, and align mutual objectives within RIOT teams and/or research budgetary capacity.
• Plan and deliver an annual townhall meeting summarizing annual RIOT plan for all RIOT volunteers.
• Oversee RIOT program content:
• Ensure consistency and scientific accuracy of material delivery across RIOT for outreach initiatives in line with organizational standards and needs, as well as in alignment with current research practices.
• Establish a group of senior scientists and collaboratively develop Terms of Reference with the goal of supporting RIOT initiatives, mentoring volunteers and vetting scientific content.
• Cultivate and identify new opportunities for RIOT's potential as an educational and fundraising tool through innovative initiatives such as symposia, school/community/library talks, lab tours, and involvement in CCS fundraising events such as Relay for Life – through coordination with various departments (Advocacy, fundraising, donor relationships) to identify and leverage opportunities for RIOT engagement across the organization.
• Cultivate positive working relationships with RIOT team members and support a sustainability and growth plan for national spread and scale. This includes the identification of training needs to successfully achieve their mission and their implementation, in collaboration with CCS staff across the organization.
• Manage the coordination and submission of grant applications in support of strategically identified RIOT initiatives.
• Manage interns, research volunteers, students interested in working directly with CCS to develop research outreach resources for the RIOT program.
• Internal and External relationships:
• Cultivate relationships and lead consultations, workshops, and working groups with various team (e.g.: fundraising, advocacy, cancer information) across the organization to ensure synergy and mutual benefit. Collaboratively continue RIOT program integration ensuring program’s success.
• Establish a RIOT Advisory Committee to guide the program through its continued growth, activity planning. This includes RIOT members, CCS representation from across the organization, targeted communities including people with lived and living experience of cancer and established researchers.
• Develop and implement a Roadmap and Terms of Reference for the RIOT Advisory Committee.
  
  

Develop and implement research outreach initiatives to elevate CCS impact in research:

• Manage requests for CCS funded researcher support in outreach initiatives aimed at communicating research impact and act as the main point of contact with CCS. This includes the coordination of lab tours requested by other teams across CCS (fundraising, corporate partnership, leadership giving, ect.), supporting speaker and resource requests on behalf of CCS-funded researchers and labs.
• Collaboratively create materials and programming processes for lab tours within the CCS research community in alignment with research outreach, impact communication and donor stewardship.
• Build on the previous success of the in-person Research Showcase and develop the 'Virtual Research Showcase’. This includes coordinating a working group and running a pilot program for a general/wide audience, in collaboration with other team members.
• Catalogue academic and other related conferences and events relevant to CCS research initiatives and facilitate awareness and discussion amongst the research team as to appropriate representation (who should attend, in what capacity, etc.)
• Manage the coordination and submission of grant applications in support of strategically identified programs and initiatives
• Support, coordinate, and track conference attendance and research presence within researcher and academic spaces to further CCS networks and opportunities as well as identify areas for improvement for increasing the research team’s visibility/reach.
• Develop and disseminate CCS research materials focused on impact and outreach in support of CCS research programming, including academic conferences, knowledge translation events, and outreach initiatives
  
  

Develop, Implement and Monitor the Evaluation of research outreach activities:

• Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure effectiveness of the RIOT program and research outreach initiatives.
• Lead the evaluation of the RIOT program. Identify successes and areas of improvement through key performance metrics and evaluation framework. Collect and unify impact report from RIOT program and all outreach initiatives aimed at sharing CCS research impact with its community. Evaluate the programs, oversee yearly improvements, and complete yearly planning of initiatives.
• Measure and assess the impact of outreach engagement efforts and research impact initiatives to inform future initiatives and opportunities.
• Keep updated on the latest research and practices in the fields of engagement and research impact and identify new innovations to support continual improvement of the outreach initiatives.
  
  

Others

• 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

• Master’s degree (or higher) in scientific communication, outreach, or a health-related field preferred, along with 5–10 years of experience in a relevant or similar position
• Health-related education and expertise required (oncology preferred)
• Experience in science communication with general audience using different delivery methods required
• Research experience is strongly preferred
• Experience working in non-profit health organization(s) serving different stakeholders preferred
• Experience organizing and delivering multi-faceted events
• Strong relationship building skills with experience managing expectations of internal and external stakeholders and/or stewardship/engagement experience
• Exceptional written communication skills – with an ability to synthesize multiple sources of information and create compelling and accurate content
• Exceptional verbal communication skills – with an ability to communicate complex information accurately in an engaging and understandable way
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship building skills, able to connect and work with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively in both virtual and in-person settings
• Strong organizational and event management skills
• Ability to manage multiple, shifting priorities under tight deadlines while performing in a fast-pace, collaborative environment
• Bilingualism (French/English) is highly preferred, with French being an asset due to the organization’s nationwide operations and the need for effective communication across various regions.
• 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 RIGOROUS

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 December 12, 2025.

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 [email protected] . For more information about our privacy practices, visit cancer.ca/privacy.

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