Project Manager: Two-Year Contract Position

The Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR), funded by the province of British Columbia, is BC's health research funding agency. MSFHR helps develop, retain and recruit the talented people whose research improves the health of British Columbians, addresses health system priorities, creates jobs and adds to the knowledge economy.

Since its inception in 2001, MSFHR has been a key participant in BC's health research and life sciences ecosystem. The Foundation works as a trusted partner with government, the health research community and the health system to support better health outcomes through research and its translation into new treatments, cures, practices and solutions. Learn more at www.msfhr.org.

Position Summary

MSFHR has a contract position for a Project Manager with a strong background in managing cross-sectoral projects and stakeholders (primarily BC government policy makers, not-for-profit and academia; to a lesser extent service providers and people with lived experience).

The successful candidate will drive a two-year initiative, encompassing three topics with significant impact in the area of children and youth with special needs in BC. Research teams, sole proprietors, non-profit organizations, independent contractors and consulting firms are welcome to apply. The contract will start soon upon hiring.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop three Requests for Proposal (RFPs) to identify contract service provider(s) to deliver an integrated suite of research and knowledge translation/mobilization activities for each of the three topic areas.
• Manage the procurement process and contract negotiations with identified contract service provider(s).
• Liaise with and oversee the successful proponents over the term of their contracts with MSFHR, including monitoring milestones, ensuring compliance and maintaining service quality.
• Manage project wrap up, reporting, budget reconciliation and archiving.
• Liaise regularly with the MSFHR designated project lead.
• Report progress to MSFHR and a BC cross-ministry Children and Youth with Special Needs (CYSN) working group at least monthly for the duration of the contract.

Qualifications

• Project management certification or acceptable experience.
• Experience with budget planning, management and reconciliation.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Work experience in a research, non-profit, government, educational or health care setting is an asset.
• Knowledge and experience of the health sector, health research and/or government/policy-making is an asset.

OR An equivalent combination of education, training and experience may be acceptable.

Skills

• Working independently, as well as in collaboration with others.
• Adept in knowledge of project management principles and methodologies.
• Excel in partner engagement.
• Strong oral communication and writing skills
• Strategic thinker who can identify and monitor potential risks to the project’s success for each of the three topic areas and develop appropriate mitigation strategies.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you and you have a passion for wanting to make a positive difference in the lives of children and youth with special needs in BC, please submit your resume and cover letter to Gayle Scarrow, Director, Knowledge Translation at pm@msfhr.org.

A two stage selection process will take place.  Following review of submitted resumes, short-listed candidates will be required to respond to a Request for Proposals (RFP) documenting their approach to managing the project. Additional details on the RPF will be provided after signing of a Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement. 

Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. We thank everyone for their interest.