Associate Director, Innovation Initiatives

Please note this role will work in a hybrid environment. The successful candidate must be located near a Canadian Blood Services site and will be working a mixture of on-site and off-site work based on the parameters for our operations to meet the needs of our donors, our staff and our communities. Currently, employees are expected to have an in-person presence for at least 40% of their work time. This requirement may vary depending upon circumstances.

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​Job category: Innovation, research and science
Job posting ID: 6015

​Employment status: Regular full-time
Classification: PTS/MGT/IT B
Salary/Rate of pay: $127,250 to $143,538

Application deadline:

Application requirements:

• Your up-to-date resume.
• Job specific cover letter.
• We recommend you save a copy of the job posting for reference throughout the recruitment process.

Do you currently work for Canadian Blood Services? All employees must apply via the internal career page.

Together, we can make all the difference in the lives of others.

Be part of a dynamic, collaborative and caring organization committed to saving and improving lives. Thousands of patients depend on us every day for reliable access to safe blood, plasma, stem cells and organs and tissues.

If you are looking for a rewarding experience with a values and mission-driven team, join Canada's Lifeline and make a meaningful difference.

We acknowledge that the work of Canadian Blood Services spans many Territories and Treaty areas across the country, and we are grateful for the Traditional Knowledge Keepers and Elders who have guided us in this important work. We recognize the land and waters that have inspired our work and offer gratitude to those Indigenous peoples on whose territory we work, live and play.

About the role
Canadian Blood Services is looking for a regular full-time Associate Director, Innovation Initiatives to join our dynamic Innovation and Portfolio Management team in our Medical Affairs and Innovation division.

The Innovation and Portfolio Management team is responsible for supporting Canadian Blood Services through surveillance, research, development, knowledge mobilization and fresh blood portfolio management.

In this role, you will provide overall direction and lead the development and implementation of multi-faceted, long-term projects or programs which impact I&PM operations and processes. You will work with all project team members and all corporate and external stakeholders to achieve the project objectives. You will work closely with the organization's leadership to design, implement, and manage innovative projects and strategies that enhance the effectiveness and impact of the organization. You will be expected to demonstrate strategic management, and innovative thinking in driving forward the organization's objectives.

Formula for success

• Leveraging your ability to interpret business needs and develop integrated creative solutions, you will assist in developing and refining I&PM exploration activities and goals to support the organization's strategy.
• Utilizing your demonstrated knowledge of project management principles, practices, techniques and tools, you will lead the development of project proposals and business cases per enterprise project management guidelines. The business case will identify the vision, benefits, proposed solution, project/program approach, risks, staffing, costs, timelines and payback for the proposed project.
• Using your ability to build relationships with key subject matter experts and influencers across various departments, you will work with all stakeholders, divisions, vendors and external experts, as required, to determine the optimal solution, assess all business impacts and influence the direction of the project.
• Drawing on your ability to prioritize and meet tight deadlines, you will lead, direct and coordinate the projects in the design and in the development of the implementation plan, budget and project timelines.
• Focusing on your risk management and risk mitigation experience, you will ensure project risks are assessed and monitored throughout the life of the project. Ensure mitigation strategies are developed against these risks, and implement these strategies as required.
• Given the scope and visibility of projects, you will develop and deliver a comprehensive communications program involving numerous internal and external stakeholders, in collaboration with the communication team.
• Harnessing your excellent interpersonal and organizational skills, you will communicate and coordinate with other departments, and projects in all phases of the project life cycle.
• Concentrating on your excellent time management and attention to detail, you will monitor the overall project plan and budget to ensure the project is proceeding according to timelines, meeting targets and expectations, and adhering to established parameters.
• Leveraging your excellent communication skills, you will report project status to the manager and for corporate needs on a regular basis, and carry forward all proposed changes in scope, schedule, budget and risk for review and approval.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Desired education and skills

• Completion of post-secondary level education, preferably a university degree in a related field for example business administration, health administration, or project management certification.
• A minimum of 10 years of related experience, including at least 6 years of leadership experience with large, multi-faceted initiatives.
• General management and business experience for organizations with national and international reach will be considered an asset.
• Previous risk management and risk mitigation experience will be considered an asset.

What we offer you

• 4 weeks' vacation
• Annual performance award up to 10%
• Comprehensive group health, dental and vision benefits for you and your family
• Defined benefit pension plan
• Employee discounts, wellness program, professional resources

What you can expect

• This role will work in a hybrid environment with requirements to be onsite at Canadian Blood Services location 40% of the time/ 2 days of the week.
• Depending on where you are located, you may be required to travel to Ottawa or Toronto once every 2 months for meetings, and as required.

Diversity and inclusion play a vital role in ensuring health equity for patients across Canada. We are committed to reflecting Canada's population in our organization and fostering an environment where all employees can be their authentic selves, with equal opportunities to succeed and contribute.

Canadian Blood Services requires that all employees be fully vaccinated (COVID 19 vaccine doses as approved by Health Canada), subject to any medical or other human rights considerations. Persons who have been vaccinated outside of Canada must contact their local Public Health Unit in order to obtain a vaccine equivalency certificate.

If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply by providing your up-to-date resume. This could be your first step towards a meaningful and inspiring career. Come to work each day knowing that you save lives.

We thank all applicants for their interest. However, only those considered for an interview or those invited to participate in an assessment will be contacted. Applicants who require accommodation should discuss their needs with us.