Director, Operations Hub

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Research Operations supports SFU’s research mission by providing integrated expertise across the research life cycle, from strategic funding development through implementation, compliance and long-term operational stewardship. The unit brings together research administration, institutional awards, legal, technical and operational expertise to help faculty and senior leaders pursue complex opportunities, manage institutional commitments and strengthen SFU’s research capacity. Working closely with the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation, faculties, administrative units, external partners and funders, Research Operations helps translate institutional priorities into coordinated, high-impact research initiatives that advance SFU’s vision as a leading research university committed to inclusive and sustainable impact. The Operation Hub is a new department within the portfolio.

This is an opportunity to shape how SFU delivers its most ambitious research infrastructure and institutional research initiatives. As Director, Operations Hub, you will provide senior leadership for high-value, complex projects where strategic judgment, strong governance and disciplined execution matter. You will advise senior research leaders on feasibility, risk and long-term sustainability; mobilize cross-functional expertise across the university; and build scalable operating models that help major initiatives move from concept to launch to sustainable operations. Leading a multidisciplinary team, you will play a central role in strengthening SFU’s capacity to pursue major funding opportunities and deliver research initiatives with lasting institutional impact.

You are a strategic, collaborative and credible leader who thrives in complex, high-stakes environments. You bring sound judgment, political acuity and the ability to turn ambiguity into practical plans, decisions and delivery models. You are comfortable advising senior executives, influencing across organizational boundaries and building trust with researchers, administrators, funders and partners. You are proactive, solutions-oriented and resilient under pressure, with a strong commitment to accountability, continuous improvement, equity, diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Business Administration, Public Administration, Engineering, or related field) and 8 years of directly related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Strategic leadership and decision-support skills, including the ability to assess feasibility, risk, institutional fit and long-term sustainability for complex initiatives.
• Advanced financial, operational and risk management capability, including development of contingency strategies for high-value, multi-year projects.
• Strong governance and organizational design skills, including the ability to establish decision structures, accountability mechanisms, operating models and performance measures.
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication and influencing skills with senior leaders, researchers, administrative units, funders, partners and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, mobilize matrixed institutional resources and deliver high-priority initiatives under compressed timelines.

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer continuing employees who belong in the Administrative Professional Excluded Staff group (APEX):

• 4 weeks’ vacation (prorated for the first year)*
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions
• Employer paid defined benefit pension plan
• On-campus tuition waiver for employees and their immediate family members*
• Off-campus tuition reimbursements and professional development funds*
• And more!
• Prorated for part-time employees

The pay range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for the position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the pay range.

Please include your cover letter and resume in one attachment.

SFU is an equity employer and strongly encourages applications from all qualified individuals including women, Indigenous Peoples, visible minorities, people of all sexual orientations and gender identities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of the university.

We are committed to ensuring that the application and interview process is accessible to all applicants. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact [email protected].