Head of Research & Innovation, Social Innovation Institute

George Brown College; Toronto; On-site; CAD 117,000 - 137,000; Full time

Job summary

George Brown Polytechnic in Toronto is seeking a Head of Research & Innovation, Social Innovation Institute to lead the Institute's operations, people, partnerships and research activities. The role reports to the Associate Vice-President, Research & Innovation and focuses on building externally funded research opportunities while ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.

You will advance proposals, budgets and risk management, oversee multidisciplinary teams and collaborate

Qualifications

• A master's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience.
• At least five years of people management experience.
• Experience in partnership development and relationship management.
• Project Management certification or PMP designation is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of social sciences research design and funding programs.
• Excellent communication, collaboration and leadership skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Social Innovation Institute's operations and employees, including service delivery and staff development.
• Develop partnerships with industry, community, government and academics to expand research opportunities.
• Oversee development of research proposals, project plans, contracts and funding opportunities.
• Develop and manage operating, grant and project budgets and provide reports.
• Identify and manage operational and project risks and ensure compliance.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

People management

Partnership development

Project management

Proposal development

Communication

Negotiation

Financial analysis

Leadership

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Competition Number: REQ 7493

TITLE: Head of Research & Innovation, Social Innovation Institute

DIVISION: Research & Innovation

SALARY: Band 12, $116,500-$1 37,043

HOURS PER WEEK: 37.5 Hours per week

LOCATION: 185 Queens Quay East

WORK MODALITY: Hybrid

STATUS: Full-time

VACANCY: New

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 16,2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

George Brown Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic 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.

GBP Vision

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

Position Description

Reporting to theAssociate Vice-President, Research & Innovation, the Head of Research &Innovation, Social Innovation Institute leads the Institute's operations,people, partnerships and research activities. The role develops opportunitiesfor externally funded research, oversees Institute budgets and projects, andbuilds relationships with academic areas, funders and external partners. As amember of the Office of Research & Innovation's senior leadership team, theHead supports institutional research priorities while ensuring the Institute'sactivities meet funding, policy and regulatory requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Social Innovation Institute's operations and employees, including service delivery, workload planning, staff development and continuous improvement.
• Develop partnerships with industry, community, government and academic stakeholders to expand research opportunities and support student and employee involvement in Institute activities.
• Oversee the development of research proposals, project plans, contracts and agreements, and identify funding opportunities aligned with the Institute's capabilities and institutional priorities.
• Develop and manage operating, grant and project budgets; monitor financial performance and provide reports to Polytechnic leadership and funders.
• Identify and manage operational and project risks, and ensure Institute activities comply with applicable Polytechnic policies, funding requirements and research standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Educational and Experience Requirements

• A master's degree in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience, competencies and industry knowledge
• At least five (5) years of people management experience, including leading multidisciplinary social innovation teams, improving processes and providing performance feedback.
• Experience in partnership development and relationship management, preferably in a postsecondary and/or research and innovation environment.
• Project Management certification or a PMP designation would be an asset. Skills and Attributes
• Advanced knowledge of social sciences research design and methodology, postsecondary research funding programs, and Canadian legal and regulatory research requirements.
• Strong research proposal development, program management, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to assess opportunities and risks across academic disciplines and interpret complex financial information.
• Broad leadership skills managing a diverse team of experienced individuals.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated commitment to uphold the polytechnic's priorities on equity, diversity, inclusion and Indigenization (EDII).

Interview process may consist of a practical skills component.

Notes

• The Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic 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 great place to work. See why we are consistently ranked as one of GTA's top employers.

Why work here?

George Brown Polytechnic 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 Polytechnic is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities throughout the hiring process, in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA). Candidates who require accommodation in the hiring process may contact [e-mail] confidentially.