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Aminah Robinson Fayek’s term as vice-president (Research) ends on June 30, 2026. She has indicated she is willing to stand for a second term.

Position Description

Purpose

Reporting directly to the President with ongoing consultation on major operational matters with the Provost and Vice-President (Academic), in their capacity as Chief Operating Officer; the Vice-President (Research) plays a vital role in the achievement of the University’s vision by providing leadership and direction to research activities and initiatives on campus. The key mandate for the Vice-President is to focus on basic and applied research excellence, strategic research initiatives, and research administration.

Without restricting the generality of the above statement and in accordance with Article 82(2) of the Post-Secondary Learning Act, the Vice-President (Research) has the following powers, duties and functions as assigned by the Board of Governors on the recommendation of the President:

Key Accountabilities:

• As per the university’s institutional strategic plans, SHAPE and Forward with Purpose, creates a climate that fosters the development and enhancement of exceptional research and scholarship in all areas of the University for the public good, and facilitates the transfer of knowledge generated by all disciplines into the wider community.
• Provides mechanisms that support research so individuals can achieve success in attracting research funds in international and national peer-reviewed competitions, and from other government and private partners.
• Renews and enhances the University’s research services and provides high-quality support to faculty to meet their needs into the future.
• Identifies and supports interdisciplinary, cross-disciplinary, and student based research through direct leadership and through support of academics taking the lead in areas undergoing evolution.
• Celebrates the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s outstanding faculty, staff, and students whose research contributes to the attainment of the University’s vision. Ensures the research achievements of the University community are acknowledged by making the community aware of available research awards, suggesting possible nominees, and taking a lead role in reviewing nominations prior to submission.
• Fosters research leadership development and stewardship throughout the institution for the public good.
• Designs a strategy to articulate the value, both internally and externally, of the breadth of pure and applied research and the importance of the link between teaching and research.
• Aggressively pursues, through strategic partnerships and alliances, increased research capacity and major external funding for areas of strength and potential strength.
• Contributes, both personally and via University representatives, to the formation and communication of research policy at the federal and provincial levels.
• Develops the appropriate policies and processes to ensure funds given to the University by granting agencies are appropriately spent and accounted for. Authorizes action be taken with trust holders when funds are not appropriately managed.
• Builds and facilitates productive partnerships that enhance collaborative research and knowledge transfer.
• Ensures the overall effectiveness of the University through maintenance of close working relationships with various orders of government and key granting agencies.
• Builds a senior team within his/her portfolio committed to fulfilling the vision, goals and priorities necessary to ensure the long-term success of the Portfolio and the University.
• Participates as an active member of the President’s executive committee to establish institutional vision and goals, and to effectively communicate and organize to achieve those goals.
• Maintains a professional reputation which preserves the values and standing of the University and permits him or her to effectively represent the many achievements of the University both internally and externally.
• As a member of senior administration, participates actively on Board and other committees relating to the areas of mandated responsibility.
• Carries out other responsibilities as set out in policies and procedures approved by GFC and/or the Board of Governors.

Qualifications

The Vice-President (Research) will be an academic with a level of education and experience commensurate with a tenured faculty member at the rank of Full Professor along with:

• Over 10+ years of senior leadership experience and a strong record of leadership and management effectiveness in a complex environment.
• A proven track record of successfully using superior analytical, organizational, and managerial skills to advance an academic unit or institution
• Excellent relationship and team-building skills, and a proven track record of developing and successfully managing multi-faceted strategic partnerships
• A proven record of formulating and implementing strategic plans with the participation and support of a diverse constituency
• A distinguished record of research and scholarship, broad international research experience, and demonstrated industry engagement.
• Exceptional leadership and management skills, with a track record of success in a complex and collegial environment
• Experience, expertise, and credibility in driving research excellence
• Evidence of innovation, forward-thinking, and the ability to find new ways to address challenges.
• Sophisticated and discriminating problem-solving abilities, with experience applying a creative approach to presenting and recommending multiple solutions to problems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders