This position has an end date of March 31, 2029, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability.

Location - This position offers a flexible work arrangement, allowing for a combination of remote and/or in-office work based on work preferences. Preference will be discussed during the recruitment process.

This position is working at Braiding Knowledges Canada (BKC), which is a national not-for-profit research, training and knowledge mobilization organization hosted at the University of Alberta. BKC is funded through the Government of Canada's Strategic Science Fund (SSF). BKC is governed by a diverse Board of Directors across sectors and specialty areas of leadership supported by a Research Management Committee and Indigenous Circle of Advisors. BKC leads the next generation of research, knowledge mobilization and training with a focus on braiding Indigenous and Western knowledges to advance significant knowledge gaps in Canada’s science ecosystem. With a $30.4 M budget over 5 years, BKC supports a large research and training portfolio of projects with investments over $15M over 5 years, across Canada and involving hundreds of partners and collaborators, multiple universities, national Indigenous organizations, First Nations, Métis and Inuit communities and Knowledge Holders, not-for-profits, the private sector, etc. Research and training activities are diverse encompassing many pathways including guardians, youth, land-based learning, post-secondary training and research activities across varied disciplines of importance to Canada.

The Senior Director Research & Training is a member of BKC’s executive team reporting to the Executive Director and second in command. As a senior Indigenous leader within BKC, the Senior Director Research & Training will support the braiding of Indigenous and Western knowledges throughout all aspects of the organization. Two executive-level Co-Research Directors from academic institutions in Canada report into this position related to their BKC duties. The Partnerships Manager also reports under this position. This position is responsible for envisioning, leading, coordinating, overseeing and directing all research and training activities of the organization with accountability for a budget of more than $15M over 5 years. This position ensures the research and training vision as articulated in BKC’s Strategic Plan is designed and implemented as required working closely with the Executive Director. Facilitating and directing a research and training network and partnerships plan is also key to this role to expand BKC’s influence and reach. Supporting the Executive Director, this position works with the Co-Research Directors to identify and implement grant and proposal efforts for sustainable funding of BKC as an organization. The Senior Director Research & Training is also the main point of contact to support BKC governance processes under the Research Management Committee while supporting the Indigenous Circle of Advisors as required. As a national organization with international partnerships, interacting with internal and external partners across sectors and geographical scales on all matters research, training and research partnerships is significant.

• A PhD (in science is preferred) with 15+ years of experience conducting large research and training programs in a braiding environment of Indigenous and western knowledge systems.
• Must identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Metis or Inuit).
• Extensive experience working with Inuit, Metis and First Nations peoples.
• Knowledge of research network development, administration and management.
• Experience working in knowledge user sectors including Indigenous organizations, industry, government, academic and/or the not-for-profit sectors.
• Governance and adjudication experience.
• Alignment to BKC’s values and a commitment to BKC’s mission and strategic direction.
• A demonstrated record of supporting innovative and practical efforts to advance reconciliation.
• Knowledge of, and respect for, both Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, doing and being.
• A commitment to ethical approaches to bringing together Indigenous and Western ways of knowing, doing and being.
• Openness to learning.
• Significant knowledge of and experience with not-for-profit governance and management models and best practices.
• Knowledge of the context of diverse research organizations and funders, including their operational model, such as the federal granting councils, post-secondary institutions, and Indigenous research organizations.
• Fund development and a track record for innovation and successful acquisition of funding.
• Partnership and research and training development experience with First Nations, Metis, and particularly with Inuk researchers, and Inuit organizations and communities.
• A strong, existing network of research, training and fund development partnerships.
• Experience managing a team and providing coaching, mentoring, and performance management.

Application Instructions

Click “Apply Now” and submit the following documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter: clearly articulate experience leading and conducting research project adjudication and administration
• Access, Community, and Belonging Philosophy

This role requires confirmation of First Nation, Métis or Inuit membership or citizenship. Selected applicants will be asked for documentation prior to attending an interview.

This position requires that the incumbent be eligible to participate in government-funded research projects including active ability to receive federal research funds on behalf of Braiding Knowledges Canada. Individuals having an active affiliation with a Named Research Organization are ineligible to participate in government-funded research projects in Sensitive Technology Research Areas in Canada. Applicants must be able to meet all applicable research security requirements.

This position offers a comprehensive benefits package with an annual salary range of $109,619 to $150,727.

The terms and conditions of this appointment are governed by Schedule E of the Collective Agreement between the Board of Governors of the University of Alberta and the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta.

Strategic Planning & Program Development

• Develops short-term and long-term objectives and plans for BKC’s large research and training programs and associated partnerships. Independently implements action plans based on these objectives by assigning the right resources to achieve concrete results. Responds to organizational priorities.
• Designs and implements solutions to research and training challenges. Makes continuous improvements to services and programs to increase performance and deliver results including reporting and collection of key performance indicators (KPIs) for research, training and associated partnerships.

Governance & Committee Involvement

• Serves on BKC’s Research Management Executive Committee and supports BKC’s Board of Directors and Indigenous Circle of Advisors.
• Directs the research, training and networking areas for compilation of annual scientific and knowledge reports as well as quarterly and annual financial reports and ensures timelines/deliverables are met by a national team of contributors.

Financial Management & Resource Allocation

• Works with the Operations team (including Finance), the Co-Research Directors, and BKC’s Partnerships Manager assigned to the area to monitor, analyze, forecast and report on area status, progress and financial position.
• Assumes full accountability for oversight of research and training program funds and ensures optimum use of financial resources.
• Completes budget and administrative planning related to research and training. Creates policy, process, procedure and/or tools to support achievement.
• Actively, constantly seeks funding/grant opportunities. Identifies fundraising opportunities. Working with the Executive Director, leads the compilation and submission of funding/grant applications. This includes coordinating with the Co-Research Directors.

Human Resources & Leadership

• Leads a diverse group of staff and contractors which could include both academic and research and training support staff. May oversee BKC’s Co-Research Directors.
• In collaboration with the U of A HR Partner for the research, training and partnership area of BKC, and BKC’s HR consultant, if appropriate, directs the area’s (research and training) human resources (e.g., hiring, performance management, ER/LR).
• Supports the ED in demonstrating the ways that braiding Indigenous and Western knowledge systems are a part of the leadership/and governance teams and ways of working.

Reporting & Knowledge Mobilization

• Supports communications and knowledge mobilization activities related to research, training and partnership outcomes.
• Directs the research, training and networking areas for compilation of annual scientific and knowledge reports as well as quarterly and annual financial reports and ensures timelines/deliverables are met by a national team of contributors.

External Relationships & Stakeholder Management

• Builds and maintains relationships with external and internal networks and partners, including collaborators, funding agencies, researchers, trainees, etc.