Director, Global Centre for Climate Action

OCAD University acknowledges the ancestral territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Haudenosaunee, the Anishinaabeg and the Huron-Wendat, who are the original owners and custodians of the land on which _we live, work and create._

**NOTE: THIS APPOINTMENT IS OPEN ONLY TO PERMANENT OCAD U FACULTY MEMBERS.**

Reporting to the Governing Committee of the Global Centre for Climate Action (GCCA), the Director of the Global Centre for Climate Action will provide visionary leadership and strategic oversight to advance the Centre’s mission of integrating art, design, and sustainability. This role involves leading interdisciplinary research, fostering global and local partnerships, and overseeing the Centre’s operations, programming, and initiatives. The Director will ensure that the Centre’s work aligns with OCAD University’s strategic priorities of sustainability, decolonization, and social justice. The GCCA is a centre dedicated to addressing the climate crisis through innovative art, design, and research. With a commitment to decolonization and social justice, the GCCA integrates creative vision with sustainable practices to foster interdisciplinary collaborations and amplify calls for cultural transformation. The Centre operates across physical and virtual spaces, including the OCAD University (OCAD U) campus and the Bathurst Quay Silos, and serves as a hub for global climate action initiatives.

**Summary of Responsibilities**:

- Strategic Leadership:_
- Develop and implement the strategic vision and goals of the GCCA in alignment with OCAD University’s Academic & Strategic Plan
- Provide leadership in framing creative, cross-disciplinary climate action and research through a lens of social justice and decolonization
- Fundraising:_
- Oversee fundraising strategies to ensure financial sustainability for the work of the GCCA, including its operational structure
- Work with Advancement, Government Relations and the Research Office to determine fundraising goals associated with public grants and private sector sponsorship
- Lead fundraising efforts with major gift donors and corporate foundations and be the face of the GCCA
- Operational Oversight:_
- Oversee the daily operations of the Centre, including managing staff, budgets, and resources
- Ensure effective use and maintenance of both physical sites (OCAD U campus and Bathurst Quay Silos) and virtual resources
- Program Development and Management:_
- Design and implement innovative programs, exhibitions, and events that advance the Centre’s mission and engage diverse audiences
- Coordinate research initiatives, artist residencies, and public art projects that address climate change and social justice issues
- Partnerships and Collaboration:_
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with local and global organizations, Indigenous communities, scholars, artists, and activists
- Facilitate interdisciplinary collaborations and build networks to enhance the Centre’s impact and visibility
- Advocacy and Representation:_
- Represent the Centre in public forums, conferences, and meetings, promoting its mission and achievements
- Advocate for the integration of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives in climate action and sustainability initiatives
- Governance and Administration:_
- Serve as a key member of the Governing Committee, contributing to decisions on policy, programming, and appointments
- Oversee compliance with the Centre’s governance structure and ensure adherence to OCAD University’s policies and procedures including but not limited to the Policy on the Establishment and Review of Research Organizations
- Research and Innovation:_
- Drive research initiatives that explore new forms of creative and interdisciplinary approaches to climate action
- Support the development and dissemination of research findings through the Centre’s virtual portal and other platforms
- Community Engagement:_
- Foster a vibrant community of scholars, artists, and activists dedicated to climate action and social justice
- Engage with local communities and Indigenous groups to ensure that the Centre’s work reflects and respects their interests and needs

**Qualifications**:

- A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Environmental Studies, Art and Design, Social Justice, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline
- Proven track record of leadership in a research or creative institution, with experience in managing complex projects and interdisciplinary teams; experience in climate action, sustainability, or social justice is highly desirable
- Must be a current permanent faculty member at OCAD U
- A minimum of ten (10) years of experience at the post-secondary level
- Strong leadership and strategic planning abilities
- Excellent communication and public speaking skills
- Ability to build and maintain partnerships with diverse stakeholders
- Experience with budget management and resource allocation
- Familiarity with Indigenous pers