The mission of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group (CCTG) is to develop and execute trials of innovative cancer treatments based on best science and potential for greatest benefit for patients. The vision is to reduce the burden of cancer for Canadians and contribute to the sustainability of the Canadian healthcare system through the development and execution of clinical trials, testing innovative therapies, and technologies. Core to our mission and realization of the vision is to engage patients as partners in the clinical trial lifecycle.

The Patient Engagement Lead is a key resource and leader who facilitates the engagement of patients and caregivers in the CCTG network and research activities. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the incumbent will provide operational support ensuring key CCTG objectives and activities for patient engagement are accomplished. Working closely with the CCTG Patient Representative Committee Executive, CCTG Patient Representative Committee members, and the CCTG Network leaders, the Patient Engagement Lead is accountable for the day-to-day operational aspects of the assigned projects and will create and execute approved work plans, identify required resources, and evaluate associated deliverables.

The Patient Engagement Lead builds relationships within CCTG Scientific Committee leaders, the Patient Representative Committee, and the external network and stakeholders including Patient Advocacy Groups, and plays a significant role in the CCTG effort to enhance Patient Engagement activities as part of the CCTG mission.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Lead of operational patient engagement of the CCTG, serving as liaison and resource for patient representatives, Patient Advocacy Groups, CCTG Operations and Statistics Centre (OSC) staff, CCTG network and scientific committee leaders, and other external stakeholders;
• Plans, initiates and oversees patient engagement projects and activities approved by CCTG leadership; defines objectives and ensures goals are met within established timelines
• Works with the Patient Representative Committee and CCTG leaders to define roles and activities for patient representatives and ensures members act within defined scope and role
• Drafts terms of reference for various projects for approval and maintains defined scope of work
• Develops and implements metrics to evaluate success of the CCTG patient engagement activities and projects; analyses data and makes recommendations for changes
• Identifies activities that fall outside of defined scope of project or role and corrects to ensure alignment with strategic priorities;
• Maintain defined areas of patient engagement and works with all stakeholders to implement and maintain including overarching patient engagement roles and responsibilities, terms of reference, and metrics of success;
• Identifies risk in activities that fall outside of defined scope, escalates appropriately and assists in correction
• Recruits, onboards and trains patient representatives, and supports their ongoing engagement; adapts recruitment and retention practices based on success and feedback
• Educates and provides training to CCTG OSC and the CCTG network staff on patient partnership; develops training materials and methods that recognize the diversity of the audience and modifies as required; evaluates training methods and outcomes on an ongoing basis
• Manages complex relationships with external patient organizations and individual patient representatives while recognizing the diversity of experiences of representative’s backgrounds, and respecting roles of patient representatives in CCTG research activities
• Analyze patient engagement activities and draft policies and/or standard operating procedures based on analysis
• Working with the CCTG Communications Leader, supports the implementation of patient engagement communication activities, monitors progress, addresses issues arising, assesses outcomes and impacts, and makes recommendations for improvements; as subject matter expert, provide content and makes recommendations for development of external communication materials
• Tracks and reports on patient partnership efforts;
• Liaises with peer organizations to keep abreast of current trends in the field, learn and apply best practices, and identify partnership opportunities; develops and maintains relationships with key partners
• Promotes and builds support for CCTG patient engagement activities with external audiences, including patient communities and the public.
• Participates in the review and operationalization of the patient partnership strategy as part of the annual Operating Plan process.
• Demonstrates commitment to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive environment, and contributes to a patient engagement agenda that is respectful and collaborative.
• Undertake other duties as required in support of Patient Engagement and Partnership and the CCTG network as assigned.