Job Description
Description
The
O'Brien Institute for Public Health (OIPH)
in the
Cumming School of Medicine
invites applications for a
Director, Strategic Operations . This full‑time fixed‑term position is for approximately 12 months (based on length of grant funding) with the possibility of extension. The Director, Strategic Operations reports directly to the Scientific Director of the OIPH. This senior leadership role is responsible for ensuring the Institute's core operational systems, programs, governance structures, people, and resources function effectively and sustainably in support of research excellence and public health impact.
Summary of Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Program Leadership
Lead and support the operationalization of the Institute's strategic plan, with a focus on internal systems, programs, and services that enable research excellence and impact
Translate strategic priorities into actionable operational plans, workflows, timelines, and performance indicators
Design, deliver, and continuously improve Institute-wide programs that support member success, including peer review, mentorship, leadership development, and capacity‑building initiatives
Ensure alignment and coordination across Institute centres, hubs, programs, and portfolios, complementing externally focused initiatives led by the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
Promote a positive, inclusive, and collaborative research culture across the Institute
Ensure effective internal communication, engagement, and uptake of Institute programs and services
Governance, Internal Coordination, and Partner Relations
Provide senior operational leadership for Institute governance structures, including the Executive Committee, advisory boards, and subcommittees
Support the Scientific Director through preparation of agendas, materials, reporting, and follow‑up for governance bodies
Establish and maintain clear internal decision‑making, accountability, and reporting processes
Administer partnership agreements (e.g., MOUs, Terms of Reference, Statements of Work) once established, in coordination with the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
Ensure timely, accurate, and consistent communication among Institute leadership, members, the Cumming School of Medicine, and University partners
Represent the Institute on internal committees and working groups as delegated by the Scientific Director
Support patient‑oriented, community‑engaged, and Indigenous‑engaged research through appropriate governance and operational supports
Performance Measurement, Reporting, and Impact
Establish and oversee Institute-wide systems to track, analyze, and report on performance, including research outputs, funding success, capacity development, and societal impact
Ensure alignment of metrics with University, CSM, and external reporting requirements
Provide internal reporting and analysis to support strategic decision‑making by the Scientific Director and Executive Committee
Stay informed of best practices in research impact assessment and responsible research evaluation
Complement external‑facing reporting to funders and partners led by the Director, Partnerships and Integration by ensuring internal data integrity and consistency
Leadership and Management of Institute Operations Team
Provide leadership, coaching, and performance management for the Institute's operational and professional staff (approximately 8 – 10 FTE)
Define roles, workflows, and service standards to support both internally delivered programs and externally funded initiatives
Collaborate with the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships on workforce planning and resourcing for large‑scale or time‑limited strategic initiatives
Foster a healthy, inclusive, and high‑performing workplace culture that supports staff wellbeing, equity, and professional development
Manage expectations of faculty leaders, members, and stakeholders regarding operational capacity and service levels
Financial Stewardship and Sustainability
Provide overall leadership and accountability for Institute-level financial planning, budgeting, internal allocations, and reporting
Oversee base budget management, internal program funding, and operational cost controls
Establish financial systems and processes that support externally funded projects and partnerships led by the Director, Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships
Identify opportunities for cost recovery, efficiency, and strategic reinvestment to support Institute sustainability
Work closely with University finance partners to ensure compliance with policies and timely, accurate financial reporting
Qualifications / Requirements
PhD or equivalent in a health‑related, public health, or social science discipline; or a Master's degree with equivalent senior‑level experience in research leadership or operations
7 – 10 years of progressive leadership experience in research management, academic administration, or complex knowledge‑based organizations, preferably within health research
Demonstrated experience translating strategic priorities into operational plans, programs, and measurable outcomes
Experience working within a university or academic health system environment, including exposure to research funding agencies, government, and community partners
Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary professional teams, ideally within a unionized or regulated environment
Strong understanding of the research lifecycle, including funding, reporting, and knowledge mobilization
Excellent analytical, communication, facilitation, and project management skills
High level of comfort with senior‑level presentations and partner engagement
Application Deadline
March 5, 2026
About the University of Calgary
The University of Calgary (UCalgary) is Canada’s entrepreneurial university, located in Canada’s most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest‑ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands‑on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking.
Compliance and Diversity Statement
As an equitable and inclusive employer, UCalgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to People & Culture ([email protected]).
Do you have most but not all the qualifications? Research shows that women, racialized and visible minorities, and persons with disabilities are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At UCalgary we are committed to achieving equitable, diverse, inclusive and accessible employment practices and workplaces and encourage you to apply if you believe you are right for this role.
We encourage all qualified applicants to apply; however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.
This position is classified in the
Management Career Band, Level 3
of the Management and Professional Staff Career Framework.
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