Head of Research & Innovation, Brookfield Sustainability Institute

George Brown College; Toronto; Hybrid; CAD 116,000 - 138,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent educational institution in Toronto seeks a Head of Research & Innovation for the Brookfield Sustainability Institute. This leadership role involves overseeing research activities, building partnerships, and securing funding to enhance institutional research efforts. The ideal candidate has significant experience in project management and business development, coupled with a relevant master's degree. The position offers a competitive salary and contributes to vital educational goals in Ontario.

Benefits

Competitive pension plan

Generous holiday and vacation time

Tuition assistance program

Discounted rates for Continuing Education courses

Qualifications

• Minimum of 7 years of people management experience.
• Experience in business development in a postsecondary or innovation environment.
• Knowledge in research design, methods, and ethics.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day BSI activities and manage BSI employees.
• Identify ways to grow BSI activities and secure contracts.
• Develop funding proposals and manage budget and financials.

Skills

Leadership

Project Management

Negotiation

Conflict resolution

Problem-solving

Communication

Customer service

Collaboration

Education

MBA or Master's degree in a relevant field

Job description

TITLE: Head of Research & Innovation, Brookfield Sustainability Institute

SALARY: Payband 12, $116,500 to $137,043 annually

STATUS: ContractAdmin

EFFECTIVE DATE: Immediately to September 30, 2026

LandAcknowledgement

George Brown College is located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and other Indigenous peoples who have lived here over time. We are grateful to share this land as treaty people who learn, work, and live in the community with each other.

Equity Statement

George Brown College is committed to creating and sustaining an equitable and inclusive learning and working environment. We encourage and actively seek applications from Indigenous, Black, racialized people, visible minorities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, all genders, and persons with disabilities.

GBC Vision

To be a college renowned for its inclusion, excellence, relevance, impact, and leadership.

Position Description

Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Research & Innovation (AVPRI), the Head of Research & Innovation, Brookfield Sustainability Institute (BSI) provides leadership, operational oversight and risk management for the BSI including planning, budgeting, administering, staffing and delivering BSI activities. This includes ensuring compliance with college, departmental and funder policies and procedures; establishing and managing BSI programs and services; directing BSI operations; business and partnership development; encouraging research, scholarship and creative activities; and providing mentorship, coaching and support for GBC employees and students affiliated with the BSI.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Oversight of BSI Activities – Oversee day-to-day BSI activities, ensuring that employees receive sufficient and appropriate support and guidance to fulfil their roles and responsibilities. Manage BSI employees including workload management, assigning and delegating projects and tasks based on positions, expertise, and capacity. Foster GBC’s reputation as a leader in research and innovation, focusing on excellence in student learning by encouraging GBC employee and student involvement in BSI activities.
• Partnership Development and Relationship Management – Identify strategic ways to grow BSI activities, analyze and monitor portfolio growth and decline, and provide solutions to increase productivity. Secure contracts and oversee the preparation, review and execution of BSI contracts and agreements, including non-disclosure agreements, memoranda of understanding and research collaboration agreements. Oversee the collection of external stakeholder feedback and evaluate the success of the project against defined objectives.
• Funding, Budget and Financial Management – Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of research funding programs, processes and procedures in order to maximize funding opportunities. Source and monitor external funding opportunities, write funding proposals, and manage the process of submitting funding applications to funding agencies.
• Policy Compliance and Risk Management – Proactively identify and mitigate operational and project risks and create an environment that encourages other employees to identify and report risks encountered during the course of their duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• MBA or Masters degree in a relevant field of study from a recognized post-secondary institute, or equivalent work experience/competency and industry knowledge.
• Project Management certification or PMP designation would be an asset.
• Minimum of seven (7) years people management experience, including leading teams, leading process improvement and providing performance feedback as well as project feedback to Senior Level Management Teams.
• Experience in business development, preferably in a postsecondary and/or research and innovation environment.
• Experience creating business plans and processes, including project management processes, and implementing efficient, cost-effective operational activities.
• Experience building and maintaining trusting relationships with senior leadership teams, along with all levels of staff, students, government funding agencies, and industry partners.
• Experience conducting outreach activities and building partnerships as a representative of the department and the organization, leading tours and presentations.
• Experience and knowledge in research design and methods and ethics, intellectual property, and responsible conduct of research.

Skills and Attributes

• Demonstrated understanding of Canadian legal and regulatory research requirements.
• Advanced knowledge of postsecondary research funding programs and requirements.
• Highly skilled in research proposal development and program management.
• Proven ability to assess opportunities and associated risk across a variety of academic disciplines.
• Demonstrated negotiation, conflict resolution and problem‑solving skills.
• Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing priorities; demonstrated ability to manage complex situations and stakeholder relationships with tact and care.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and manage complex financial data.
• Excellent customer service, communication, collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to uphold the College’s priorities on diversity and equity.
• Able to travel offsite to meet potential clients.

Interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes

• The College requires proof of degrees, credentials, or equivalencies from accredited regional or federal post-secondary institutions and/or their international equivalents. Credentials may require validation at the time of interviews or offer.

About Us

George Brown College prides itself on educating students through real‑world learning, in the heart of Toronto. Our faculty and employees make this vision a reality, and we support them by making George Brown a leader in higher education.

George Brown College offers hybrid work opportunities, a competitive pension plan, generous holiday and vacation time, a tuition assistance program, discounted rates for employees taking Continuing Education courses, and an equitable work environment where everyone matters.

George Brown College is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).