Operational Lead - Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR)

Yukon University; Whitehorse; On-site; CAD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Whitehorse is seeking an Operational Lead for the Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR). This full-time position focuses on overseeing research operations and building partnerships within the Yukon's unique context. The ideal candidate will have a graduate degree and substantial experience in managing research projects and teams, particularly within Indigenous communities. The role offers a competitive wage and the potential for contract extension.

Qualifications

• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or research administration.
• Strong knowledge of health research environments, ideally in northern, rural, or Indigenous contexts.
• Experience managing budgets and evaluation processes.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for staff and operations.
• Ensure administration of research activities meet relevant requirements.
• Build partnerships with Yukon First Nations and territorial partners.

Skills

Leadership skills

Project management

Research funding knowledge

Relationship building with Indigenous communities

Education

Graduate degree in a relevant field

Job description

Operational Lead - Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR)

YukonU Research Center, Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus

Term: January 2026 – March 2027 (possibility of extension)

Full‑time (75 hours bi‑weekly)

Wage: $45.15 – $53.75 hourly

Employment Opportunity Number: 25.147

Closing Date: Jan 12, 2026

The Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR) is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and relationship‑driven Operational Lead to help shape the future of health research in the Yukon. This leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, understands the unique context of research in northern and Indigenous communities, and is committed to supporting teams and building capacity across the territory’s research ecosystem.

Reporting to the Scientific Director, the Operational Lead oversees the day‑to‑day management and operations of YSPOR. This includes ensuring the Unit meets its obligations to Yukon University and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and advancing YSPOR’s mission to support community‑driven, culturally grounded, and impactful health research in the Yukon.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for staff, operations, budgets, reporting systems, and funding programs.
• Ensure efficient administration of research activities, including tracking, evaluation, and compliance with YukonU and CIHR requirements.
• Lead convening and knowledge mobilization activities, and oversee YSPOR’s communications (website, newsletters, social media).
• Build meaningful partnerships with Yukon First Nations governments, territorial partners, NGOs, and national SPOR entities.
• Strengthen coordination and sustainable research capacity across the Yukon through relationship‑based, respectful approaches.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in a relevant field (health, social sciences, administration, business) or equivalent experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or research administration.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience supporting teams.
• Strong knowledge of research funding systems and health research environments, ideally in northern, rural, or Indigenous contexts.
• Proven ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities.
• Experience managing budgets, evaluation processes, communications platforms, and public‑facing materials.

If you are a thoughtful leader who values collaboration, ethical research, and strengthening northern capacity, we would love to hear from you.

Contact

Michelle Leach
Scientific Director, YSPOR SUPPORT Unit
[e-mail]
867 332 3062

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self‑identify as Yukon First Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.

Quoting the employment opportunity number, please send your cover letter and resume to:
Human Resource Services
Yukon University, Box 2799
Whitehorse, Yukon, Y1A 5K4
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]

Applicants should clearly outline all relevant qualifications since selection for interview will be based on applications submitted. A statement of qualifications, which outlines the selection standards, and a position description are available in PDF format for all Bargaining Unit positions, by following the links above.

Please be prepared to provide official transcripts upon request.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, but advise that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.