Toronto, Ontario Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada
Director, Blood Cancer Research and Mission Programs
Classification: Full time
Location: National Office, Toronto, Ontario
The Opportunity
How many people can answer the question, "What do you do for a living?" with the answer, "I help find cures for cancer." At The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC), employees take our mission seriously. Whether you work in one of our regional or national offices your role each day contributes to making our mission a reality: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) is an affiliate of the LLS in the United States and is the world’s largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLSC funds lifesaving blood cancer research across Canada and delivers patient education, support and programming tailored to Canadians.
Since 1955, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada (LLSC) has continually grown as more exciting and cutting-edge discoveries are made that directly affect the course of our mission to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. With more than 110,000 Canadians living with or in remission from blood cancers, and approximately 21,000 more patients diagnosed in Canada every year, the stakes are high, giving us the impetus to constantly look for ways to deliver on our mission as effectively as possible.
Our commitment to cutting-edge science has contributed to an unprecedented rise in survival rates for some people with blood cancers. Since the 1960’s, the survival rates for many blood cancer patients have doubled, tripled and even quadrupled. Once unimaginable, new treatments are saving lives today. Over the last 60 years, survival rates for children with leukemia has risen from 3% to over 90%. Despite progress, more than a third of blood cancer patients still do not survive five years after their diagnosis so more funding is needed to advance research and ensure access to treatment to help save lives.
We are grateful for the generosity of our donors, volunteers and partners in helping thousands of patients and their families who are facing the diagnosis of a blood cancer, helping them survive and, hopefully, be cured. With the help of major fundraising campaigns, including Team In Training, the world’s largest endurance sports training program, and Light The Night walk, LLSC reached $14 million in fundraising revenue in 2015.
Over the last year leadership changes have been redefined and changes made to reflect the emphasis on planned growth, innovation and business rigour. A new thrust in marketing and communications has started as LLSC furthers its brand equity and awareness strategies. Also, LLSC has enhanced its business discipline and planning and continues its commitment to fiscal responsibility and accountability.
Headquartered in Toronto, with regional offices in Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal and Halifax, LLSC is committed to assisting Canadians coast-to-coast through their journey with blood cancer. LLSC is a registered Canadian charity, governed by a national Board of Directors. In addition, a Medical and Scientific Advisory Committee advises the Board of Directors on a range of issues regarding medical affairs and the research grant process.
The Position
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Vice President, Engagement, this new position of Director, Blood Cancer Research and Mission Programs will:
Be responsible for the leadership and management of LLSC’s blood research and programs and the building and engagement of relationships with the research community and others.
Research Program
• Oversees the LLSC research program and oversees the research peer review scientific panel, process and research administration
• Extends the message of research funding, progress and success in layman’s terms
• Assists in recruitment of scientific review panel members and their engagement
• Participates in defining the strategic direction of LLSC research program within the Canadian strategic plan framework
• Keeps up to date on advancements in blood cancer research and liaises with blood cancer researchers
• Supervises the Research Administrator and Medical Advisor (pt)
• Serves as staff advisor to the Medical and Scientific committee of the Board of Directors
Patient Education, Services and Advocacy
• Guides the direction and implementation of the patient education, service and advocacy program according to the strategic and operational plan and the measures
• Serves as a resource and/or coach to a team of 5 Patient Education and Service Managers and 5 Regional Directors across the country
• Provides a patient voice for those with blood cancers and is involved in the PCODR process as needed for drug review
• Develops and implements initiatives and policies designed to strengthen the effectiveness and efficiency of patient services programs, increasing patient reach
Knowledge Exchange
• Provides opportunities for LLSC role in knowledge exchange for blood cancers
• Working with Medical Advisor, provides research and education program updates and training to advance staff and volunteer knowledge and patients they serve
• Working with Manager, Corporate Communications, ensures information and resources are up to date and user friendly in timely manner for Canadians
Engagement and Relationship Building
• Internally, liaises with fund development staff, volunteers and donors to enhance program knowledge. Works with Manager of Corporate Communications to communicate research and program information and messages.
• Develops working relationship with LLS ( USA) research staff and Canadian researchers
• Externally, liaises with patient advisory/ advocacy groups, health care professionals, pharmaceutical education partners and related cancer partners, and serves on selected external committees. Develops new partnerships to further LLSC and mutual goals.
Key Competencies
• Degree in medicine/research, health administration or nursing (Advanced preferred)
• Minimum of 7 years related experience in a senior management position within a national health agency
• Knowledge of research funding environment, preferably in cancer related field
• Understanding the patient care settings and treatment needs, ideally in oncology
• Demonstrates communications skills to present information at ease and in a meaningful way
• Brings understanding and preferably experience in drug review process
• Experience in managing a diverse portfolio in a leadership capacity
• Experience working in a multi tiered organization or not for profit and has knowledge of health care systems across Canada
• Interpersonal skills to engage, motivate and leverage stakeholders both internally and externally. Able to connect, build and maintain a range of relationships
• Experience in operational management and leading a team
• Proficiency in fiscal management
• Proven management ability in the areas of budget control, management objectives and strategic, program and staff development.
• Solid knowledge of the oncology community.
*LLSC thanks you for your interest in this position; however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Please send your cover letter and resume to hrcanada@lls.org by November 28, 2015.