Associate Director, Quantum Advantage Toronto (TERM)

University of Toronto•Toronto, ON

14d•CA$93,592 - CA$155,985•Onsite

About The Position

Quantum Advantage Toronto (QAT) is an interdisciplinary institutional initiative with 5 years of committed funding, aiming to accelerate the development of real-world applications of quantum technologies. It brings together researchers, industry partners, and domain experts, leveraging the University of Toronto's strengths in quantum information science. QAT fosters collaboration across various fields to translate discoveries into societal and economic impact, positioning Toronto as a global hub for quantum innovation. The initiative focuses on advancing breakthroughs in sensing, communications, materials, and computing, while supporting Canada's quantum ecosystem. The Associate Director will report to the Academic Director and manage the initiative's administrative and operational activities, setting strategic operational goals to ensure its mission and vision are achieved. This senior administrative role involves strategic development, research administration, and initiative management, including oversight of research contracts and accounts, and managing administrative staff. The Associate Director will partner with the Office of Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI), the Office of the Vice President, Research & Innovation (VPRI), and other university units to support strategy, funding, partnerships, and operational alignment. Key responsibilities include developing a strategic plan, financial management, budgeting, forecasting, managing strategic partnerships, overseeing knowledge mobilization, public relations, educational programming, and major events for QAT. The role also involves building strong partnerships with researchers, departments, organizations, and governmental partners to foster a productive research environment and identifying/securing additional external funding. The Associate Director will act as a liaison between research initiatives, internal and external partners, and stakeholders to accelerate the development of quantum technologies.

Requirements

Master's degree in a relevant field (preferably in quantum science, engineering, or a related discipline), or an acceptable combination of education and experience.
Minimum seven (7) years of relevant experience in leading research activities with a focus on strategic, financial, administrative, and operational leadership in post-secondary or research-intensive institutions.
Experience working within the quantum, advanced technology, engineering, physical sciences, or innovation ecosystem is strongly preferred.
Experience in securing funding for science-based initiatives through grants and proposals from government and industry.
Experience building and managing relationships with government agencies, funding organizations, industry partners, academic institutions, and other key stakeholders.
Demonstrated experience overseeing financial planning, budget management, human resources, communications, and operational functions within a complex organization.
Proven experience leading and managing staff in a unionized environment.
Demonstrated experience in overseeing research administration, grant development, proposal preparation, and management of funded research programs.
Thorough knowledge of the Canadian research administration landscape.
Excellent planning and strategic skills to lead a variety of research and operational activities.
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
Knowledge of organizational governance, policy development, and decision-making processes within complex institutions.
Demonstrated leadership experience managing complex, high-value research initiatives and driving operational excellence.
Demonstrated ability to build and foster strong connections with leading research and industry partners in developing real-world applications of quantum technologies.
Demonstrated ability to develop, manage, and strengthen relationships with academic, industry, government, funding, and international stakeholders to advance strategic research and innovation objectives.
Proficiency with enterprise human resources and financial management systems, along with advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat, and other relevant business applications.
Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, initiative management, organizational and interpersonal skills, creative problem solving, and decision-making.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with scholars, students, partners, funders, and community organizations.
Ability to work at strategic levels and to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action.
Ability to interact with university and external stakeholders in a manner that facilitates cooperation, partnership development, and consensus building.
Strong leadership capabilities and sound understanding of research methodologies.
Demonstrable commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and the promotion of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment.

Nice To Haves

A PhD in a relevant discipline (quantum science, engineering) is considered a strong asset.
Knowledge of the quantum technology landscape and its research, commercialization, and partnership opportunities is considered a strong asset.
Initiative management experience supporting scientific, engineering, research, or technical initiatives is a strong asset.
Experience working with interdisciplinary initiatives with a research background is strongly preferred.
Ability to initiate, build, and nurture academic and research partnerships and engage with international collaborations.

Responsibilities

Manage an interdisciplinary initiative and lead administrative and operational activities.
Set strategic operational goals for the initiative.
Provide strategic, operational leadership, direction, and oversight to ensure the initiative's success.
Oversee research contracts and accounts.
Have full management responsibility for the administrative staff of the initiatives.
Partner with the Office of Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) to support coordination, oversight, and alignment across priorities.
Partner with the Office of the Vice President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) and other University units to support strategy, funding initiatives, institutional partnerships, and operational alignment.
Develop a strategic plan for the initiative.
Manage financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting.
Develop and manage strategic partnerships.
Oversee knowledge mobilization and public relations activities.
Oversee educational programming and major events for QAT.
Build strong partnerships with researchers, departments, organizations, and governmental partners.
Identify and secure additional external funding for research programs.
Act as a liaison between research initiatives, internal partners and stakeholders, and external partners.