Director, Institutional Initiatives

Date Posted: 07/02/2025
Req ID:44013
Faculty/Division: VP - Research
Department: Research Services Office
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Description:

About us:

The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best - advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours.

Your Opportunity:

Reporting to the Assistant Vice-President, Research Services, but exercising significant independence, the Director is responsible for providing the highest standards of professionalism and dedication to achieve maximum quality and productivity in the delivery of research support mechanisms, tools and services within the University of Toronto community.  The incumbent will provide ongoing innovation in the development and delivery of services to the research community and will be a strategic leader in the Division of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (VPRI).  The position provides leadership, strategic planning and direction for services provided by their staff to facilitate optimal participation and maximum success in a range of sponsored research opportunities that operate at the institutional level through which millions of dollars are secured annually, helping to attract and retain world-class faculty members, graduate students and other research personnel. 

Essential Qualifications:

EDUCATION:

University degree; graduate degree preferred or the equivalent combination of education and experience. 

EXPERIENCE:

Seven to Ten (7-10) years of progressive experience in research administration or related research or research management activities.  Extensive knowledge of and experience in a research-intensive university environment. Experience in engagement with external bodies; success in attracting external funding and extensive knowledge of funding procedures; substantial experience in research management preferable.  Experience negotiating research contracts, and promoting research opportunities.  Staff management and leadership experience, preferably in a unionized environment. 

SKILLS:

Expert knowledge of Canadian research administration policies and practices.  Depth and breadth of knowledge of research funding programs, and related university policies, procedures, and regulations,  knowledge of university structures & operations.  Advanced financial analysis and planning ability to support strategic planning of major research funding allocations.  Proven ability to liaise, build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders, strong contract negotiation skills.  Exceptional communication skills (written and oral), presentation and interpersonal skills.  Highly developed strategic planning skills. Understanding of risk assessment and mitigation. 

OTHER:

Ability to manage a complex and varied operation in a high-demand environment, meeting the highest standards in quality and productivity, ability to strategically manage multiple projects with competing deadlines in a results-oriented environment.  Demonstrated ability to convey information and problem solve with a high degree of creativity, flexibility, proactivity and planning. Requirement to maintain strict confidentiality.  Working knowledge of the University’s Administrative Management Systems, or equivalent.

Closing Date: 07/16/2025, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: Salaried
Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 6 -- Hiring Zone: $130,011 - $151,679 -- Broadband Salary Range: $130,011 - $216,687
Job Category: Administrative / Managerial