Director, Research Security

About Toronto Metropolitan
At the intersection of mind and action, Toronto Metropolitan University is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

In April 2022, the university announced our new name of Toronto Metropolitan University, which will be implemented in a phased approach. Learn more about our next chapter.

About the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation 

As Canada’s comprehensive innovation university, Toronto Metropolitan University engages in scholarly, research and creative (SRC) activity that addresses real-world challenges to drive economic growth and improve quality of life for Canadians.
Our strong focus on innovation and evidence-based research has made us a preferred partner for government, industry, not-for-profit organizations, communities and individuals. Together, we are improving processes, developing new technologies and services, and creating new companies and social enterprises.

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) establishes the strategic direction and oversees the administration of Toronto Metropolitan University’s scholarly, research and creative activity (SRC) enterprise, including grants administration, external funding, SRC policies, partnerships and collaborations, commercialization, and business development. 

The Opportunity
The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) is looking for a Director, Research Security.

The Director will act as a champion for research risk management, security and safeguarding of research by providing expert advice and support to the OVPRI, administrative units, faculties and researchers in order to increase the awareness and ensure alignment with Federal government research security guidelines. 

This role will lead the identification, development and implementation of the strategic direction to meet the research risk management and security objectives of the University. The Director is responsible for engaging with government officials on the identification, assessment and mitigation of research security threats. The Director will serve as a resource to senior leadership for best practices regarding research security, including risk mitigation and data governance.

Qualifications
To help us learn more about you, please provide a cover letter and resume describing how you meet the following required qualifications:

• Completion of a Master’s degree, preferably with a strong research background. 
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in progressively senior positions advancing research security or leading project management or risk management within a post-secondary environment and / or industry or similarly complex organization.
• Experience in project management, leading and supporting large scale change initiatives.
• Experience developing and leading research security or risk mitigation related training initiatives for relevant stakeholders.
• Experience working with members of a senior leadership team on organization-wide committees and collaboratively with multiple stakeholders. 
• Experience and knowledge of university policies and procedures and an understanding of the University’s organizational structure, including its governance is a strong asset 
• Experience working with Federal ministries/agencies.
• Experience working with researchers, particularly in a post-secondary environment, is a strong asset.
• A strong understanding of systemic issues and analysis of the legal and legislative frameworks related to research security and experience developing security components for research and innovation applications, proposals and partnerships, including advising on relevant security processes and approvals. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of the geo-political context relevant to research and innovation.
• The understanding of vulnerabilities to research and innovation security, cyber security, intellectual property and data governance.
• Strong track record of strategic and operational planning, including project management, performance and results measurement.
• The ability to conduct research of superior quality on improving research security and risk management, including collating and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data and information in order to draft reports, provide briefing materials and recommendations to a range of audiences including senior leadership. 
• Proven ability to align work priorities and realize strategic goals.
  Intellectual acumen and approach to facilitate credibility and foster trust and strong, productive working relationships.
• Innovative and strategic thinker with a broad vision for the role of research security in achieving institutional excellence.
• A high level of interpersonal and oral and written communication skills and the capacity to listen effectively and sensitively to a broad range of diverse stakeholders, including faculty and staff members.
• The professional confidence and communication skills to effectively engage community members on what can be contentious or delicate issues, prepare reports and make presentations.
• Good facilitation skills to lead groups to productive outcomes.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills.
• Depth and breadth of knowledge of research funding programs, understanding of external funding and funding procedures is preferred.

Additional Information
Position Number(s):  20004601
Reports To: Associate Vice President, Research and Innovation
Vacancy Type:  TERM  
Employee Group: MAC  
Work Location:  Hybrid
Start Date: ASAP
End Date:  1 year from start date
Hours of Work: 36.25
Grade and Step: D71
Salary Scale: $114,956-$183,631 (Hiring salary range – $114,956-$149,294)
Application Close Date: March 15, 2023

Additional Notes: 

• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Applicants who do not meet all of the posted qualifications may, upon the University’s sole discretion, be considered to fill a vacancy on an underfill basis.
  Candidates must have a demonstrated record of dependability/reliability and a commitment to maintain confidentiality.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.  
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University’s career site.

Toronto Metropolitan University is committed to the principles of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), and aims to ensure that independence, dignity, integration and equality of opportunity are embedded in all aspects of the university culture.
 
We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, beginning with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please contact hr@ryerson.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.