About

The opportunity

The Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) is seeking a highly qualified individual with a strong clinical background in oncology, medicine or a related health-care discipline to join our Board of Directors. 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.

About the Terry Fox Research Institute

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.

About the TFRI Board

The role of the Board is two-fold: decision-making and oversight. The decision-making aspect includes the selection and appointment of the President and 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. The 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.

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.
• Work with management to develop, approve and monitor the implementation of TFRI’s strategic plan, ensuring its success in advancing cancer research.

Governance

• 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 and 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.

Interest holder 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.

Join us!

Please email your cover letter and resume to board@tfri.ca with the subject line: Board of Directors Application. Accepting applications until November 20, 2025.

The candidate must be authorized to work in Canada. English language required.

We recognize the importance of diversity and equity in our workforce and encourage all qualified applicants to apply, including Indigenous persons, women, persons with disabilities, minorities and other underrepresented communities.

Please note this is a volunteer position.

Job Type: Seasonal
Contract length: 12 months

Work Location: Remote