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 Burnaby Campus, SFU’s Partnerships Hub (SPH) champions the growth of key university partnerships and delivers on the strategic opportunities they represent. Working in close collaboration with the Vice-President Advancement and Alumni Engagement (VPAAE), Research and International (VPRI), and External Relations (VPER) portfolios, SPH plays a key role in positioning SFU as an active and responsive partner to industry, government, and community organizations. Our goal is to create value with and for SFU’s external and internal partners.

Reporting to the Executive Director of the Partnerships Hub, the Director will play an essential role in the strategic and operational activities that support the delivery of core Partnerships Hub services. They will be responsible for driving regional partner-driven initiatives from end-to-end and in close collaboration with executives and leaders across the VPRI, VPER, and VPAAE portfolios. They will develop and deliver on strategies and initiatives that support new partnerships, generate revenue, and raise the reputation of the university. The Director will manage a large portfolio of dynamic, high impact initiatives and key relationships spanning government, industry, communities, and more. They are a trusted advisor both to external partners seeking support and to leaders and teams within SFU, as well as a strong coach leading a team of high-performing partnership managers within SPH.

Applicants should hold a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Policy, or a relevant discipline and bring five years of experience in strategic account management and developing and delivering on partner-driven initiatives in a diverse corporate environment. Committed to collegial and collaborative leadership approaches, the Director prioritizes and values relationships and partnership-building and has a strong track-record of bringing people together towards successful outcomes. Our next Director will be entrepreneurial by nature and able to identify an opportunity, define a vision for partner-driven initiatives, identify and secure the operational capacity required, and secure external funding. They will be a resourceful problem-solver who is able to quickly adapt in rapidly evolving and ambiguous situations, as well as being an excellent leader and coach, able to lead a high performing team.

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 initiatives SFU’s Partnerships Hub supports are welcoming places for everyone to learn and work so the social and economic impact of our efforts can benefit diverse communities. The successful candidate will have a track record of advancing EDI and will ensure EDI is embedded in our initiatives, operations, and community outreach.

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 curriculum vitae 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 6495. Applications can be submitted at the same link. The closing date for applications is 12:00pm noon Pacific Time on Sunday, May 7, 2023.

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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