Job Board

Job Description

Michael Smith Health Research BC
Michael Smith Health Research BC, funded by the Government of British Columbia, is BC’s health research agency. We strengthen the province’s health research system by supporting the people, institutions and activities that generate and use research-based knowledge to promote, restore and maintain the health of British Columbians. Our ambition is to inspire and connect curious, creative, and passionate minds to drive discovery and innovation in health research. And we’re driven by the belief that health-related decision making should be informed by high quality research produced in an equitable, diverse, and inclusive research system.

We are a team of dedicated professionals who care deeply about each other and our work. We believe in embracing diversity as a strength and core value, creating spaces that are inclusive of all peoples, and are grounded in our ongoing commitment to reconciliation and respect for Indigenous self-determination. We value and support a diverse workforce, reflective of different backgrounds, skillsets, perspectives, and life experiences.

Our benefits package includes a pension plan, generous dental and health insurance, and a wellness allowance; our professional development policy supports learning and growth.

We have a hybrid work model. When you are in the office, our beautiful space offers views of False Creek, an outdoor patio (think summer BBQs!) and a fitness centre, and it’s walking distance to restaurants and other amenities. Our social committee, Team Good Times, organizes events throughout the year.

If you are looking for meaningful work in a supportive environment, and you are inspired by making a difference in BC’s exceptional health research community, read on to learn more.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Assistant Vice President, Research Programs, the Program Manager brings Knowledge Translation (KT) expertise to the organization and focuses on key initiatives and programs that help accelerate implementation of our strategic directions. This includes implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of our organization’s work to advance evidence generation and use. The Program Manager will work closely with both the Assistant VP, Research Programs and the Director, KT to identify and evaluate cross-organization KT-related work aimed at bridging the evidence creation to use gap in British Columbia. The Program Manager acts as both an internal and external champion of work that helps our organization support the research system in the uptake of research evidence towards impact.

Initially this role will support the assessment of our KT programs and inform strategic decisions on prioritization of this work. Additionally, this position will support the organization as it develops new ways of funding, including those focused on priority areas of research with a close link to bridging the gap between evidence creation and use. This will involve understanding how we fund research and collaborating closely with those involved in the design and execution of research competitions.

The Program Manager is well versed in principles of KT and has a thorough understanding of the BC health research ecosystem. The position works closely with internal teams that deliver research funding programs, supporting new program design and development, and champions a vision on bridging the significant gap between evidence creation and use internally. Additionally, the Program Manager will develop and maintain relationships with key individuals and organizations that create and use research evidence towards better health of British Columbians.

The successful candidate will join the organization at an exciting time, building on strong foundations in funding research and in supporting KT in the province, while looking for new ways of supporting evidence creation and use in a changing environment.

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Planning & Advising
• Supports the Assistant VP Research Programs and the Director, KT and other organizational leaders in the evaluation of organizational KT-related work within the current provincial context to identify and develop priorities that support the advancement of Health Research BC’s strategic plan.
• Supports the development of the work plans and budgets to achieve identified outcomes; makes recommendations for recruitment of consultants where required.
• Provides recommendations on process development and program improvement for the KT team’s activities.
• Supports the Assistant VP Research Programs and Research Competitions in the design and implementation of priority-based funding programs that aim to bridge the gap between evidence creation and use.
• Proactively engages with the research competitions team to ensure KT components of funding programs are appropriately included and brings expertise to the design and delivery of new funding programs.
• Proactively engages with the evaluation and learning team to implement measures, including monitoring and evaluating KT activities, in the context of Health Research BC’s organizational evaluation plan.
• Conducts regular environmental scanning related to trends and issues in evidence creation and use and health research in BC, across Canada and internationally.
• Mentors Health Research BC staff to develop an understanding of the barriers and facilitators to evidence creation and use as appropriate to their roles and departments’ needs.
• Supports the Assistant VP Research Programs in their work to bring research on research learnings to the organization.

Capacity Building & Network Engagement
• Liaises with the external relations team to champion KT and raise awareness of its importance and potential through external communications, networking, presentations, and provision of resources.
• Participates in provincial and national relevant networks and working groups as required.
• Interacts with members of provincial and national health systems and research communities towards identifying partnership opportunities that support our organizational vision for bridging the evidence creation to use gap.
• Proactively engages and works collaboratively with national and international organizations with mandates focusing on research on research, including research on research use.

Project & Budget Management
• Monitors and evaluates project outcomes and implements course corrections and revisions as required.
• Manages implementation of work plans; proactively manages changes in project scope, identifies potential crises and devises contingency plans.
• Manages project budget expenditures and contracts. Directs the use of consulting resources and suppliers as required.

Requirements:
• Master’s degree preferred in health research (any discipline), health sciences administration or related field.
• Minimum of five years of experience in program management.
• Three years of experience working in the health system on projects related to evidence-informed decision-making.
• Thorough knowledge of knowledge translation practice and science.
• General knowledge of the BC health research community, including an understanding of the research process as it relates to evidence-informed decision-making.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders at all levels in various organizations.
• Strong critical analysis skills and a natural tendency to recommend solutions.
• Ability to mentor and inspire staff in their work and professional growth.
• Navigates changing priorities within a multi-stakeholder environment with ease.
• Demonstrates a high-level of attention to detail and accuracy with the ability to identify priorities and complete multiple tasks to meet deadlines.
• Superior verbal and written communication skills such that messages are understood including the essence and subtleties of the communication and intended audiences.
• A team player and skilled collaborator who can develop and foster strong relationships with colleagues at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders, including productively resolving conflicts and navigating difficult conversations.
• Experience managing projects and budgets.