Simon Fraser University - Director, Strategy and Operations

Simon Fraser University (SFU) respectfully acknowledges the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish), səl̓ilw̓ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), q̓íc̓əy̓ (Katzie), kʷikʷəƛ̓əm (Kwikwetlem), Qayqayt, Kwantlen, Semiahmoo and Tsawwassen peoples on whose traditional territories our three campuses reside.

Based on SFU’s Surrey Campus, the B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI) connects small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the agritech sector with industry, research and government partners to develop technology solutions that build resilient supply chains and generate global solutions for food security and climate change. Our goal: enable innovation and collaboration that supports BC’s agriculture industry to adapt and thrive in the face of climate change. Supported by the Province of British Columbia and Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan), the centre is a key component of the provincial government’s StrongerBC Economic Plan, and is led by SFU in collaboration with its academic partners. The Centre works with SMEs to help them reach the market faster in industries relevant to agriculture, agri-technology and agri-foods in the province of British Columbia, which is already home to over 150 companies developing and producing agricultural technologies.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Partnerships Hub, and working closely with the Scientific Director, the inaugural Director of Strategy and Operations will play a foundational role leading the strategic planning and operational efforts of BCCAI to secure its long-term sustainability. Strategic priorities will include identifying creative ways to further develop BCCAI’s partnership network, identify potential revenue streams and promoting awareness of the BCCAI brand. Critical to delivering on these strategic goals will be championing a great customer experience by ensuring we have the operational capacity to continuously improve on the delivery of existing programs while remaining flexible to the potential launch of new initiatives and service streams.

Applicants should a Master’s Degree in Business Administration or a relevant discipline and five years of related experience, including experience in strategic planning, financial planning, operational scale up, service design, and marketing and communication. As a newly established role, the successful candidate will be a resourceful problem-solver adept at dealing with operational matters in one moment and strategic issues at the next in a changing environment. They must be entrepreneurial with a perceptive ability to identify partnership development opportunities and work with a broad array of stakeholders to ensure a high quality of client relations and service deliver. As a leader of a growing team, experience recruiting and fostering an inclusive culture where team members thrive is essential.

SFU’s commitments to reconciliation are evidenced throughout the many projects and initiatives underway across the university. This includes a new Indigenous leadership position, construction of a First Peoples’ Gathering House, expansion of the Indigenous Student Centre as well as reconciliation-focused academic and professional development offerings. The successful candidate must therefore be committed to reconciliation and Indigenization and ensure these principles are advanced throughout our work.

We believe in a renewed and reinvigorated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and anti-racism. It is our unique responsibility to create a culture where EDI is not merely an initiative or plan, but a promise we make to ourselves, to each other and to everyone we meet. Our goal is to ensure our campuses and the industries BCCAI supports are welcoming places for everyone to learn and work so the economic impact of our efforts can benefit diverse communities across the province. The successful candidate will have a track record of advancing EDI initiatives and will ensure EDI is embedded in our industry projects, training, operations, and community outreach at the Centre.

An executive search exercise is being undertaken by Simon Fraser University’s search partner Perrett Laver. Perrett Laver will support the University in helping to identify the widest possible field of qualified candidates and assisting in the assessment of candidates against the selection criteria.

Applications should consist of a resume and cover letter describing briefly how candidates meet the selection criteria, why the appointment is of interest, and what they believe they bring to the role. Further information, including a full position description and selection criteria can be found at www.perrettlaver.com/candidates quoting the reference number 6166. Applications can be submitted at the same link. The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon Pacific Time on Monday, November 14, 2022.

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply, however Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be given priority.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core values for Simon Fraser University. We are committed to creating a diverse, equitable and inclusive community where all feel welcome, safe, accepted and appreciated in learning, teaching, research and work.

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