Description
The Office of the Vice-President (Research) is currently seeking a Full-time Regular Executive Director.
The Executive Director plays a critical role in advancing institutional research excellence and strategic growth at the University of Calgary. Reporting to the Vice-President (Research), this position is responsible for three core operational functions:
- Implementing strategic research initiatives, which includes supporting strategic planning, program/project management, research support, and partnering activities,
- External engagement and outreach, which includes managing relationships with key collaborators and partners locally, nationally and internationally, and
- Oversight of the team of employees in the Office of the VPR.
The Executive Director plays a lead role in operationalizing the University's Research and Innovation Implementation Plan, achieving optimal University-wide performance, driving efficiency, and supporting ongoing innovation across the University. To this end, the Executive Director works with a dedicated and talented team, providing leadership, and fostering a culture of service and operational excellence. As a key representative and a face and voice for the Office of the VPR, the Executive Director supports the VPR and colleagues in their efforts to further strengthen the University's presence and strong reputation.
The Executive Director is a key member of the VPR's executive team providing their in-depth knowledge of and experience in business operations to advance the execution of the vision and strategies of the VPR portfolio. Decisions made by this position have a significant impact on the overall business of the University.
The candidate will be passionate about research and have demonstrated an understanding of research management in the post-education sector, national and international research issues and trends, and intellectual property and commercialization principles.
Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):
- Take a leading role in facilitating the implementation of initiatives that support the range of strategic elements expressed in the Research and Implementation Plan and the VPR Research mandates and priorities.
- Provide support and organizational leadership in the implementation of research initiatives, coordinating with Research Services, faculties, individual researchers, and funding agencies.
- Facilitate interactions with potential sponsors, external partners and various organizations.
- Oversee the VPR communications activities (including development/update of the Research Website, official announcements, UToday articles and press releases, briefing notes, events and other communication activities managed by the communications team).
- Support the tracking of results and targets for various initiatives that will enhance and grow research income; oversee data analysis projects conducted by the Strategic Initiatives and Research Intelligence Unit.
- Oversee the work supporting the Urban Alliance Initiative
- In collaboration with the VPR leadership team, optimize the distribution of financial and human resources between the various research initiatives.
- Advise the VPR to possible opportunities and potential threats to help guide senior decision-making.
- Play a critical role to ensure the structure, processes and culture in the VPR portfolio are aligned with and support the Research and Implementation Plan.
- Play a key role to influence research related university policies and procedures are aligned and support the Research and Implementation Plan.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with a range of collaborators, partners and stakeholders, locally, nationally and internationally.
- Leadership and management of 4 full-time manager-level positions plus 1 part-time position in multiple phases of development, including hiring, delegation of work, mentorship and training, performance management, disciplinary action up to and including termination.
Qualifications / Requirements:
- Bachelor degree, Master degree preferred.
- Seven to ten years of progressive leadership experience in research strategy, research development, and business operations, ideally in a post-secondary environment.
- Exceptional influencing skills, an efficient and effective administrative ability, and a proven and effective proactive strategic leadership style.
- Demonstrated success as a strategic collaborator, facilitator, and proven ability to work diplomatically with others.
- Ability to formulate and interpret policies and provide information and advice to all levels within the University and to internal and external stakeholders; excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills; ability to communicate and summarize complex issues and results effectively.
- Ability to act decisively and to exercise a high degree of independence, initiative and judgment on a wide range of issues.
- Ability to build effective teams and drive performance excellence are key to success in this role.
- A strong understanding and demonstrated experience in managing people.
- Previous experience with budget preparation, monitoring of actual results and compliance with required financial management expectations is an asset.
- Strong organizational, analytical and problem solving skills in order to deal effectively with complex tasks and issue; ability to handle a large, diverse and often deadline driven workload.
- A high degree of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Effective communication/conflict management skills with the ability to work in a busy, open work environment; demonstration of excellent judgment, tact and diplomacy in interactions with students, faculty, staff and members of the public.
- Extensive knowledge of the University community and University policies, procedures and operating requirements preferable.
- Experience working with and knowledge of provincial and national research and granting organizations preferable.
- Ability to communicate in both official languages is an asset.
Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This position will remain open until filled.
We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.
This position is classified in the Management Career Band, Level 4 of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
For a listing of all management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Management and Staff Careers website.
About the University of Calgary
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.
As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments (equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research show that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
