Executive Director, Lawson Climate Institute

Executive Director, Lawson Climate Institute

Date Posted: 06/24/2026

Req

Faculty/Division:
Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering

Department:
Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng

Campus:
St. George (Downtown Toronto)

Existing Vacancy:
Yes

The Lawson Climate Institute (LCI) at the University of Toronto is a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to accelerating the university’s capacity to advance the technologies, policies and incentives needed to make the global transition to net zero. Launched in April 2025 through a transformative $60‑million donation from the Brian and Joannah Lawson Foundation, the institute serves as a central catalyst for climate‑related research, innovation and collaboration across the university.

Its activities are organised around four strategic pillars:
Sustainable Innovation and Technology;
Climate Policy and Sustainable Finance;
Leaders for a Sustainable Future; and Campus as a Living Lab.

Worked in close partnership with the Office of Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) and other university units, the Executive Director drives the development and execution of strategic initiatives and programs to advance the Institute’s mission. The incumbent leads stakeholder engagement, scaling the Institute to achieve its global ambitions, and provides strategic leadership for Institute initiatives, fostering and supporting partnerships both within and beyond the university.

• Establish clear short‑term (1 year) and longer‑term (3–5 years) performance objectives for the Institute.
• Identify, support and prioritise external funding opportunities and initiatives.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships across institutional, governmental, sectoral and geographic borders.
• Develop thematic research, policy and solutions strategies.
• Oversee strategic communications plans and prepare key documents including internal and external progress/impact and financial reports.
• Support and manage the Institute’s governance and implement research and collaboration funds.
• Allocate budgets, hire and manage staff.
• Develop and execute an efficient plan for significant growth and number of initiatives within the Institute.
• Ensure alignment across priorities through coordination, oversight and alignment with ISI and other university units.

Post‑graduate degree in a related area to the theme of innovation, technology and society or an acceptable combination of education and experience. A PhD is highly desirable.

• Ten (10) years’ experience in strategy development, implementation and external relations.
• Experience in a senior administrative role managing complex relationships in a university environment or other large organisation.
• Knowledge and experience in organisational governance.
• Demonstrated experience in financial, human resources and communications management.
• Experience in a high‑growth unit is an asset.
• Experience leading teams and managing people in complex organisational settings; experience in a unionised environment is an asset.

• Proven ability to assess opportunities across a variety of disciplines and interdisciplinary opportunities.
• Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, project management, organisational and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Creative problem solving and decision making.
• Mentorship abilities.
• Computer competency with spreadsheet, database and word processing applications.

Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, gain and maintain the respect of senior administration and move strategy through to tactics and action. Ability to work with senior university officers and external stakeholders to facilitate cooperation and consensus building. Ability to lead communications efforts and strategy and to speak for and about the Institute’s mission. Comfortable, credible and persuasive within academic, government or business environments.

Ability to initiate, build and nurture academic and research partnerships. Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities. Excellent political acuity, tact, judgment and discretion. Ability to…