Survey & Focus Group Coordinator (Hybrid, Canada)

The Heather Cutler Foundation; San Juan de Terranova; Remote; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization focused on pancreatic cancer advocacy is seeking a Survey & Focus Group Coordinator. This role involves gathering feedback from patients across Canada to inform healthcare policies and programming. The ideal candidate is organized, empathetic, and tech-savvy, with a strong commitment to healthcare equity. This is a remote volunteer position requiring approximately 3–6 hours per week over a minimum commitment of 3 months.

Qualifications

• Skilled at managing schedules, sending follow-ups, and keeping track of participant lists.
• Clear, respectful, and empathetic in writing and speaking.
• Experience with research or public consultation work is an asset.
• Understands the importance of confidentiality in health-related discussions.
• Able to manage virtual meetings and online survey platforms.
• Passion for centering lived experience and ensuring representation.

Responsibilities

• Manage logistics for virtual focus groups, schedule sessions, and ensure privacy.
• Collaborate on recruitment strategies for the lived experience survey.
• Attend sessions to take notes and help synthesize insights.
• Ensure participants feel comfortable and appreciated.
• Maintain ethical standards around sensitive health information.

Skills

Organized & Detail-Oriented

Strong Communicator

Familiar with Surveys or Interviews

Privacy-Aware

Tech-Comfortable

Mission-Aligned

Job description

Overview

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a federally incorporated non-profit organization based in Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador. Founded by Heather’s family after experiencing firsthand the challenges of navigating pancreatic cancer care, the Foundation is driven by a commitment to real change rather than bureaucracy. The leadership includes advocates and professionals with deep ties to their community and a passion for healthcare reform.

Values

• Equity We believe that access to life-saving care should not be determined by geography or postal code. Our work is focused on closing the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system, especially for those in smaller provinces and rural areas.
• Action We are proactive, mobilizing public support, calling on government leaders, and pushing for policy changes that directly impact pancreatic cancer patients.
• Empowerment We equip patients and families with the knowledge, resources, and self-advocacy tools needed to navigate complex healthcare systems.
• Community We foster a supportive network, sharing lessons learned and practical tips to help others facing similar challenges.
• Transparency and Compassion Inspired by Heather’s legacy as a nurse and caregiver, we prioritize clear communication, empathy, and genuine support for those affected by pancreatic cancer.

Who We Serve

• Canadians diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, especially those in underserved regions.
• Families and caregivers navigating the complexities of treatment and support.
• Healthcare professionals and advocates seeking to improve outcomes and close systemic gaps.

What We Do

• Provide up-to-date, accessible information on pancreatic cancer, treatment options, and clinical trials.
• Advocate for healthcare reform, including better access to somatic testing and clinical trials.
• Offer practical resources and support to reduce delays and improve patient outcomes.
• Mobilize community action through campaigns, petitions, and public awareness initiatives.
• Develop educational materials and launch programs like podcasts and starter packs to inform and empower the pancreatic cancer community.
• Engage in fundraising to support research and patient services, and collaborate with national and international partners, including the World Pancreatic Cancer Coalition.

Get Involved

Volunteers, guest authors, and partners are welcomed to join the Foundation’s efforts—whether through direct service, campaign support, or sharing personal experiences to inspire and inform others.

Position: Survey & Focus Group Coordinator

The Heather Cutler Foundation is seeking a Survey & Focus Group Coordinator to help us gather and amplify the voices of people affected by pancreatic cancer across Canada. In this role, you’ll support the planning, logistics, and facilitation of our National Lived Experience Survey and accompanying virtual focus groups.

This work will directly inform our programming, policy recommendations, and national reports—ensuring that every initiative we launch reflects what people actually need. If you’re organized, empathetic, and passionate about building healthcare equity from the ground up, this is your chance to make real impact.

Why Join Us? We don’t believe in assumptions. At The Heather Cutler Foundation, lived experience is the foundation of everything we do—from national advocacy to volunteer programs. That’s why we created Canada’s first-ever dedicated survey for people affected by pancreatic cancer and are pairing it with in-depth focus groups for deeper insight. As our Survey & Focus Group Coordinator, you’ll help make sure these voices are not only heard—but truly centered in decisions, reports, and reforms.

Responsibilities

• Focus Group Coordination: Manage logistics for virtual focus groups, schedule sessions, communicate with participants, share reminders, and ensure privacy/confidentiality.
• Survey Outreach Support: Collaborate on recruitment strategies for our lived experience survey, identifying ways to reach underserved communities and boost participation.
• Note-Taking & Summaries: Attend sessions to take notes or coordinate transcription and help synthesize insights into short summaries for internal and public reporting.
• Participant Support: Ensure participants feel comfortable, informed, and appreciated throughout the process. Respond to questions and help them navigate the experience.
• Data Sensitivity & Privacy: Maintain ethical standards around sensitive health information, ensuring that all personal details are kept private and data is handled with care.

Qualifications

• Organized & Detail-Oriented: Skilled at managing schedules, sending follow-ups, and keeping track of participant lists and logistics.
• Strong Communicator: Clear, respectful, and empathetic in writing and speaking—especially with those sharing personal health experiences.
• Familiar with Surveys or Interviews: Experience with research, qualitative data, or public consultation work is an asset (but not required).
• Privacy-Aware: Understands the importance of confidentiality and informed consent in health-related discussions.
• Tech-Comfortable: Able to manage virtual meetings, shared docs, and online survey platforms (e.g., Google Forms, JotForm, Zoom, Notion).
• Mission-Aligned: Passion for centering lived experience and making sure all Canadians—not just those in urban centers—are represented.

Role Details

• Location: Remote (Canada-wide)
• Time Commitment: ~3–6 hours/week, depending on scheduling
• Employment Type: Volunteer
• Start Date: As soon as possible
• Duration: Minimum 3-month commitment preferred
• Supervised by: Founder & Director of Research and Engagement

Organization Description

The Heather Cutler Foundation is a Canadian nonprofit dedicated to bold, equity-driven advocacy for pancreatic cancer. Our lived experience survey and focus groups are part of a national effort to better understand care gaps, inform policy, and offer support that truly reflects the needs of people across the country—especially in smaller provinces and rural areas.

Keywords

Survey Coordinator | Focus Group Volunteer | Patient Engagement | Pancreatic Cancer Advocacy | Lived Experience Research | Volunteer Role Canada | Remote Health Research Support