UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Union: Non-Union
Number of Vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: Replacement 
Site: 700 University Avenue Toronto
Department: CIHR Institute of Cancer Research at UHN
Reports to: ICR Scientific Director & Assistant Director
Salary Range: $78,954 - $118,424 Annually
Hours: 37.5 Hours Per Week
Shifts: Monday - Friday
Status: Permanent Full-time
Closing Date: July 3, 2026

Position Summary:

Reporting to the ICR Scientific Director and Assistant Director, the Communications and Projects Lead is responsible for the planning, development, and implementation of communications and knowledge mobilization (KM) activities in support of the Institute’s strategic priorities. The role contributes to advancing cancer research across Canada by supporting collaboration and engagement through the coordination of projects, meetings, workshops, and events.

The incumbent applies strong project management and organizational skills, along with excellent written and verbal communication abilities, to develop and deliver clear, accurate, and accessible content tailored to diverse audiences. This includes translating complex scientific and research information into formats suitable for a range of stakeholders and dissemination through multiple communication channels, with a high standard of quality and attention to detail.

The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), headquartered at the University Health Network (UHN) in Toronto is one of the thirteen institutes of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). ICR advances cancer research in Canada by developing new national research initiatives and coordinating Canada‑wide efforts supported by federal, national, and provincial partners.

Duties

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communications and knowledge mobilization (KM) strategies to support Institute initiatives, programs, and priorities, and to effectively engage researchers, patient partners, and other stakeholders.
• Lead the planning, development, and management of Institute communications channels, including the website, social media platforms, and digital engagement activities.
• Prepare, edit, and disseminate a range of communications and KM products (e.g., reports, presentations, newsletters, web content, promotional materials, award applications) that are clear, accurate, and accessible to diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with CIHR communications and KM teams to enhance the visibility and impact of Institute initiatives, researchers, and various outputs.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, partners, service providers, and collaborators (e.g., designers, translators, and printers).
• Support the planning and delivery of events (e.g., meetings, workshops, and conferences) that support the Institute’s strategic objectives, including logistical and communications support.
• Maintain and update the Institute’s content management systems (e.g., SharePoint) to ensure accessible and well-organized documentation.
• Provide coordination and administrative support to Institute staff, including managing staff calendars, scheduling meetings, preparing materials (e.g., agendas and minutes), coordinating travel arrangements, and general clerical duties as needed.
• Represent the Institute at meetings, events, and conferences, as required, to support community engagement and promote Institute priorities and initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects and cross-cutting initiatives that advance the Institute’s mandate and strategic goals.

• Completion of a recognized post-secondary degree program in communications, public relations, knowledge mobilization, or a related field, required.
  • Master's degree an asset 
• At least Five (5) years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience, required.
•  A background in science or health research communication is considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience in communications and stakeholder engagement, including the development of digital and print content, with strong knowledge of knowledge mobilization principles and practices.
• Knowledge of the Canadian health research and/or healthcare environment, with the ability to create and adapt content for both specialized and general audiences (e.g., researchers, clinicians, and the public).
• Proven ability to develop, implement, and evaluate communications plans and initiatives that align with organizational priorities and strategic objectives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate materials, and to communicate with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• High level of attention to detail and commitment to accuracy, quality, and consistency across all outputs.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including senior leadership, researchers, and external partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment, with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach.
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Forms), Adobe Acrobat, graphic design and social media tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Cloud applications, Canva, LinkedIn), with demonstrated ability to quickly learn new software and tools.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment, with a minimum of 3-4 days per week on-site at the downtown Toronto office.
• Ability to travel outside of Toronto for multi-day periods and to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings and weekends, to support/attend events and meetings.
• Knowledge of the Canadian cancer research landscape and key stakeholders is an asset.
• Bilingualism (English/French) is considered an asset.

Why join UHN?
In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.