Senior Strategist, Digital Research Infrastructure

Date Posted: 01/07/2026 Req ID: 46554 Faculty/Division: VP - Research Department: Centre for Research & Innovation Support Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto) Description: About us: The Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) portfolio supports the University of Toronto as a top public research university in the world. Our mission is to create the most supportive environment possible so that our researchers, innovators and learners can do what they do best— advance understanding and apply new knowledge. Our work supports, fosters and promotes the research and innovation culture and activities of our faculty, staff and students, along with our partner hospitals, funding sponsors, and partners in the public and private sector. VPRI provides a full range of services including guidance to faculty, staff and students on funding opportunities, research agreement negotiation, oversight and accountability services including research accounting, environmental health and safety, innovation and entrepreneurship, partnerships, policies and procedures, and institutional awards and honours. Your Opportunity: Reporting to the Director, Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS) and the Associate Vice-President and Vice-Provost, Strategic Initiatives, the Senior Strategist, Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) (SS, DRI) plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping and advancing the University of Toronto’s digital research ecosystem. The Senior Strategist establishes relations and networks with internal and external stakeholders, identifies, cultivates and coordinates multi-divisional initiatives to facilitate collaboration towards a common purpose and agreement on institutional DRI priorities. The Senior Strategist works closely with key internal and external stakeholders to develop and implement institutional strategies that enhance digital research infrastructure, including research computing, research software, research data management (RDM) and cybersecurity. This effort will help ensure that the University has a Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) system capable of efficiently addressing the emerging needs and opportunities within the research community. In this capacity, the Senior Strategist will support the development of short and long-term institutional strategies by managing activities aimed at complementing the university’s digital master plan as it pertains to research, serve as DRI Committee secretariat, coordinate the implementation of the U of T Institutional Research Data Management Strategy (with UTL), develop and execute a comprehensive strategy for research computing that aligns with the institutional research strategic plan, including consideration of AI, and conduct a comprehensive assessment of current state of research computing capabilities and needs across academic divisions, including research software. Essential Qualifications: (MINIMUM) EDUCATION: A graduate degree in relevant field (e.g., Computer Science, Information Technologies, Information Science, Computer Engineering) or business degree with a relevant specialization (e.g., Business Technology Management). EXPERIENCE: Minimum of eight (8) years of relevant experience in Digital Research Infrastructure (DRI) at a university or research-focused institution Proven experience with planning and implementation of enterprise-wide research systems and/or infrastructure in a complex, decentralized, large-scale institution or research-focused environment Experience leading the development of institutional research-centric strategies or proposals that required leading digital transformation initiatives Experience in research administration, including knowledge of policies, procedures, organizational structure, and governance Deep understanding of research workflows, data lifecycle, and digital tools across disciplines Strong analytical, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas clearly and persuasively Experience building and maintaining effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, institutions, and funding organizations Knowledge of the Canadian research landscape and DRI ecosystem, and current trends in technology-enabled research Familiarity with research funding and associations, including government grants, agencies, and industry partnerships Experience advising executive leadership and contributing to institutional strategic planning and governance SKILLS: Strong understanding of enterprise-level digital infrastructure, services and systems related to the research mission Knowledge of digital research transformation and emerging digital technologies, including AI Highly developed communication skills (verbal and written) and research skills, with strong diplomacy and advocacy capabilities Proven ability to work effectively with senior administrators across institutions Solid grasp of computing infrastructure, networking, data management and research software tools Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Teams), Internet, Acrobat, and scheduling software Demonstrated ability to lead complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives with high institutional visibility and impact OTHER: Ability to operate at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain the respect of senior administration and also to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action Strong project management ability related to DRI development and implementation A diligent problem solver who can unify and motivate teams, resolve conflicts and grey zones and drive a productive culture Proven ability to exercise sound judgment, to deal with matters of extreme sensitivity and confidentiality Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a matrixed team-based environment Capacity to identify and understand emerging issues as well as set and manage multiple concurrent initiatives Proven ability to exercise sound judgement, to deal with matters of extreme sensitivity and confidentiality Closing Date:01/21/2026, 11:59PM ET Employee Group: Salaried Personnel Subarea: PM Appointment Type: Budget - Continuing Schedule: Full-Time Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: PM 4 -- Hiring Zone: $106,705 - $124,491 -- Broadband Salary Range: $106,705 - $177,843 Job Category: Administrative / Managerial #J-18808-Ljbffr