Job Description

JOB POSTING # 908459

Position: Project Coordinator & Communication Specialist, Institute of Cancer Research, CIHR

Reports to: Scientific Director & Assistant Director, Institute of Cancer Research, CIHR

Hours: 35 hours per week

Status: 1.0 FTE Permanent Full-time

University Health Network (UHN) is looking for an experienced professional to fill the key role of Project Coordinator & Communication Specialist in the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research.

Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning.

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre and the Michener Institute of Education at UHN. The breadth of research, the complexity of the cases treated, and the magnitude of its educational enterprise has made UHN a national and international resource for patient care, research and education. With a long tradition of groundbreaking firsts and a purpose of "Transforming lives and communities through excellence in care, discovery and learning", the University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

University Health Network (UHN) is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto and a member of the Toronto Academic Health Science Network. The scope of research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. Research across UHN's five research institutes spans the full spectrum of diseases and disciplines, including cancer, cardiovascular sciences, transplantation, neural and sensory sciences, musculoskeletal health, rehabilitation sciences, and community and population health.

Position Overview:

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), headquartered at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is one of the thirteen institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). ICR enhances ongoing cancer research by creating new cancer research programs, and by coordinating Canada-wide cancer research efforts supported by different national and provincial agencies.

As part of the ICR Team, the Project Coordinator & Communication Specialist will be responsible for coordinating and supporting project planning, meetings, workshops, and events, as well as communication activities for ICR, under the general direction of the ICR Assistant Director and Scientific Director. The individual will be a self-starter and critical thinker who can translate complex ideas about research into engaging, accessible content for tailored audiences, and distribute through a wide range of communications channels with a high attention to detail, accuracy, and quality. The position requires highly developed problem-solving skills, discretion, discernment, and confidentiality.

Summary of Key Responsibilities (Job functions include but are not limited to):

• Provide administrative support and coordination to ICR staff, including managing staff calendars, scheduling meetings, preparing meeting documents, coordinating travel arrangements, general reception, and clerical duties.
• Develop and implement communications strategies for ICR initiatives, programs, and announcements to engage ICR researchers, patient partners, and other internal and external stakeholders on various ICR activities.
• Manage Institute website, social media, communications, and engagement strategy and activities. Prepare ICR communications materials, including reports, slide presentations, newsletters, and other promotional materials.
• Liaise with CIHR Communications staff to promote profile of ICR initiatives and researchers across various CIHR communication products and social media.
• Collaborate and manage relationships with relevant external contract service providers, including web and graphic designers, translator, printing services, web host provider and others.
• Provide support to ICR staff in the planning and coordination of event logistics (e.g., local and large pan-Canadian workshops, meetings, conferences).
• Provide support to maintain ICR's electronic information support systems.
• Contribute/participate in the implementation of special projects that support the strategic directions of the Institute in collaboration with ICR and CIHR staff.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Completion of a Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, knowledge mobilization, or related field with 2-4 years relevant experience (or equivalent combination of training and experience). A background in science communication would be a strong asset.
• Proven track record of communications and community engagement is required. Strong knowledge of communications, digital media, information gathering, knowledge translation, editing and proofreading, stakeholder relations, and media relations.
• Knowledge of or previous work experience in Canada's healthcare or health research sector to create and edit accessible materials for various healthcare and research professionals, as well as lay audiences (e.g., reports, brochures, digital content, infographics).
• Ability to implement, evolve, and evaluate communication plans and campaigns to ensure alignment with organizational mission and areas of strategic focus.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills to draft clear, concise correspondence, as well as to respond to enquiries with tact, confidentiality, and discretion.
• Bilingualism (French/English) would be considered a great asset.
• Must be highly organized and detail-oriented and possess excellent interpersonal skills for liaising with Institute stakeholders, senior leadership, and representatives from partner organizations.
• Must be able to work both independently and within a team environment and balance competing priorities to meet deadlines.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, Forms) and advanced proficiency in social media platforms (e.g., Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube), as well as demonstrated experience managing websites and web content.
• Graphic design skills and experience working with Adobe Creative Cloud would be a strong asset.
• Strong ability for self-direction, organization, project and time management.
• Exceptional attention to detail, nuance, sensitivity, and assurance of accuracy in communicating health and research information.
• Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and its stakeholders is an asset.
• May occasionally require travel and flexibility in hours of work to attend and support meetings/events.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption on a medical ground pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code

If you are interested in making your contribution at UHN, please apply on-line. You will be asked to copy and paste as well as attach your resume and covering letter. You will also be required to complete some initial screening questions.

Posted Date: October 19, 2022 Closing Date: November 19, 2022

For current UHN employees, only those who have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, and possess all the required experience and qualifications should apply.

University Health Network thanks all applicants, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

UHN is a respectful, caring, and inclusive workplace. We are committed to championing accessibility, diversity and equal opportunity and welcomes all applicants including but not limited to: all religions and ethnicities, LGBTQ2s+, BIPOC, persons with disabilities and all others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process providing the applicant has met the Bona-fide requirements for the open position. Applicants need to make their requirements known when contacted