Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainable Business

ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

This role reports to Institute for Sustainable Food Systems Director - Kent Mullinix.

The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (ISFS) is seeking applications for a Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainable Business Strategist and Advisor who will be responsible for leading the establishment and execution of applied research and extension programming advancing sustainable food systems business in British Columbia and Canada.

The ISFS is an applied research and extension unit at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU). We investigate and support regional food systems as key elements of sustainable communities, focusing predominantly on British Columbia but also extending our programming to other regions. Our applied research focuses on the potential of regional food systems and encompasses agriculture and food, economics, community development, community health, policy, and environmental stewardship.

Our extension programming provides information and support for farmers, communities, business, policy makers, and others. Community collaboration is central to our approach.

More about us and our work is at

Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainability Business Strategist and Advisor will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, planning, execution of, and reporting on applied research focused on advancing sustainable food systems. This position also will be responsible for leading the preparation of extension materials and programming associated with research and sector development projects. Senior Research and Extension Associate – Sustainability Strategist and Business Advisor may also, from time to time, contribute to other ISFS research and extension initiatives.

The primary responsibilities of this position include:

• Conceptualization and design of research projects, independently or with ISFS Director and Research and Extension Program Manager
• Lead or contribute to preparation and submission of grant applications
• Assure adherence to grant requirements, stipulations
• Lead, plan and execute the research work according to the project timeline
• Preparation of reports to granting agencies
• Prepare technical reports, manuscripts and presentation materials
• Assure a safe, inclusive, amicable work environment
• Interact with various KPU administrative units (e.g. Finance, Human Resources, Office of Research Services etc.) as required
• Build effective, meaningful relationships with sector organizations and actors
• Guide and/ or support work of junior ISFS staff and student research assistants

The successful applicant for this position must:

• Hold a Master’s degree or a Doctorate in a related field
• Have at least 5 years of qualitative research experience and training
• Have at least 5 years of experience with project development and management
• Have a demonstrated experience with grant preparation through Tri-Agency funding programs or other funding programs
• Have a demonstrated ability to conceptualize a complex project related to sustainable food system and effectively plan and execute steps to complete it
• Have strong writing skills demonstrated by their lay and/or academic publication record
• Have demonstrated their ability to work with a high degree of autonomy and with a multi-disciplinary team
• Have strong interpersonal communication skills
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada

Anticipated hourly pay rate: $41.03