Associate Director

Description:

The Institut de la santé publique et des populations (ISPP), part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and hosted at the Université de Montréal, is seeking a visionary and strategic Associate Director (Directrice associée / Directeur associé) to join its executive leadership team. Under the direction of Dr. Katherine Frohlich, Scientific Director, the Associate Director will play a pivotal role in advancing the ISPP’s mission to improve population health and promote health equity both in Canada and globally.

This role involves high-level executive management, strategic planning, interdepartmental coordination, stakeholder engagement, and leadership of national and international health initiatives. As a senior member of the Institute, you will help define funding opportunities, lead operations, and drive meaningful partnerships to influence policy and practice across the public health spectrum.

Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate closely with the Scientific and Deputy Directors to define the national public and population health research agenda.

• Provide executive leadership in operations, strategic planning, budgeting, staffing, and team development.

• Supervise all day-to-day activities of the Institute, including human resources, finances, and communications.

• Engage with the broader CIHR leadership and other institutes across Canada.

• Develop and monitor strategic and operational plans in alignment with ISPP and CIHR priorities.

• Lead major initiatives related to health equity, public health systems, healthy cities, global health, and climate change.

• Manage relationships with a wide network of external stakeholders: academic researchers, public health organizations, policymakers, funders, and government bodies.

• Oversee funding programs and strategic initiatives, including budget planning, policy alignment, evaluation, and reporting.

• Act as the Institute’s representative at key scientific and operational meetings, both domestically and internationally.

• Ensure the successful management of the Institute’s advisory board and internal teams.

• Draft and review critical communication materials such as annual reports, environmental scans, briefing notes, and strategic updates.

Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (preferably JD, MD, or PhD) in public or population health or a related field.

• Scientific or operational expertise in key ISPP areas such as health equity, global health, public health systems, healthy cities, or climate change.

• Minimum 10 years of experience in public/population health and 5 years in senior leadership roles.

• Deep understanding of the Canadian and global public health research and policy landscape.

• Demonstrated experience in relationship-building with diverse stakeholders including researchers, funders, communities, and governments.

• Expertise in business planning, project management, and organizational leadership.

• High-level proficiency in both French and English, written and spoken.

• Ability to navigate complex environments, manage multiple priorities, and lead under pressure.

• Advanced knowledge of Microsoft 365 and digital collaboration tools; familiarity with Asana is an asset.

Employer Benefits:

• Salary Range: $118904 – $160134 annually (monthly equivalent $9908 – $13344)

• Permanent, full-time position with exceptional career development opportunities

• Comprehensive benefits package and excellent pension plan

• Generous annual vacation policy

• Supportive, intellectually vibrant environment with ongoing professional training