Partnership & Business Development Officer (TERM)

Date Posted: 04/22/2024
Req ID: 37058
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Arts & Science
Department: Data Sciences Institute
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Position Number: 00056419

Description:

About us:

The Faculty of Arts & Science is the heart of Canada’s leading university and one of the most comprehensive and diverse academic divisions in the world. The strength of Arts & Science derives from our combined teaching and research excellence in the humanities, sciences and social sciences across 29 departments, seven colleges and 46 interdisciplinary centres, institutes and programs.

We can only realize our mission with the dedication and excellence of engaged staff and faculty. The diversity of opportunities and perspectives within the Faculty reflect the local and global landscape and the need for curiosity, innovative thinking and collaboration. At Arts & Science, we take pride in our legacy of innovation and discovery that has changed the way we think about the world.

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a highly specialized research initiative at the University that draws on world-class research expertise across multiple academic divisions, affiliated hospitals, regional, national, and international academic partners, and commercial organizations. The mission of the DSI is to provide the leadership and capacity to catalyze the transformative nature of data sciences across disciplines, in fair and ethical ways, leveraging and strengthening U of T’s pre-eminence in data sciences to solve society’s complex and pressing problems. The Institute draws upon these strengths to support social change by linking data resources to investigate the impact of data-driven approaches on inequity, as well as combat misinformation and foster trust in data-informed research by driving reproducible and reliable research. DSI promotes the flow of methodological advancements such as data management, computing, data integration, novel statistical methodology, visualization methods and will facilitate the training of new generations of interdisciplinary trainees. DSI aims to unify and galvanize the core strengths of Toronto’s data science community building capacity for data and computational-based projects and training by being the focal point for the coordination of data science activities and partnerships to further elevate UofT’s global stature.

Your opportunity:

The Data Sciences Institute delivers upskilling data science and machine learning software certificates that provide technical data science courses and job ready skills. We are deeply connected to the University and industry, providing a unique and enriching bridge to inform relevant and cutting edge training development. The DSI works with a range of industries and taps into research to determine how our certificates align with changes in the workplace.

As the Partnership & Business Development reporting to the Director, DSI Operations &Strategy and working closely with the Director, Technology Skills Curriculum & Instruction and Program Manager, Professional Upskilling, you will play a key role in the Institute’s growth and success. The candidate is expected to have an innovative and entrepreneurial focus, and experience preparing funding applications. You will initiate and steward collaborative relationships with professional associations, private, public- and non-profit stakeholder organizations in order to to increase the visibility and impact of the DSI and the Certificates and to form partnerships with potential employers. You will work to secure external funding and settle partnership agreements and contracts with private and organization partnerships. The candidate is expected to have an established network and maintain or develop a high level of understanding of data sciences, and relevant knowledge mobilization pathways. You will be responsible for advancing the University’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusivity.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Analyzing market data to determine trends and effectiveness of programs and initiatives; developing strategic plans to determine the unit’s programs and activities
• Planning and overseeing the implementation of strategic plans; writing project-specific proposals and briefings; writing funding proposals
• Developing and implementing communication plans that support strategic objectives
• Cultivating ongoing, high-profile prospective partnerships that advance strategic agendas
• Settling partnership agreements and contract terms
• Promoting the University’s research capabilities to industrial, governmental and finance sectors to enhance research and innovation funding opportunities; Providing consultationand advice on the application of University policies and procedures
• Preparing project expense/revenue modeling, forecasting cost-to-completion and financial tracking

Essential Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in a related data sciences field, or acceptable combination of equivalent experience
• Six to seven years of relevant experience and a proven track record in supporting public and private sector partnerships and knowledge mobilization
• Experience managing complex relationships, strategy development and implementation of programs, preferably in a university environment
• Demonstrated experience building a network among data science organizations that fund data science programs at the national and international level
• Experience writing funding proposals to acquire funding for research programs and consortia
• Experience working with complex groups and building relationships with academic staff, faculty members and both internal and external stakeholders
• Experience preparing project expense/revenue modeling, forecasting cost-to-completion and financial tracking
• Strong interpersonal skills; highly proactive, persuasive, and diplomatic
• Excellent entrepreneurial ability; demonstrated initiative
• Ability to manage multiple priorities; strong project management skills; and ability to meet deadlines and time constraints
• Superior ability to work collaboratively with faculty members and other contacts
• Ability to understand and articulate research goals and requirements of industry and academic contacts
• Demonstrated understanding of research contracts, intellectual property, research applications and research funding opportunities
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and the promotions of a respectful and collegial learning and working environment

To be successful in this role you will be:

• Achievement oriented
• Communicator
• Diplomatic
• Entrepreneurial
• Persuasive
• Self-confident
• Team player

This role is currently eligible for a hybrid work arrangement, pursuant to University policies and guidelines, including but not limited to the University of Toronto’s Alternative Work Arrangements Guideline .

Closing Date: 05/01/2024, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: USW
Appointment Type: Grant - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone:
USW Pay Band 17 -- $105,706 with an annual step progression to a maximum of $135,179. Pay scale and job class assignment is subject to determination pursuant to the Job Evaluation/Pay Equity Maintenance Protocol.
Job Category: Research Administration & Teaching

Lived Experience Statement
Candidates who are members of Indigenous, Black, racialized and 2SLGBTQ+ communities, persons with disabilities, and other equity deserving groups are encouraged to apply, and their lived experience shall be taken into consideration as applicable to the posted position.