National Specialist, Research and Mental Health Programs (Bilingual)

We’re excited to share that JDRF Canada is now Breakthrough T1D.

We’re the same organization, with the same mission and determination to realize a world free from type 1 diabetes (T1D) – just with a new name and look that reflects what the T1D community needs now and next.

It’s an exciting time to join Breakthrough T1D as we continue to break barriers to help people better manage the disease and enjoy full, healthy lives. Curing T1D is and always will be our north star and we will not stop until breakthroughs get us to a world free from T1D.

Breakthrough T1D is adding to our Research & Mental Health team and we’re searching for an experienced and bilingual professional for the new role of National Specialist, Research and Mental Health Programs.

If you’re a strong communicator, problem solver, and detail-oriented individual who would like to support and develop research and mental health programs across the country, please read on to see if this is the right fit for you.

Here’s what your primary responsibilities would be:

· Manages all administrative aspects of Breakthrough T1D Canada grants from funding opportunity development all the way to grant completion, including compliance with policies and audit requirements.

· Runs reports and analyzes data for grants portfolio in response to program needs.

· Acts as a primary point of contact and trusted representative with the research community, academic institutions, and Breakthrough T1D International staff for Breakthrough T1D awards held in Canada. Fosters trust and transparency between Breakthrough T1D and Grantees through clear and consistent communications and expectations.

· Serves as the in-house expert of Breakthrough T1D’s grants management system, working with vendor and systems staff to troubleshoot; proactively identifies areas for improvement in grant management processes and works with team members to problem-solve.

· Provides end-to-end management of the Canadian portfolio of training partnerships and awards, including postdoctoral and clinical fellowships, with support from the National Director, Research Programs & Partnerships, as required.

· Develops and maintains all grant agreements and Memorandum of Understandings pertaining to research grants and partnerships, and monitors compliance.

· Supports the delivery and evaluation of Breakthrough T1D’s Mental Health + Diabetes Training Program; collaborates with staff and partners to drive outreach and awareness of mental health programs in English and French; and contributes to governance processes, membership monitoring, and compliance for the Mental Health + Diabetes Directory.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

Knowledge/Skills/Experience

· Bachelor of Science and 3–5 years of research or grant administration experience (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, including fluency in French

· Strong project management and time management skills; highly organized and detail-oriented

· Financial acumen and contract management experience

· Strong computer skills (Microsoft 365, especially Excel) and ability to learn new platforms

· Ability to analyze and interpret data related to program outcomes

· Creative problem-solving and process improvement skills

Working Style

· Proactive and able to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment

· Logical, systematic thinker with strong judgment and initiative

· Comfortable operating independently while collaborating effectively with stakeholders

· Ability to broker buy-in for policy and process changes

· Skilled at framing complex situations and presenting clear options

Other position requirements to note:

· Fluency in English and French (mandatory)

· Ability to deliver bilingual educational sessions

· Comfort with virtual collaboration and remote work

Salary Range: Anticipated to be $57,000 to $67,000 annually, commensurate with skills and experience level of the selected candidate.

Location Preference: Anywhere within Canada.

Application Deadline: Please submit your resume through our careers website by January 19, 2026.

About Breakthrough T1D

Breakthrough T1D is the leading type 1 diabetes (T1D) research and advocacy non-profit organization in Canada. As we drive toward curing type 1 diabetes, we help to make every day better for the people who live with it.

Breakthrough T1D (formerly JDRF) began in Canada as a grassroots organization in 1974, when a group of dedicated parents came together with a singular goal of finding a cure for T1D. Since the discovery of insulin, Breakthrough T1D has remained at the forefront of T1D research. Breakthrough T1D is committed to investing in the most promising research, advocating for progress by working with governments to address issues that impact the T1D community, and supporting individuals living with this disease.

Breakthrough T1D has a company culture rooted in our Core Values of Respect, Understanding and Integrity; Perseverance; Collaboration; Risk Taking and Entrepreneurship; and Efficiency, Effectiveness and Accountability – if our core values are exemplified in the way that you work, we might be a great fit for each other.

Here’s a few details about what Breakthrough T1D employees receive:

· Remote-first: Our employees love the convenience and flexibility of working remotely, so all positions are work from home (within Canada).

· Health and Wellness Benefits: Benefits to support your physical and mental health – this includes Manulife group benefits, Maple virtual health care, Not Myself Today to support mentally healthy workplaces and generous paid sick time.

· Professional Development: We want employees to grow within their roles and have a career at Breakthrough T1D, so we practice Career Development Planning and have a budget for paid development opportunities for each employee.

· Other benefits include: Group RRSP Matching Program, winter holiday office closures, flex weeks in the summer and more!

Benefits listed above for regular full-time employees. Not all benefits may be available to part-time or temporary employees.

Recruitment Process: We may review applications as they are received and this position will remain posted until it is filled. Our recruitment process typically includes an initial introductory phone call with an HR team member, and up to two video interviews over MS Teams with the hiring manager and other members of the team. Some positions may require a skills-based evaluation to be completed as a part of the recruitment process. We thank all those applicants that apply, but please note only those selected for an introductory phone call will be contacted after their application is submitted.

Breakthrough T1D strives to foster a workplace that reflects the diversity of the community it serves and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates. Breakthrough T1D is also committed to developing an inclusive, barrier-free selection process and work environment. Please advise if you require any accommodation measures to ensure you will be interviewed in a fair and equitable manner. Information received relating to accommodation requests will be treated with confidentiality.