ABOUT THE ALLIANCE
The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) serves Canadian researchers, with the objective of advancing Canada’s position as a leader in the knowledge economy on the international stage. By integrating, championing, and funding the infrastructure and activities required for advanced research computing (ARC), research data management (RDM) and research software (RS), we provide the platform for the research community to access tools and services faster than ever before.
We have an ambitious mandate — to transform how research across all academic disciplines is organized, managed, stored and used. We work with other ecosystem partners and stakeholders across the country to help provide Canadian researchers with the support they need for leading-edge research excellence, research, innovation, and advancement across all disciplines.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Vice President of Strategy & Planning, the Director of Partnerships will play a key role in developing and implementing domestic and international partnership strategies. The Director has three primary areas of responsibility:
- the development and delivery of a comprehensive engagement strategy to ensure the organization’s effective and sustainable participation in DRI initiatives nationally and internationally, maximizing the benefits of the Alliance’s service delivery;
- The development and and delivery of a comprehensive business development strategy to engage with research- and data-intensive organizations that have DRI needs, including government departments, government agencies, private not-for-profit research institutes, and similar entities; and
- the review of emerging trends in DRI standards and technologies, in national and international contexts, and the development of an agile and dynamic strategy for the evolution of the Alliance’s services.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assist with the provision of specialist regional advice, briefings, and background information about international partnership opportunities.
- Assist the Vice President, Strategy & Planning in identifying emerging opportunities to develop international peer-to-peer academic/government partnerships.
- Work closely with colleagues across the Alliance’s team, especially Directors and staff in the Strategy and Planning portfolio, participating in a smooth transition from innovation to development of the Alliance’s pilot and full production platforms and services.
- Monitor and respond to developments in the research community and internationally recognized programmes.
- Research and share the global standards developed on DRI topics including advanced research computing, data management, research software, security etc. to ensure the Alliance is leveraging these standards and building products for the Canadian research community with them in mind.
- Provide timely and concise reports on key developments to the Strategy & Planning team, the Alliance’s executives, external stakeholders, and others.
- Assist in the preparation of briefing and strategy documents to inform the Alliance executive decision-making. This includes reports on research trends relevant to the DRI ecosystem, quantitative data analysis, or qualitative information relating to international collaboration.
- Where necessary, act as a key contact for the Alliance’s partners in their area of responsibility, and ensure expectations are managed appropriately and relevant opportunities acted upon.
- Effectively promote the Alliance’s interests externally to stakeholders including government officials, professional associations, peers and others.
- Maintain a registry of international partners, activities, agreements and relevant documents; preparing and organizing briefing documents on appropriate international innovations and engagements. Facilitate the Alliance’s participation in appropriate international events and engage in relevant international leadership roles.
- Build and maintain excellent working relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders to be a credible advisor on partnerships and opportunities.
- Attend relevant external meetings, feeding into government policy and providing briefings for the Alliance executives regarding new international initiatives, where necessary.
- Co-ordinate events and provide project support for the Strategy & Planning team. This involves working closely with other members of the Strategy & Planning team to deliver a high-quality programme of events which initiate and strengthen engagement with international stakeholders. In coordination with Communications, this includes the promotion of events, coordination of event logistics, managing invitations, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, writing briefings and ensuring appropriate follow-up to all events.
- Contribute ideas and project management support for other researcher engagement initiatives, including working to develop internal working groups to maintain a productive feedback cycle with the DRI community.
- Support the delivery of ad-hoc events and high-level academic engagements with partners and stakeholders as opportunities arise.
- Perform cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested. The ideal candidate will be prepared to work flexibly across multiple areas of work.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Masters-level degree in Business/Public Administration, International Relations, Public Policy, Computer Science, Engineering or equivalent is highly desirable. Undergraduate degree is required.
- Significant and practical expertise in international relations and business development with the DRI community attained by over five years of work experience is required. Over ten years of senior level experience with increasing level of seniority is highly desirable.
- A demonstrable interest in international affairs/policy will be required, as will knowledge of international research, higher education, and innovation policy environments.
- Demonstrated ability to provide positive service and stewardship to domestic and internationally leading academics and related stakeholders (e.g., government, NGOs, etc.).
- Demonstrated experience in international collaboration and intercultural communication, including diplomatic and negotiation skills to operate in a diverse domestic and international research environment is required.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing is required. Having these skills in both of Canada’s two official languages would be an asset.
- Experience identifying and analyzing emerging issues and developing strategic responses in required.
- Exceptional judgment and discretion with the ability to problem solve and generate action from ambiguity; and mediate complex situations with multiple stakeholders are an asset.
- Experience working in or with publicly funded not-for-profits and/or Government or Academic Research landscape is preferred.
- Ability to work with a culturally diverse population.
- Other relevant professional certifications are an asset.
BENEFITS / WORK PERKS
In addition to a competitive salary and a rewarding career where you can truly make a difference in the Canadian research community, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that meets the various needs of our diverse team and that spans across Canada, including:
- Comprehensive Benefits Plan, including:
- Health
- Dental
- Long-Term Disability
- Life Insurance
- Flexible Spending Account
- Wellness Spending Account
- Mental Health Supports
- Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Paid Vacation
- Remote Work – Flex Hours
Please apply here: Director, Partnerships
The Alliance recognizes that challenges remain in achieving the full participation of equity-seeking groups (including women, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups, and members of LGBTQ2+) in research.