Who we are 

At Heart & Stroke our mission is to promote health, save lives and enhance recovery. We are committed to a culture that exemplifies our core values: champion health, practice humility, embrace change, drive impact, learn and grow and be heartfelt as we work together to beat heart disease and stroke. 

We believe in equity, diversity and inclusion ― it’s embedded in our values and core mission work to support all people in Canada to lead healthier lives. We are committed to applying this principle to cultivate a welcoming environment that embraces diversity among our employees. Candidates from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to, Indigenous peoples, racialized communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, women, and people living disabilities are encouraged to apply. 

To learn more about our mission, values, commitment to EDI, and the difference Heart & Stroke makes in the lives of people in Canada at every age, please visit our website (http://www.heartandstroke.ca/) . 

The opportunity 

Backed by dedicated donors and volunteers, Heart & Stroke’s commitment to research has been unwavering for 70 years. Our researchers have led these life-saving advances for heart conditions, stroke and related dementia. Reporting to the VP, research and science, the director is a subject matter expert, leader, thinker who works with an experienced research funding team and with dedicated colleagues across the organization. The director, science impact provides key leadership and strategic direction on the translation of knowledge to action, in support of organizational priorities, identifying key research and science impacts of Heart & Stroke funded research, and ensuring new concepts and discoveries in clinical research are at the forefront of organizational thinking. The director works closely with colleagues, providing leadership to the development, implementation, interpretation, and analysis of research and science impact within the mission pillars. Find out more about our research program here:  https://www.heartandstroke.ca/what-we-do/research  

 The director: 

• ensures that research and science impacts are captured, reported, and interpreted to inform research program improvements; 

• supports effective communications on key research and science outcomes; 

• effectively engages media on science advancements and enable greater impact and stronger marketing and fundraising assets and messaging; 

• develops organizational strategies designed to enhance the knowledge translation and mobilization of relevant scientific evidence to effectively drive meaningful impact of Heart & Stroke research programs; 

• works closely with the marketing, communications, fundraising and development teams to ensure that their efforts meaningfully and accurately reflect research and science impacts of Heart & Stroke; 

• supports the translation of science concepts and discovery related impacts into easy-to-understand narratives for the public, donors and corporate partners; and, 

• serves as the lead for science impact and works closely with the VP, research and science, establishing practices, processes and supporting infrastructure for effective, integrated and coordinated action to ensure the organization is at the leading edge of evolving evidence and best practice in health care. 

How you will make an impact every day 

• Provide leadership, planning, implementation and coordination to the mission team as it relates to research and science impacts broadly and of Heart & Stroke research programs 

• Develop strategic, innovative and impactful knowledge translation/knowledge mobilization materials and activities to translate Heart & Stroke funded research into action, to support the advancement of mission priorities, and support fund development to increase designated funding 

• Oversee the creation and implementation of our H&S science impact agenda, including the development of strategies, plans and key partnerships 

• Collaborate with internal partners to raise funds and support the dissemination of science impact both internal and externally 

• Support development of effective internal and external partnerships that amplify our impact    

Who we need 

Experience 

• Minimum 10 years’ experience working within a health-related enterprise, with five years’ experience in a senior management role.  

• Experience in clinical settings, with a preference for health system administration 

• Experience in analyzing and interpreting clinical data  

• Proven ability to develop and advance health policy and health system improvements. 

• Experience in bringing together a range of constituents in pursuit of shared objectives, aligned to organizational values and policy position, including people with lived experience. 

• Experience in planning knowledge translation and mobilization frameworks to support evidence-informed health policy and practice. 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a cross-functional role in an organization that crosses departments and seeks overall alignment.  

• Extensive knowledge of frameworks and tools required to promote and measure health equity, including anti-oppressive and anti-racist strategies, 

• Demonstrated understanding of Indigenous history, colonization, racism, and Calls to Action 

• Experience engaging external partners with a focus on building health equity within the cardiovascular and stroke health system in Canada. 

Education 

• A graduate degree or equivalent with a clinical or health science focus  

• Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular subject matter expertise is a strong asset. 

• Knowledge related to knowledge translation and mobilization frameworks, required. 

• Knowledge related to the Canadian health research system and health care delivery, required  

Skills  

• Excellent leadership skills and ability to influence others by articulating sound, rational arguments. 

• Ability to establish, lead and maintain positive working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, influencing teams within and outside your department.  

• Ability to develop trusting relationships and partnerships with diverse groups and co-create win-win solutions that advance the Foundation’s mission. 

• Excellent strategic thinking, negotiating and change management skills 

• Proficient in hospital, patient, population and systems data analysis and interpretation, to support the generation of evidence and building a case for change. 

• Excellent presentation, verbal and written communication skills to prepare wide range of outputs and help stakeholders understand data/evidence. Effective communicator both verbally and in written formats; capable of communicating technical content to audiences at varying levels of knowledge 

• Desire and ability to acquire technical knowledge of the scientific and research issues associated with heart disease and stroke 

• Ability to work inter-departmentally and to communicate effectively with senior volunteers and staff providing guidance and support.   

• Strong computer skills and ability to use technological tools to organize and advance the work of the team (i.e., MS Office Suite, SharePoint, CRM and other workflow tools, digital engagement platforms). 

• Comfortable working with media. Media experience preferred. 

• An ability to work in both official languages is preferred. 

What we offer 

At Heart & Stroke, we make it a priority to foster a culture of caring by implementing practices and programs that foster respect, compassion, trust and attentiveness to our own and others’ health and well-being. 

In addition to a competitive salary, we believe that time off is integral to the personal health and wellness of our employees. We offer a generous paid time-off package including vacation days, personal days, wellness days, and paid company-wide closure between December 25 and January 1. We also provide competitive health, medical, dental and vision benefits, life insurance, disability benefits, an employee assistance program (EAP) and a defined contribution pension plan with employer matching. Our employees also enjoy a flexible hybrid working model and reimbursement for mobile phones and home office setup, as well as opportunities for professional development.  

Apply now 

If you want to join the fight to beat heart disease and stroke, please apply by sending your resume, including a cover letter, by September 17, 2024. Applicants must be currently residing in Canada and legally entitled to work in Canada. 

Only those candidates that qualify will be selected for an interview. At this time, all interviews are being conducted via phone and/or video call ― we look forward to “virtually” meeting you!  

Accommodation 

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free and accessible environment. If you have been contacted for an interview and require accommodation to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please let us know and we will do our best to address your needs.  

Powered by JazzHR