Director, Office of Academic Research

The Opportunity

Research with purpose starts here. At SAIT, the Office of Academic Research Services empowers our community to grow research capacity, foster partnerships, and turn ideas into real‑world impact—elevating teaching, learning, and the student experience. Join a collaborative team advancing academic and applied research that shapes the future of our learners and industry.

Job classification: M1105 – Director

Salary range: $150,000 – $175,000. Placement within the range is typically based on a review of skills, experience, and internal equity.

Hours per week: 37.5

Paid leave: 4 weeks vacation / 14 flex days per year

Final date to receive applications: 4:00 PM, Monday June 22nd 2026

• Strategic Leadership & Office Development :
  Shape the vision, service model, governance, and growth of OARS while aligning initiatives with institutional academic and research priorities. Lead the design and evolution of OARS including building capacity, establishing standards and performance measures, and overseeing institutional structure, staffing and management.
• Academic Research Services & Faculty Enablement :
  Lead and advance academic research support by delivering advisory services, providing access to internal and external funding programs, and developing initiatives that enable faculty participation and equitable access. Collaborate and strengthen partnerships, and grow research capacity and funding opportunities.
• Research Ethics, Governance, Research Policy & Compliance Oversight :
  Senior leadership and oversight of research ethics, integrity, and governance, ensuring compliance with Tri‑Agency, TCPS2, and institutional requirements while coordinating across ethics, data governance, and compliance. Serve as a key advisor to the Vice‑President, Academic and contribute to SAIT‑wide research priorities.
• Institutional Collaboration, Stakeholder Engagement, & External Engagement :
  Lead the development and implementation of SAIT's academic research framework, advancing research priorities and alignment with program quality while fostering strong partnerships with government, industry and funding bodies.
• Operational Management & Continuous Improvement :
  Guide strategic resource planning and budget oversight for academic research, while driving continuous improvement of research policies, systems, and service delivery.

• Doctorate or equivalent combination of advanced scholarly, research, or professional experience is required.
• 5‑7 years of progressive experience in academic research, research administration, higher‑education leadership, or related field.
• 2‑5 years of demonstrated experience providing strategic leadership in a post‑secondary environment, including leading cross‑functional or institution‑wide initiatives.
• Minimum 3‑5 years in a senior leadership role.
• An equivalent combination of experience and education may be considered.

• Strong strategic and systems thinking with the ability to translate institutional priorities into actionable plans.
• Deep understanding of academic research culture, faculty roles, and post‑secondary governance.
• Demonstrated ability to balance academic freedom with compliance, risk management, and institutional accountability.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills, including the ability to advise senior and executive leadership.
• Proven ability to influence, negotiate, and lead change across complex organizational environments.
• High level of judgment, professionalism, and integrity.