Director, Program Development and Research Operations Knowledge Translation

The Knowledge Translation (KT) Program includes a Knowledge Synthesis team, an Implementation team and a Central Operations Team. The KT Program is focused on optimizing quality of care for patients, caregivers and the public, as well as strengthening the health care system. The Knowledge Synthesis team advances the science of knowledge synthesis and conducts them for various stakeholders. The Implementation teams advances the science and practice of dissemination and implementation. The Central Operations Team supports the overall function of the KT Program, which includes supporting both the research and education initiatives conducted by the KT Program. The KT Program includes more than 70 full-time and 30 part-time staff.

The Knowledge Translation Program is currently looking for a Director, Program Development & Research Operations.  The Director will oversee all of the central coordination and operation of the KT Program. This position encompasses the overall responsibility for the development and implementation of processes used to support the conduct of research and relevant capacity building, the development and implementation of new research and capacity building within the Program, and the financial management and day to day guidance and management and coordination of the KT Program, including contracts and human resources.

The Director, Program Development & Research Operations, will successfully navigate the healthcare and research landscape and work to influence the growth of the KTP, ensuring efficient operations and facilitating its external presence as a leader.  They will manage challenges and issues during a time of change and accelerate the transition process to maximize efficiencies. The Director will provide leadership, direction, and strategic decision making to deliver operational excellence in the development and implementation of alliances and institutional partnerships, fundraising, research grants and awards management, as well as key strategic projects. Developing annual operating plans, they will ensure cross-functional alignment across UHT to achieve program targets and goals, while striving to ensure processes and practices at UHT are leading edge and effectively maximizing efficiencies.      

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Leads, champions and directs the development of business strategies and KTP operations
• Supervises operations personnel (e.g. IT, financial, capacity building, administrative) to ensure optimal efficiencies of program operations and forecast personnel needs
• Maintains responsibility for developing and executing HR strategies for attracting, hiring, managing, developing and motivating union and non-staff; this includes responsibility for payroll entry and audit;
• Plans, develops and maintains overall KTP budgets with the Senior Research Financial Analyst
• Leads, champions and directs the development of strategic partnerships and relationships for the KTP;
• Works in an independent manner to perform activities in area of responsibility - assess and resolves major issues and challenges;
• Designs and adjusts program plans, including scheduling of deliverables, allocation of funds and expenditures and implementation of procedures;
• Interprets policies in complex situations to determine appropriate response;
• Builds working relationships with key players to advance the KTP’s strategic plan, mission and vision;
• Maintains responsibility for making multiple high level decisions throughout the day and is responsible for assessing and making recommendations on multiple and varied situations related to the operationalization of projects and partnerships;
• Determines and directs all work effort required to execute the strategic direction on the KTP into practical and workable solutions;
• Manages and provides direction for assigned staff, analyzing staffing needs to identify the need for and recruits new staff, as required

Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Completion of a MBA or Masters in Commerce;
• Minimum (5) years’ experience in a progressive Healthcare Management role and managing large budget portfolios;
• Minimum 7 – 10 years of relevant experience working with complex and dynamic teams and managing complex, large-scale projects;
• Experience and knowledge of healthcare research including knowledge synthesis and knowledge translation are assets
• Successful track record in supporting acquisition of grant funding and strong grant management experience;
• Experience building relationships and partnerships;
• Strong and innovative health care leader with a track record in executing on a range of initiative and inspiring operational change;
• Exceptional relationship developer, capable of inspiring teams and working with organization partners to facilitate change while fostering a culture of creativity and innovation;
• Strong financial and project management experience, including demonstrated ability to efficiently plan, organize and manage multiple complex projects simultaneously and flexibility to adapt to changing workload
• Outstanding integrity, initiative, creativity and passion;
• Exceptional organizational skills and the flexibility to handle multiple tasks and deadline pressures;
• Agent of change with the ability to envision new concepts, methods and plans, with the ability to energize, coach, encourage and support;
• Proficiency in dealing with technology, strategies and tactics;
• Strong record demonstrating a high degree of judgment, integrity and diplomacy while protecting the confidentiality of information;
• Ability to effectively collaborate with and carry out the vision and direction of KTP Director and PIs
• Proven ability to collaborate across functional lines of responsibility, lead large internal/external project teams and build consensus where results have implications for change management;
• Ability to work in an independent and self-directed manner while taking accountability for own actions;
• Knowledge of healthcare system and funding mechanisms;
• Proven financial and analytical skills, including budget development, grant and contract management;
• Experience with HR management (talent acquisition, performance management etc.)
• Relevant training and experience in diversity, inclusion and anti-racism
• Excellent written and verbal communication
• Excellent professionalism and self-motivation
• Ability to work within hybrid office model as per COVID-19 requirements

As a condition of employment, all external hires will be required to submit proof of COVID-19 vaccination or documentation unless a valid accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code exists. Please note, if you are extended an offer of employment, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination in Ontario QR Code format. All internal candidates must be in compliance with Unity Health Toronto’s COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.