Program Manager

**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 diverse 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.

**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