The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is a dynamic non-profit
organization leading the way in finding a cure for multiple sclerosis
and enabling people affected by MS to enhance their quality of
life. The MS Society has a vibrant and engaged membership and
it is the only national voluntary organization in Canada that
supports both MS research and services for individuals and their
families living with MS.
We work in the spirit of collaboration and value integrity,
diversity, teamwork, respect for each other, stewardship and
accountability, and rewards for strong performance. Our culture
reflects that we are mission-driven and that our work makes a
difference; our workplace reflects a sense of community that
supports this success, nurtures peoples’ strengths, fosters
personal, professional and organizational growth and drives innovation.
The Role
Reporting to the Senior Vice-President, Research & Programs
and as part of a vibrant community of MS-related clinicians,
scientists, researchers and MS Society staff, the Assistant Vice-President
will provide leadership to the research grants programs and work
with external partners in the mutual effort to end MS.
Key areas of responsibility:
Scientific Leadership
Works closely with the research community and provides
knowledge and expertise in the ongoing enhancement of research
grants funding programs that reflect the mission and strategic
plan.
Supports the scientific and academic rigour of the
programs and the well established credibility of the organization
within
the scientific and clinical community.
Fosters partnerships within the MS clinical, scientific,
and academic communities and with government and other granting
agencies to identify and support opportunities for collaboration
and to further the research program goals.
Provides content expertise to support the broader
efforts of the organization as a whole, including fundraising
(major
gifts, campaign, etc.), communications, government relations,
and policy expertise as needed.
Grants Administration
Oversees an effective grants administration process
incorporating accountability mechanisms and providing oversight
to the smooth functioning of the grants review process.
Attends the grant review committee meetings (Biomedical,
and, Clinical and Population Health) to support the grants
review process. Liaises with committee members, the National
Scientific
and Clinical Advisor and subject-matter experts to provide
and exchange information.
With the Manager, Research Operations, communicates
as needed with grant applicants at all stages of the process
including application, grants review and adjudication and
outcomes of the grants review.
Supports the fiscal integrity of the program, acting
as a representative of the MS Society to ensure that grant
funds are utilized according to granting policies and approved
grants
and awards budgets.
Research Program Development
Fosters the consistent evaluation and ongoing improvement
of the highest calibre MS research grants funding program
in the country.
Engages MS clinical and scientific leaders to reinforce
and deliver upon a clear mandate for the program.
Develops research funding operations that support
research excellence and achieve excellent return on investment
including
balanced opportunities for innovative and targeted research.
Provides leadership in building the capacity of the
MS Society of Canada and MS Scientific Research Foundation
to determine and capture knowledge translation and evaluation
metrics
to ensure effective measures are applied in assessing research
outcomes.
Policy Development
Ensures that effective policies are in place to support
the research grants program. This includes policies addressing
the sharing of data and collaboration, intellectual property
and patent rights, research ethics, and a host of related
issues impacting the integrity of the program and its credibility
in
the scientific community and more broadly.
Establishes and evaluates mechanisms to foster collaboration
in support of qualified research consortia and the appropriate
dissemination and sharing of information on a timely basis.
Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will possess:
A genuine interest in advancing the scientific knowledge
of multiple sclerosis and in contributing to excellence in
research that seeks to end MS.
Excellent writing skills and strong facility in written
and oral English.
Demonstrated and solid experience in research administration,
including in-depth understanding of the grants administration
process. Excellent grant-writing skills. Experience as a
peer-reviewed, grant-funded researcher is a strong asset.
Knowledge of policy development and policy writing
and the ability to anticipate policy issues, understand the
complexity
of the issues, and create policies that demonstrate the rigour
and excellence of the program.
Ability to collaborate internally and with external
partners to support the larger goals, both of the MS Society
and of grant-funded research for multiple sclerosis.
Business skills and acumen, including knowledge of
operational planning and research administration.
Strong interpersonal skills and diplomacy, a genuine
desire to collaborate and be part of a highly dedicated and
skilled MS community in Canada and abroad.
Education
Ph.D. in a relevant field (basic or biological research, medical
science, etc.) complemented by a solid understanding of scientific
community and research grants processes.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this exciting opportunity to play a pivotal and
strategic role in a thriving organization with a compelling mission,
please respond to:
Executive Assistant
Chief Development Officer’s Office
Permanent Full Time Position
The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada is an international
leader in providing innovative services for people with MS and
their families and advancing research into the cause and cure
of multiple sclerosis. Reporting to the Chief Development Officer
(CDO), the Executive Assistant will be responsible for supporting
the work of the National Fundraising Team by carrying out a variety
of tasks relative to office administration and project support.
Specific Responsibilities
Act as liaison between the CDO and other staff to
ensure appropriate coordination and follow-up on day-to-day
issues.
Coordinate all administrative activities and appointment priorities
of the CDO including travel arrangements, scheduling of
the CDO’s daily calendar, meetings and teleconferences;
preparing related documents accordingly.
Act as first contact for the CDO for staff and volunteers on
a national basis and other organizations and take action
where appropriate, exercising judgment and knowledge of organizational
processes.
Plan and co-ordinate all aspects of meetings which may involve
senior staff and board volunteers, such as accommodation,
transportation for participants, meeting logistics and catering requirements.
Draft correspondence, reports and presentations in a timely
manner; edit and format documents to ensure accuracy of grammar
and detail.
Attend meetings, record, distribute minutes and ensure follow-up
on issues arising from meetings.
Perform other related duties as required and assigned by CDO.
Qualifications
A post secondary degree, diploma or certificate
in business administration, office administration or an executive
secretary program or equivalent.
Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in a senior or executive
administrative role
Exceptional organizational ability with superior attention to
detail.
Excellent event and time management skills with the ability to
prioritize multiple tasks and projects in a fast paced, results
oriented environment.
Excellent administrative and computer skills including demonstrated
advanced proficiency in MS Word 2000, MS Outlook, MS Excel,
MS Publisher, MS PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer. Ability to easily
learn other computer applications and software is desirable.
Professional and service orientated attitude that demonstrates
tact and diplomacy.
Highly motivated self-starter with demonstrated ability to support
a team-oriented environment.
Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to work
effectively with all levels of staff, volunteers and external
clients and stakeholders.
Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times demonstrating
use of discretion and sound judgment.
Superior written and oral communication skills.
Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
Demonstrated experience recording accurate minutes of meetings.
Both written and oral proficiency in French is an asset.
Experience in the not-for-profit environment is an asset.
Willingness to work flexible hours, as may be required.
Location: Toronto
Please submit resumé, complete with salary expectations,
in confidence by 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5th,
2008 to:
Susie Parker, Human Resources,
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada
175 Bloor Street East, Suite 700, Toronto, ON M4W 3R8
Facsimile: (416) 922-7538
Email: hr@mssociety.ca
We wish to acknowledge all applicants, however,
only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No
phone calls please.
