Associate Director, Operations and Administration

Who We Are

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.

Established in 2019, and based out of 312 Main Street in Vancouver, SFUs Community Engaged Research Initiative (CERi) is a centre that builds capacity for community-engaged research, locally, nationally and beyond. Designed around a collaborative research infrastructure, CERi promotes principles of participation, cooperation, social transformation, and knowledge translation to lift and strengthen the capacity of SFUs researchers and students, to engage respectfully and ethically with communities.

CERi focuses on reciprocal relationships between universities and civil society organizations, Indigenous Nations, and community members. This allows our researchers and students to develop meaningful and productive research partnerships that are capable of making a positive difference.

The Associate Director, Administration & Operations provides organizational, administrative, financial and operational leadership for the Community-Engaged Research Initiative (CERi). The role ensures CERi’s programs and partnerships are supported by sound financial planning, effective staffing structures, compliant administrative systems and reliable organizational processes. Working collaboratively within CERi’s shared directorship model, the Associate Director is responsible for overseeing budgets, human resources processes, contracting, procurement, compliance, risk mitigation and operational systems.

The Associate Director ensures CERi has the infrastructure, procedures and resources necessary to deliver high-quality programs and partnerships aligned with institutional standards and operational requirements.

Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance or a related discipline and seven years of related experience in financial management, human resources, operations, contract management and administrative leadership, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

• Strong knowledge of university governance, policies, financial systems and operational processes.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, guide HR processes and interpret policy and regulatory requirements.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proven capacity to supervise staff, manage multiple priorities and maintain confidentiality.

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 Staff Association (APSA):

• 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! View our benefits brochure

* Prorated for part-time employees

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 facilitating accessibility within our application and interview processes. If you require any assistance or accommodations, please contact