Director, Research and Outreach

University of Alberta View all jobs

Edmonton, AB
$71,856-119,681 per year
Permanent
Full-time

6 hours ago

Job Category: Administrative ManagementJob Description:This competition is open to all applicants however; internal candidates and applicants who were former employees of the University of Alberta will be given priority consideration before external candidates. Please log in to verify your internal candidate status.This position has an initial appointment of 2 years.Location - This role is in-person at Enterprise Square in downtown Edmonton.The Director, Research and Outreach, operates at the strategic center of a newly established, high-profile research platform within the University of Alberta. Reporting directly to the Executive Director and working in close alignment with the Radhe Krishna Gupta Executive Chair in Cities and Communities, the position is responsible for stewarding the impact of a transformative $5 million foundational gift. The scope of this role is defined by its high degree of financial and intellectual complexity, requiring the incumbent to manage a diverse funding portfolio that spans federal and provincial granting agencies, municipal contracts, and private philanthropic gifts. This involves leading interdisciplinary research teams comprising Postdoctoral Fellows, graduate students, and faculty affiliates to produce policy-relevant insights in urban economics, housing, and infrastructure.Operating as the interface between the Academy and the "Real World," the Director manages a vast external ecosystem including municipalities (such as the City of Edmonton), provincial ministries, industry developers, and non-profit advocacy groups. The diversity of the role lies in its "translator" function: the incumbent must synthesize complex academic data into actionable knowledge translation (KT) strategies that influence public policy while simultaneously maintaining the institutional rigour required for global academic standing. Ultimately, the position is instrumental in transitioning the Institute from a nascent, gift-funded start-up into a self-sustaining, nationally recognized leader in sustainable city-building.Responsibilities:

Serve as the point of contact for the Institute's external research partners.
Build and maintain strategic partnerships with municipalities, ministries, industry, and non-profits.
Develop knowledge translation strategies.
Identify, pursue, and secure funding opportunities through federal and provincial granting agencies, municipalities, foundations, and private sector sources.
Develop competitive proposals for sponsored research, consulting engagements, and philanthropic gifts.
Manage interdisciplinary research projects in key areas.
Coordinate research teams, including postdoctoral fellows, research assistants, and graduate students.
Support budgeting, project accounting, and reporting.

Qualifications:Required

Graduate degree (PhD preferred) in urban economics, urban planning, public policy, or a related field. Individuals with a Bachelors degree with relevant experience in an academic setting will also be considered.
Minimum 5 years in a research-intensive environment.
Demonstrated success in grant writing and research administration or fund raising.
Experience managing large-scale research projects and/or teams.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred

Experience working with academia, government or industry on urban issues.
Familiarity with university-based institutes or tech-oriented innovative firms/startups.
Experience in donor relations and philanthropy.

Application InstructionsClick "Apply Now" to submit your resume and cover letter in ONE document.This position offers a comprehensive and an annual salary range of $71,856 to $119,681.The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by of the collective agreement between the University and the Association of Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.About Us:The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people - from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. .At the University of Alberta, we are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible hiring process for all candidates. If you require accommodations to participate in the interview process, please let us know at the time of booking your interview and we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those individuals selected for an interview will be contacted.All University employees have a responsibility to foster a workplace that prioritizes safety in all its forms-physical, cultural, and psychological. This is achieved by promoting a safe environment, adhering to all safety laws, policies and procedures, completing all required safety training, identifying hazards and implementing controls, reporting incidents, and contributing to a culture of belonging and respect, while endeavoring to ensure that all colleagues feel valued and safe to express their thoughts, perspectives and concerns.The University of Alberta is committed to creating a university community where everyone feels valued, barriers to success are removed, and thriving connections are fostered. We welcome applications from all qualified persons. We encourage women, First Nations, Métis and Inuit persons, members of visible minority groups, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity and expression, and all those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas and the University to apply.L'Université de l'Alberta s'engage à créer une communauté universitaire où chaque personne se sent valorisée, où les obstacles à la réussite sont éliminés et où des connexions enrichissantes peuvent se développer. Nous accueillons les demandes de toutes les personnes qualifiées. Nous encourageons les femmes; Premières nations, Métis et Inuits; membres des groupes minoritaires visibles; personnes handicapées; personnes de toute orientation sexuelle ou identité et expression de genre; et toutes les personnes qui peuvent contribuer à la diversification des idées et à l'université à postuler.About the Team: The is one of the world's leading institutions for business education and research. As the first and longest continually accredited business school in Canada, it is also one of the country's largest, with 70 faculty members, 2,100 undergraduate students, and 950 graduate students. Since its inception in 1916, the school's innovative thinking, entrepreneurial spirit, and leadership have shaped communities and businesses around the world. With a vision to develop and inspire entrepreneurial leaders from Alberta for the world, the School excels in research, teaching, and external engagement.

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