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

About this opportunity 

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) seeks an enthusiastic and dedicated individual for the role of Communications Coordinator to support the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN). Reporting to TFRI’s Senior Communications Specialist, the successful applicant will have the opportunity to grow their skillset and expand their knowledge in website and social media management and content creation at one of Canada’s leading cancer research organizations. Collaborating with communications professionals and MOHCCN stakeholders, the Communications Coordinator will play a key role in spreading awareness of the Network and continuing Terry’s inspiring mission.

The Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN) is a bold initiative spearheaded by TFRI in collaboration with dozens of fundraising and research partners across the country, including the Government of Canada. The goal of the Network is to bring together top researchers working at cancer hospitals and research centres across Canada to accelerate the implementation of precision medicine for cancer.

This full-time, term position (up to March 31, 2026, with a possibility for extension) serves in an important capacity in the efficient and effective operation of several components of the MOHCCN communications portfolio.

This is a bilingual role, and fluency in both English and French is required.

Key Responsibilities

Website and social media channels:

• Create as well as schedule, post and monitor content on the MOHCCN websites and social media channels (X formerly Twitter, LinkedIn) in both languages.
• Create and oversee an editorial calendar, ensuring all written and posted content is relevant and reflects TFRI/MOHCCN style and guidelines; and curating, preparing and posting content, which includes sourcing images and graphics from various sources (e.g., Network partners).
• Ensure that the MOHCCN website is current and dynamic (e.g., regular posting of researcher and patient stories).
• Explore and identify new avenues for growth and reach via other platforms; and provide regular tracking, reporting and analysis on social media performance, using insights to optimize engagement.
• Contribute to the development of social campaigns as required to raise awareness of and interest in the MOHCCN, its initiatives and events and achievements.
• Collaborate with web developers to enhance the user experience and accessibility of MOHCCN’s online presence.

Content creation:

• Produce a variety of content that appeals to and reflects our diverse audiences and stakeholders, ensuring that material aligns with Network messaging, is accurate, engaging and creates support for and interest in the success of the Network.
• Contribute and provide MOHCCN content for TFRI communications activities as required (e.g., Impact Report, newsletters, etc.) and participate in other communications activities (e.g., Foundation queries and meetings, provision of materials).
• Help generate high-quality written, visual and multimedia content for social media channels that showcases the achievements and goals of the MOHCCN.
• Assist in drafting press releases, news stories, newsletters, reports and other communications materials that promote MOHCCN’s progress.
• Assist in the production of feature stories and case studies focused on the work of MOHCCN’s researchers and the experiences of patients benefiting from precision medicine.

Our successful candidate

• University or college degree/certificate in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field.
• 1-2 years’ experience in communications, social media management or content creation (internships and co-op experience will be considered). Background in health, life sciences or biology would be an asset.
• Fluency in both of Canada’s official languages: English and French.
• Proficiency with social media platforms, content management systems (CMS), basic graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite). Experience using video platforms/programs to create and edit video is also desirable.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for storytelling and a commitment to TFRI’s mission and the goals of the MOHCCN.

Benefits of working with us

• Flexible schedule
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Extended medical and dental coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• A work culture that values excellence, creativity, teamwork, learning, fairness and integrity
• A passionate group of high-performing teammates across Canada

Salary Range: $50,000 - $60,000 (CAD) annually.

How to apply: If you are passionate about making a difference in cancer research and have a deep interest to grow your career in communications, we invite you to submit your application. This position is open to candidates residing in Canada. Please email your cover letter and resume by March 21, 2025, to hr@tfri.ca with the subject line: Communications Coordinator, MOHCCN.

Application deadline: March 21, 2025

We appreciate all applications, but only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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.

About this opportunity 

We're seeking a dynamic and collaborative Program Coordinator to join our team and support the execution of the Digital Health and Discovery Platform (DHDP), an initiative led by the Terry Fox Research Institute. Reporting to the Senior Programs Manager, the successful applicant will work closely with the Program Manager to contribute to the overall success of the DHDP through effective planning and delivery of DHDP funding, policy development and administrative tasks.

The DHDP will apply state-of-the-art data governance principles and technology to solve Canada’s health data sharing problem. Its mission is to bring precision medicine and personalized care to Canadians in the areas of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases through the application of big data and artificial intelligence. By transforming how health data is shared and analyzed, the DHDP aims to create new opportunities for collaborative research and stimulate the commercialization of Canadian-made, homegrown research discoveries. The DHDP is funded by a contribution from the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund Stream 4 grant program.

About 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 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.

Responsibilities

• Provide grant management administrative support and coordinate project application reviews to assist in delivering a large funding program.
• Act as a primary point of contact between stakeholders, ensuring clear and consistent communication amongst key interest groups, including Committees, technical partners and DHDP members.
• Coordinate with the Program Manager, DHDP and internal team to prepare summary presentations and reports.
• Coordinate DHDP program meetings and activities. Including committees, special events, regional meetings, conferences, symposiums and travel as required.
• Provide project management support for DHDP, ensuring that deliverables are completed within established timelines to maintain the project’s schedule and overall progress.
• Assist in the onboarding of new DHDP Member partners, including all administrative and communication related tasks.
• Assist in policy and procedural development and communication to relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of progress and financial reports and KPI dashboards.
• Assess and provide recommendations for process improvements or streamlining where appropriate.
• Provide general administrative support where required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Health Informatics or a related field or equivalent experience.
• 1-3 years of experience as a Program Coordinator, Program Assistant or similar position.
• 1 year of project management experience is an asset.
• Excellent skills using Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.) as well as pdf creation and editing.
• Experience with funding programs (e.g., grants/awards), life cycle execution and project management within the digital health or academic research sectors.
• Familiarity with health data sharing, AI, digital health, health informatics or related scientific or technical field is preferred.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to build rapport across all stakeholders, including internal team members, executive committee members and external partners from both private and public sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple project deadlines without sacrificing attention to detail or quality of work.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment while being able to shift between multiple priorities.

Benefits

• Flexible schedule
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick days
• Extended medical and dental coverage
• Employee Assistance Program
• A work culture that values excellence, creativity, teamwork, learning, fairness and integrity
• A passionate group of high-performing teammates across Canada

Join us!

Please email your cover letter and resume by March 7, 2025 to hr@tfri.ca with the subject line: Program Coordinator - DHDP.

The candidate must be authorized to work in Canada.

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.

Salary range: $55,000-$65,000

“Inspired by Terry Fox, we invest in highly collaborative, world-class scientific teams to drive research discoveries that improve and save the lives of cancer patients.”

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.

TFRI is seeking a highly qualified individual with a strong background in oncology to join our Board of Directors. 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.

The ideal candidate will be a clinician or researcher with significant expertise in cancer research or clinical oncology. 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.

The role of the Board is two-fold: decision-making and oversight. The decision-making aspect includes the selection and appointment of the President & 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.

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.
• Working with management to develop, approve and monitor the implementation of TFRI’s strategic plan, ensuring its success in advancing cancer research.

Governance

• Select and appoint the President & Scientific Director of TFRI.
• Nominate directors with relevant experience and qualifications to support TFRI’s strategic goals.
• Appoint and define mandates for Board committees (e.g., Nominations, Finance & Audit Committees).
• Regularly review and assess the Board’s governance structures and processes.

Financial oversight

• 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 & 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.

Stakeholder 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 or equivalent in Oncology, Cancer Research or related fields.
• Professional Experience: Experience in clinical oncology or cancer research.
• Leadership and Governance: Previous board experience or leadership roles in research or clinical settings is an asset.
• Strategic Judgment: Proven ability to provide scientific and clinical judgment in decision-making.
• Collaborative Approach: Experience working with diverse stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, funders and policy makers.
• Commitment: Availability to attend quarterly board meetings (in-person or virtual) and engage in ongoing Board activities.

Join Us!

To express interest in this position, please submit a cover letter and CV to board@tfri.ca outlining your relevant experience and your vision for contributing to the mission of TFRI.