Director, Research, Learning and Engagement

Simon Fraser University; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid-work program

Employer-paid pension plan

Tuition waiver for employees

Tuition reimbursements and development

4 weeks vacation

Job summary

Simon Fraser University (Vancouver) seeks a Director, Research, Learning & Engagement for CERi to provide academic, research, and strategic leadership. The role advances CER across the university by supporting faculty and students, strengthening partnerships, and advising leadership on best practices in engaged scholarship.

The Director will work with the Academic Director and AVPR, shaping research direction while promoting equity, reconciliation and community collaboration in line with SFU’s

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with ten years of experience in CER; leadership and program design.
• Expertise in participatory and community-based research; ethical engagement.
• Strong equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in research contexts; strong communication.

Responsibilities

• Lead CER-related research programs and training initiatives.
• Advance community-engaged research across the university.
• Advise institutional leadership on engaged scholarship best practices.
• Foster reciprocal, ethical and impactful partnerships with communities.

Skills

Community-based research

Research leadership

Partnership development

Scholarly writing

Communication & facilitation

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Established in 2019, and based out of 312 Main Street in Vancouver, SFU’s Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERi) is a centre that builds capacity for community-engaged research, locally, nationally and beyond. Designed around a collaborative research infrastructure, CERi promotes principles of participation, cooperation, social transformation, and knowledge translation to lift and strengthen the capacity of SFU’s researchers and students, to engage respectfully and ethically with communities. CERi focuses on reciprocal relationships between universities and civil society organizations, Indigenous Nations, and community members. This allows our researchers and students to develop meaningful and productive research partnerships that are capable of making a positive difference.

About the Role

The Director, Research, Learning & Engagement, CERi provides organizational, academic, research,and strategic leadership for SFU’s Community-Engaged Research Initiative (CERi). The position advances community-engaged research (CER) across the university by supporting faculty and student learning, strengthening research partnerships, developing and disseminating knowledge mobilization strategies and advising institutional leadership on best practices in engaged scholarship. Working collaboratively with the Academic Director of CERi and reporting to the AVPR, the Director is responsible for leading CER-related research programs, training initiatives, scholarly engagement and sector innovation, ensuring alignment with SFU’s Academic Plan, Research Plan and institutional commitments to equity, reconciliation and community partnership. The Director functions as CERi’s senior academic lead, shaping research direction and fostering a culture of reciprocal, ethical and impactful community-engaged scholarship.

Full Job Description

Qualifications

PhD in a relevant discipline and ten years of experience in community-engaged research, research leadership, partnership development and academic program design, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated expertise in participatory and community-based research methods, ethical engagement and knowledge mobilization.
• Strong understanding of equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization in research contexts.
• Proven ability to develop and sustain collaborative relationships with community partners, faculty, students and staff.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and scholarly writing skills.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more! View our benefits brochure

*Prorated for part-time employees

Additional Information

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

There is an Identified Departmental Candidate.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [e-mail].