Lead- Institute Programs

This competition is open to all applicants however internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta in the past 18 months will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please indicate your internal status using the "Advertisement" drop down menu when applying.

This position is a part of the Non-Academic Staff Association (NASA). 

This position has an expected end date of December 31, 2023, with the possibility of extension, and offer a comprehensive benefits package which can be viewed at:Faculty & Staff Benefits .

The Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) is one of the thirteen virtual institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). The Institute is based at the University of Alberta, which is situated on Treaty 6 Territory in Western Canada, the traditional meeting ground and home for many First Nation Peoples (Cree, Saulteaux, Niisitapi [Blackfoot], and Nakota Sioux) and Métis Peoples.

ICRH has a broad mandate and supports strategic research activities that engages research teams from multiple institutions and organizations across Canada to conduct research into causes, mechanisms, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with the heart, lung, brain (stroke), blood, blood vessels, critical care and sleep. ICRH has a focus on strengthening Indigenous health research within our mandate and strives for respectful partnerships with Indigenous Peoples. The Institute is also committed to the values and principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) across all aspects of its business.

Position summary

Reporting to the Associate Scientific Director, the Lead – Institute Programs is a key member of the Institute team. The position will work collaboratively with representatives of the Federal Health Ministry, the Ottawa-based Staff at CIHR, and as part of the Institute team located at the University of Alberta in Edmonton to assist the Executive Team (Scientific Director and Associate Scientific Director) in the effective delivery of the Institute’s mandate. The Lead – Institute Programs is a key contributor to the development, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of Institute programs. Travel outside the Edmonton area may be required.

Duties

Program Coordination:

• Contributes to the development, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of Institute programs;
• Assists with the organization and follow-through on aspects of specific national and international events, meetings, workshops and initiatives, such as, agenda setting, consultations, promotion and logistics, including the ongoing collaborative relationship with Institute program planning Committees;
• Coordinates expert panels to support Institute programs;
• Creates and prepares regular program progress reports;
• Provides input and support for complex issue resolution, and recommends innovative solutions based on a broad knowledge base as it relates to Institute programs;
• Serves as the primary contact with third parties for program related activities;
• Provides communications on behalf of ICRH;
• Creates multimedia presentations;
• Completes special projects as required.

Relationship and Program Management:

• Participates in nurturing, building and maintaining external collaborative relationships, with relevant provincial, national, and international organizations, including other funding organizations, government, non-government and voluntary organizations, to ensure the success of Institute programs;
• Conducts external evaluations of program by gathering relevant information from public and other organizations;
• Works with the Ottawa-based Integrated Institute Team (IIT) to maintain a strong, dynamic, effective and efficient working relationship between the Institute and the CIHR national office that is responsible for the ultimate delivery of much of the institute's program;
• Represents the Institute to various stakeholder groups across Canada;
• Fosters the use of best practices, policies, and procedures to maintain the focus of the strategic direction of ICRH and CIHR.

Knowledge Mobilization:

• Develops and supports knowledge mobilization activities for effective communication of program outcomes to stakeholders;
• Utilizes multiple, audience-specific methods of communication and information sharing to stakeholders;
• Leads communication for program deliverables, presentations of highly-technical subject matter in plain language;
• Contributes to various internal and external communication materials such as newsletter content and sections of operational plans.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Masters) in an Institute mandate related health field such as cardiovascular, respiratory, stroke, sleep, blood, blood vessels and/or critical care sciences.
• A minimum of 3-5 years experience within a clinical or health research related setting;
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills (most communications are in English; however, French language skills are desirable); Bilingual - English/French is an asset
• Project management experience;
• Experience working with Indigenous Peoples in a culturally safe manner is considered an asset;
• Be legally permitted to work in Canada;
• This position requires access to secure databases in the CIHR network, the successful candidate must be able to be cleared for a Reliability Status security screening (see https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/esc-src/personnel/information-eng.html ).

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• A sound understanding of Government and CIHR structures and operations;
• Demonstrated ability to foster relationships and partnerships with internal and external stakeholders (e.g., researchers, private sector, government and funding agencies);
• Cultural sensitivity, tact, diplomacy, good judgment and critical thinking skills
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, presentation and problem-solving skills;
• Ability to work a flexible schedule in a fast paced, unpredictable and continually changing environment
• Ability to travel (2-3 times per year) and periodically work weekend and evening hours.

Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.