Director, Academic Research

We are looking for the visionaries, the change-makers, the self-starters who are seeking more from their career. Change begins with the small decisions we make, each day, to support each other and strive to create inspiring incredible educational experiences for all students, no matter where they are or how they learn. This concept connects deeply to the idea that, in choosing a career with Yorkville University and Toronto Film School, you will have the opportunity to push boundaries, flex your creativity and inspire positive change for so many people. It’s also a call-back to the transformative power of education itself.

Our core values put the student experience at the center of what we do, reflecting who we are and aspire to be. If you want to shine a light on academic excellence, be empowered to make an impact on the transformation of the Canadian post-secondary education landscape, and work collaboratively beyond levels, join us.

**Who we need**

Reporting to the university Provost, we have a newly created opportunity for a Director, Academic Research. In this highly influential and visible role, you will develop and implement a strategy that promotes and supports faculty research, strengthening its visibility and impact. You will cultivate a research culture across the university that inspires, incentivizes and supports faculty who are undertaking research. Working closely with the Centre for Excellence and Innovation in Teaching (CTEI), you will encourage research related to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) with the goal of helping Yorkville University develop research-backed strengths in digital learning and non-traditional and mature learners. Additionally, you will focus on cultivating thought leadership and research on emerging issues in our areas of professional practice.
- This is a hybrid role, working 2 days a week from one of our locations in Toronto, Vancouver or Fredericton._

**What's in it for you**
- Impact. _Your role will be crucial in supporting faculty and academic leaders as Yorkville University's B.C. campus pilots a new workload model in 2025, requiring full-time and continuing faculty to engage in research. This pioneering framework, which other campuses will adopt starting in 2026, will drive a culture of research excellence across the university. You will play a key role in refining research guidelines and shaping the future of academic research across our campuses.
- Ownership and Influence._ No other higher education institution in Canada operates on our scale. As part of our growing team, you will play a critical role at a university dedicated to growth and delivering high-quality programs and research opportunities in British Columbia, New Brunswick, and Ontario. This level of exposure is unmatched and will significantly broaden and deepen your experience and influence in the field.
- Career Development. _We are disrupting traditional post-secondary education. Yorkville University and Toronto Film School are progressive, forward-thinking institutions. You will play a key role in ensuring the successful elevation of our reputation and recognition, directly impacting current and future students. In this high-visibility role, you will be closely supported by your manager and collaborate with leadership to ensure we exceed our goals for published academic research. Whether you aspire to advance within this department, move into a specific program, or explore other areas of governance or university leadership, this is an exciting time to join us.

**As our new Director, Academic Research, you will**:

- Provide strategic leadership. You will develop and implement a strategy to foster excellence in research at Yorkville. You will create and disseminate messaging that clearly articulates areas of focus and methods most appropriate for the programs we offer and the roles we serve in Canadian higher education.
- Drive research support. You will work with key academic leaders to implement resources for faculty development of research proposals. You will organize professional development and mentoring for faculty to enhance research skills; proposal writing; funding request; publishing; applied research, SoTL, etc.
- Ensure funding access. You will identify funding sources and grants for research being undertaken at Yorkville. In the longer term, you will build eligibility for tri-council funding.
- Promote research. You will work with faculty who are conducting research to increase their visibility and impact, internally and externally. You will work with external organizations, media and professional publications and identifying conferences and other public for where faculty can showcase their work.
- Increase community engagement. You will foster partnerships with industry, government, and non-profit organizations to enhance research impact. You will engage with external stakeholders to promote Yorkville’s research initiatives and successes. You will represent