Member of the Terry Fox Research Institute Board of Directors

“Inspired by Terry Fox, we invest in highly collaborative, world-class scientific teams to drive research discoveries that improve and save the lives of cancer patients.”

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI), named for Canadian icon Terry Fox, is built on Terry’s dream to end cancer through research. Established in 2007, TFRI is a registered charity and invests its funds in cutting-edge cancer research through highly collaborative, team-oriented programs and national research networks. Together with its many research and funding partners, TFRI empowers Canada’s brightest researchers to seek out new transformational and precision medicine discoveries to advance our understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer with the goal of significantly improving outcomes for patients.

TFRI is seeking a highly qualified individual with a strong background in oncology to join our Board of Directors. TFRI Board is composed of professionals from diverse fields, including research, oncology, business, communication, finance and philanthropy. United by Terry Fox’s legacy, they provide strategic oversight and guidance to advance cutting-edge cancer research and improve outcomes for patients.

The ideal candidate will be a clinician or researcher with significant expertise in cancer research or clinical oncology. This individual will bring objective scientific judgment to TFRI’s strategic direction and governance while helping advance our mission to drive impactful cancer research. The Director should exemplify Terry’s values: Integrity, Inclusivity, Perseverance, Creativity, and Excellence

The role of the Board is two-fold: decision-making and oversight. The decision-making aspect includes the selection and appointment of the President & Scientific Director, and, working with management, the formulation of TFRI’s strategic goals and policies. Oversight focuses on reviewing management decisions and ensuring adequate systems, controls, and the successful implementation of strategic policies. Directors receive no remuneration for their service in accordance with the By-laws of TFRI. TFRI does reimburse out-of-pocket expenses for travel and accommodation.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy

• Work with the President & Scientific Director to set long-term goals for TFRI.
• Provide objective scientific input and broad judgment to ensure strategic initiatives align with TFRI’s mission.
• Working with management to develop, approve and monitor the implementation of TFRI’s strategic plan, ensuring its success in advancing cancer research.

Governance

• Select and appoint the President & Scientific Director of TFRI.
• Nominate directors with relevant experience and qualifications to support TFRI’s strategic goals.
• Appoint and define mandates for board committees (e.g., Nominations, Finance & Audit Committees).
• Regularly review and assess the board’s governance structures and processes.

Financial Oversight

• Steward TFRI’s financial resources by approving annual operating and capital budgets.
• Authorize expenditures and approve cancer research investments based on recommendations from the President & Scientific Director.
• Monitor financial performance against the approved budget and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Vote on recommendations from the Finance & Audit Committee and approve the annual audited financial statements.

Stakeholder Accountability and Communication

• Ensure stakeholder relationships are maintained based on principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, accountability, and fairness.
• Balance the interests of key stakeholders, including the Terry Fox Foundation (TFF), researchers, patients, hospitals, governments, and donors.
• Contribute to the development of effective communication strategies for TFRI’s stakeholders.

Risk Management

• Understand the risks inherent in cancer research supported by TFRI and balance these with potential benefits to patients and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: PhD, MD, or equivalent in Oncology, Cancer Research, or related fields.
• Professional Experience: Experience in clinical oncology or cancer research.
• Leadership and Governance: Previous board experience or leadership roles in research or clinical settings is an asset.
• Strategic Judgment: Proven ability to provide scientific and clinical judgment in decision-making.
• Collaborative Approach: Experience working with diverse stakeholders including researchers, clinicians, funders, and policy makers.
• Commitment: Availability to attend quarterly board meetings (in-person or virtual) and engage in ongoing board activities.

Application Process

To express interest in this position, please submit a cover letter and CV to [email protected], outlining your relevant experience and your vision for contributing to the mission of TFRI.