Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Research and Facilitation, Level D
Job Title
Director, Network Management, AI and Health Network
Department
Office of Research Leadership | Office of Research | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$9,048.67 - $14,114.17 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
June 9, 2025
Note:Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
Mar 31, 2030
Hybrid Work Arrangement is in place for this position.
At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.
Job Summary
The Director is responsible for providing comprehensive strategic oversight and management in areas of program development and administration for the UBC AI & Health Network, including: finance management; engagement with internal and external collaborators and partners; communications and knowledge translation; outreach and engagement activities; coordination of education, training and upskilling activities; project management; strategic plan development and implementation; human resources; resource allocation; grant development/writing; and policy development and implementation.
The incumbent requires a high degree of independent, executive decision-making; an ability to assess and implement work required to achieve objectives; strong organizational skills; strong communication skills; and the ability to provide leadership in creating positive and supportive work environments. The incumbent provides authoritative advice to the Network leadership and members, and develops infrastructure systems of support in areas of administration, financial planning, policy and procedure interpretation, human resources, proposal development, grant development, and other resources to support the Network and other research units.
The incumbent is required to develop, cultivate and maintain excellent relationships, both internal and external to the Network, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Science, and the University, with an awareness of external and internal political and scientific environments. This position acts as the senior administrative representative for the Network, contributing to the Network, the Faculties, UBC units and partner organizations through participation in various committees, working groups, meetings and projects.
Organizational Status
Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 11,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.
The UBC AI & Health Network is a new initiative established at the Faculty of Medicine with the vision to enable healthcare transformation in British Columbia through innovation driven by artificial intelligence (AI). The goal of the Network is to build capacity for research; education and training; and partnerships, outreach and engagement. The Network will enable the convergence of key strengths and existing collaborations within our ecosystem.
The Director will work closely with the Network leadership and Network members. This position develops relationships with those internal to UBC as well as those external including partner institutions, health authorities, industry, not-for-profit organizations, collaborative research partners, donors and others as required to facilitate appropriate development and leadership of research, administrative, training, and engagement activities.
Work Performed
Strategic Initiatives and Direction:
Participates as a member of the AI & Health Network leadership team to develop and implement strategic priorities, goals and objectives of the Network; establishes and participates in AI & Health committees, working groups, task forces as required in support of strategic priorities and administrative and operational efficiencies ensuring wide ranging partner representation and engagement.
Works under the direction of and in partnership with the Network leadership, to develop strategies to enhance research in AI & Health, advance strategic priorities, and implement new initiatives. A key focus will be developing a plan for long-term sustainability to support the continuation and expansion of the Network and identifying UBC and external faculty to grow the Network.
Develops and provides leadership, direction and guidance for strategic administrative and research initiatives for the AI & Health Network and its members; aligns overall management and administrative functions of the Network within its mission, vision and strategic priorities and those of UBC.
Directs the development and implementation of specific initiatives in support of AI & Health strategic and operational priorities and opportunities; provides administrative leadership, project oversight and reporting as needed.
Develops, facilitates and leads strategic partnerships and the development of agreements, working with appropriate UBC and external agencies, including Faculty executive, government ministries, University Administration, health authorities, not-for-profit organizations, industry, granting agencies and clinical sites across the province as required to achieve common goals and objectives.
Program Planning, Execution and Management:
Plans and launches the Network’s research grant competitions and trainee funding competitions. Liaises, develops and maintains relationships with Network members who receive this funding.
Plans, manages and executes engagement and outreach activities for the Network to prioritize patient and user engagement.
Works with Network leadership and members to plan education, training and upskilling activities. Manages coordination of education, training and upskilling activities.
Finance and Resources:
Oversees financial activity in the AI & Health Network and the development of financial models to manage budgets, funding allocations, revenue and expense projection and analysis in support of business operations, strategic priorities and long term (5-10 year) planning; oversees the development of systems and processes to resolve problems and improve management of financial resources.
Reviews Network budgets and financial analyses/summaries, evaluates priorities and makes recommendations to the Network Leaders for budget reductions and management of available resources; provides advice and recommendations for managing budgets.
Signing authority on Network P/G’s.
Liaises with Faculty of Medicine Finance staff and other UBC finance personnel.
Human Resources and Leadership:
Authorizes staff appointments; hires, develops, supervises, coaches, evaluates, disciplines and terminates staff; overall responsibility for directly or indirectly managing staff appointees.
Directs the strategic planning and management of human resource activities in the Network ensuring equity and compliance with employment agreements.
Provides leadership and oversees Network human resources services, , staff development, equity and terms of employment.
Works closely with FoM HR/Central UBC Employee Relations with ER-related issues/grievance meetings.
Ensures engagement opportunities for staff, faculty, and trainees involved in the Network through meetings, events, participating in projects and committees, inclusion in AI & Health and UBC-wide activities, individual and group consultation, etc.
Provides leadership with regards to challenging issues such as performance management, grievance meetings, bullying and harassment complaints and other matters that require diplomatic resolution and/or investigation; supports the Network leadership in investigations as required.
Communications and Knowledge Translation:
Directs and oversees the development, implementation and maintenance of AI & Health Network communication strategies and systems, tools and projects (website, email distribution lists, communication, social media accounts, bulletins/newsletters, reports, etc.).
Oversees AI & Health internal and external communications ensuring recognition of Network members and achievements.
Liaises with Faculty of Medicine’s Office of Creative and Communications.
Establishes and maintains strong and strategic working relationships to identify, secure, support and monitor international activities that advance the priorities of the Network; facilitate collaborative working relationships with national and international organizations; and identify partnership opportunities and facilitate the dissemination and exchange of research knowledge.
Identifies relevant external partners and audiences and develops effective knowledge translation activities (e.g., lay summaries, workshops, etc.) to disseminate research findings from Network research and research activities of faculty and trainees.
Plans and oversees event organization and management and related costs (i.e., Network annual symposia).
Reporting:
Prepares reports on Network activity to Network leadership, Network governance bodies, and Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science leadership.
Liaises with the Faculty of Medicine Development Office staff to proactively support donor stewardship and accountability.
Grant and Project Development:
Identifies and pursues institutional, provincial, federal and international funding opportunities to support development and implementation of AI & Health research initiatives, projects, and knowledge translation activities.
Writes, submits and maintains research ethics approval for core projects of the AI & Health Network.
Engages relevant collaborators and partners in the development of research projects and funding applications.
Champions innovative research projects, including writing, editing and submitting collaborative funding applications to enhance interdisciplinary research in AI & Health at UBC and with other institutions, including large-scale grants.
Other:
Interprets University, Faculty, and partner institution policies and procedures; develops and implements AI & Health Network policies and procedures in alignment with these and to meet goals and objectives in consideration of relevant internal and external requirements.
Liaises with internal and external units and organizations on behalf of the Network; participates in various committees and working groups, contributing towards goals and objectives.
Exercises considerable judgment and decision making in Network operations, resource allocation and human resource management.
Acts on behalf of the Network leadership as delegated/requested.
Consequence of Error/Judgement
Considerable judgement is required for all areas of AI & Health Network development, operations and resource management including the delegation of responsibilities and decision-making. Errors in judgment could lead to inappropriate decisions impacting Network finances and other resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of Network operations and the reputation of the Network, involved Faculties and University.
A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required and relied upon by the Network leadership and others in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities.
Errors in judgement in handling personnel issues could lead to legal/financial issues, disruption to Network activities, grievances and impact the reputation of the Network, Faculties. and University.
Supervision Received
The Director works independently, reporting to the AI & Health Network leadership and also connecting with Faculty of Medicine Office of Research leadership regularly. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of long-term goals. This position provides advice and works in partnership with the Network leadership in achieving strategic priorities for the Network.
Supervision Given
Direct and indirect supervision of administrative and education staff members through multiple levels of subordinates with responsibilities in administration, human resources, finance, education, IT, space, health and safety, communications and faculty support are anticipated once the Network grows.
Minimum Qualifications
For research project leadership, a post-graduate degree or an equivalent professional designation is required with a minimum of five years of related experience, including experience in a field of specialization, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Otherwise, an undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline is required with a minimum of seven years of related experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
- A graduate degree in a relevant discipline including biological sciences, health, AI, or data science is preferred.
Experience:
- Experience working at a management level within an academic setting with related experience in strategy development and implementation of academic and research programs.
- Experience in a senior administrative role managing complex relationships, preferably in an University environment or other large organization is also desirable.
- Knowledge and experience in organizational governance.
- Demonstrated experience in UBC financial, human resources and communications management is an asset.
- Proven ability to work with or direct and lead a team; mentorship abilities.
- Experience in the review of research proposals and development of program reports.
- Experience in grant development and writing and familiarity with the policies and procedures of national and international funding agencies.
Skills:
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Collaborates well with others, gives and receives feedback skillfully, and is willing and able to effectively address conflict with colleagues.
- Creative problem solving and decision-making.
- Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, project management, organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines.
- Proven judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in areas where there are no established policies or guidelines.
- Ability to take initiative, manage effectively and meet goals in a complex environment.
- Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain partner engagement and also to take strategy, then move it through to direction and action.
- Ability to deal with senior University members, external partners and collaborators in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building.
- Ability to build and nurture academic and research partnerships within academic, government or business environments.
- Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities. Excellent political acuity, tact, judgment and discretion.
- Ability to interpret and evaluate policy and procedural requirements.
- Proven ability assessing opportunities in a variety of science and technical disciplines.
- Ability to read health research text analytically and critically, and make substantive editorial recommendations to improve readability, clarity and impact.
- Ability to demonstrate highly technical writing and effective translation of complex scientific information into clear and succinct language for a broader audience is essential.
- Computer competency with knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications.
