Director, Research Strategic Initiatives; Security

Position Purpose

Reporting to the Associate Vice‑President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship (AVP‑IPE), the Director will have overall strategic and operational responsibility for planning and development of institutional strategic research initiatives that have significant research security aspects including the controlled goods program as well as the Institutional Research Security plan. These initiatives also overlap with cybersecurity and cybersafety, research data management or artificial intelligence.

The Director is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to meet the research security objectives of the University relating to research and commercialization activities within the Office of the Vice President Research and Innovation (OVPRI). The Director acts as the main champion for research security and safeguarding of research across uOttawa’s research and innovation enterprise by providing high‑quality guidance and support to the OVPRI, administrative units, faculties and researchers in order to increase the awareness, understanding and requirements relating to research security as outlined in the Federal government and other related guidelines from governmental agencies.

• Oversee and manage institutional research strategic initiatives led by the OVPRI that require ongoing assessment and monitoring of research security‑related aspects.
• As a member of the AVP‑IPE leadership team, provide advice and recommendations to the OVPRI executive on strategic research initiatives, projects, programs, and policy to enhance research activities and ensure alignment within the portfolio.
• Engage members of the University community (staff, faculty, and administrative and academic leaders at all levels) and a range of external community contacts on OVPRI strategic initiatives, projects, programs and policy to encourage and facilitate greater collaboration among groups, centers, faculties and partners.

• Masters degree, preferably with a strong research background or equivalent experience.
• PhD would be considered an asset.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in progressively senior positions leading strategic research initiatives and advancing research security within a research‑intensive or post‑secondary environment (or similar complex organization).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the research security landscape, its geo‑political context relevant to research and innovation and an understanding of vulnerabilities to research and innovation security (including cybersecurity and intellectual property).
• Knowledge of the university and research environment and the ability to understand the processes that support the mobilization of research results into the private sector.
• Knowledge of granting and contracting practices, policies and guidelines of federal and provincial funding agencies and departments as well as granting foundations, in particular as they relate to safeguarding of research and research security.
• Ability to develop and nurture high‑trust relationships with a broad range of stakeholders from the academic, public and private sectors.
• Strong track record of strategic and operational planning, including project management, performance and results measurement.
• Robust analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
• Experience in using computer systems and software, such as Windows, Power Point, word processors, spreadsheets, databases, e‑mail, Internet.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically about complex issues, leading to thoughtful recommendations and action plans.
• Ability to work independently, manage overlapping deadlines and shifting priorities while exercising excellent judgment at all times.
• Exercise tact, diplomacy and discretion when interacting with university administrators, researchers and external stakeholders of varying rank.
• Experience creating and making presentations in both official languages for various audiences.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French.