Assistant Vice President, Innovation and Research Partnerships

York University is a leading international teaching and research university and a driving force for positive change. Home to eleven faculties and one of the largest and most diverse student bodies in Canada, its leading researchers and scholars undertake trail-blazing scholarship and discovery of local, national, and international significance. Combining the University’s strengths in interdisciplinary, community-engaged and industry partnered research, York is well-positioned to tackle today’s most pressing scientific and societal challenges. The University is home to 38 Canada Research Chairs, 43 York Research Chairs and over $100 million in grants and awards - including $9m in research infrastructure funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation. York is ranked ‘very high’ for research output (QS World University Rankins 2021), number one in Canada for publications on COVID-19 and Mathematical Modeling, and first in Ontario for global joint research publications.

Innovation York exists to maximize the commercial, economic, and social impacts of research and innovation. In 2020 - 2021 alone, the unit supported close to 200 start-up ventures from ideation to growth, generated over $18 million in revenue, engaged with 354 students and 177 community and industry partners, and facilitated 292 experiential learning opportunities. The new Assistant Vice President, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships (AVP) will help position Innovation York as the University’s centre of expertise, increasing its visibility and providing world-class support to researchers.

Reporting to the Vice-President Research and Innovation, the AVP will develop and lead a pan-university innovation strategy for York. Partnering with industry, community, and public-sector stakeholders, they will identify research alliances, translate ideas into commercial opportunities, and advance York’s research priorities. They will provide strategic leadership and direction to Innovation York’s five units: Research Agreements, Knowledge Mobilization, Commercialization, Industry Partnerships, and Entrepreneurship. The ideal candidate brings an outstanding track record leading innovation, encouraging entrepreneurship, and fostering partnerships within a research-intensive academic institution or large organization. They will possess excellent relationship-building, interpersonal and communication skills, combined with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and proven success in realizing strategic priorities. The AVP will be an inspiring leader to a talented and dynamic team, and a champion for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity in all its forms.

Consideration of candidates will commence immediately and continue until the position is filled. Inquiries and/or applications, in confidence, should be directed to Tanya Todorovic or Krutika Hotwani at yorkinnovation@odgersberndtson.com.

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The University welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within the University's employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and aboriginal persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. York University is committed to employment equity and diversity and a positive and supportive environment. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian citizens, Permanent Residents and Indigenous peoples in Canada will be given priority.

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and York University throughout the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities.

York requires all community members, including employees and visitors on our campuses to be vaccinated against COVID-19, subject to medical and human rights exemptions, in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.  The University’s vaccination mandate policy is integral to our ongoing commitment to health and safety.  For information on how York University is responding to COVID-19 please visit the YU Better Together website.