Head of Research & Innovation, Social Innovation Institute

Competition Number: REQ 7493

TITLE: Head of Research & Innovation, Social Innovation Institute

DIVISION: Research & Innovation

SALARY: Pay band 12, $116,500 to $137,043

HOURS PER WEEK: 37.5

LOCATION: 185 Queens Quay East

WORK MODALITY: Hybrid

STATUS: Full Time Admin

VACANCY: New

EFFECTIVE DATE: November 16, 2026

CLOSING DATE: Open until filled.

Land Acknowledgement: 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 the Associate 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 opportunities for externally funded research, oversees Institute budgets and projects, and builds relationships with academic areas, funders and external partners. As a member of the Office of Research & Innovation’s senior leadership team, the Head supports institutional research priorities while ensuring the Institute’s activities 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.

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 [email protected] confidentially.