Office of Research
Exempt, Term, Full-time (July 2026 – July 2028)
Are you an experienced research administration leader with a passion for building high-performing systems, advancing institutional research priorities, and fostering collaboration across complex environments? The University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) invites applications for the Interim Director, Research Operations, a pivotal leadership role supporting the advancement of research excellence across the institution.
Reporting to the Interim Vice Provost Research, the Interim Director, Research Operations provides strategic and operational leadership to advance UNBC’s research enterprise. In this role, you will lead the development and implementation of systems, processes, and structures that support efficient, compliant, and high-quality research operations. You will play a central role in operationalizing the University’s Strategic Research Plan and ensuring alignment with institutional, provincial, and national research requirements.
Working collaboratively with senior leaders, including the Director of Innovation and Institutional Partnerships, Director of Academic Operations, and key service units such as IT, Finance, Facilities, and Communications, you will foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and service across the research ecosystem. You will also represent UNBC at regional and national forums while ensuring strong internal coordination to support researchers and institutional priorities.
This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and operational strength of a growing, research-intensive university while leading meaningful change and supporting the success of faculty, staff, and students.
Responsibilities
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Working closely with the Interim Vice Provost Research to operationalize the University’s Strategic Research Plan, Ready Roadmap 2025–2030;
- Ensuring research operations at UNBC are in compliance with institutional, provincial, and national research regulations, including financial reporting, research spending, ethics, and information sharing;
- Leading the development and implementation of operational strategies to deliver efficient, effective, and high-quality research services, including overseeing the organizational structure of the Office of Research and Innovation;
- Developing and implementing evaluation and continuous quality improvement strategies for research operations at UNBC;
- Serving as the key internal administrative lead supporting UNBC researchers across all campuses;
- Supervising the Senior Manager, Lab Operations and the Research Manager, Office of Research and Innovation, including supporting team structure, performance management, and professional development to ensure service excellence;
- Working with the Interim Vice Provost Research to develop and update institutional research policies and guidelines; and leading institutional funding applications.
- Supporting the integration of risk analysis into institutional policies and guidelines impacting research operations;
- Leading the acquisition and implementation of the University’s research enterprise system, ensuring alignment and integration across UNBC service departments and external research environments;
- Coordinating and delivering research reporting requirements for the Interim Vice Provost Research and senior leadership;
- Providing input into and oversight of research operating budgets; and
- Collaborating with other directors to support the integration of research and academic priorities at the operational level.
Accountabilities
Strategic and Operational Planning
- Build and support a strong research community to enhance capacity and funding success.
- Strengthen relationships between researchers and research services to advance programs.
- Develop timelines and processes to ensure effective delivery of research initiatives.
- Lead development of policies and procedures supporting research activities
- Promote excellence and innovation in research operations.
- Contribute to institutional research strategy and planning.
People and Change Leadership
- Develop and implement a people strategy to enhance research productivity and engagement.
- Provide mentorship, coaching, and performance feedback to staff.
- Support professional development and career progression in research operations.
- Foster inclusive, respectful, and productive work environments.
- Lead change initiatives and support effective governance practices
Financial and Resource Management
- Provide strategic guidance on research budgets and fiscal management.
- Monitor expenditures and recommend improvements for efficiency.
- Support development and oversight of annual research operating budgets.
- Manage internal research funding programs.
Risk Management
- Ensure compliance with provincial and federal legislation and institutional policies.
- Integrate risk analysis into research operations, policies, and processes.
Qualifications
The successful candidate will possess a Master’s degree in a related field (e.g., MPA, MBA, MSc, MA), along with extensive experience in research administration leadership.
Relevant knowledge, skills, and experience must include:
- Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in research operations;
- Strong knowledge of research funding, compliance, and regulatory frameworks;
- Experience managing budgets, systems, and complex organizational structures;
- Proven leadership and team development skills;
- Advanced strategic planning and project management capabilities;
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and collaboration skills;
- Experience working across diverse stakeholder environments; and
- Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, including Indigenous initiatives.
Competencies
Successful candidates will demonstrate:
Leadership (Vision)
- Inspires commitment to a shared vision and builds on institutional strengths
- Influences others and drives strategic outcomes
Character (Effectiveness)
- Demonstrates integrity, accountability, and ethical decision-making
- Embraces challenges and continuous learning
Results Orientation
- Takes initiative, solves complex problems, and drives continuous improvement
- Focuses on outcomes and institutional impact
Communication
- Communicates clearly and effectively across diverse audiences
- Demonstrates strong listening and interpersonal skills
Conflict Resolution and Problem Solving
- Addresses complex issues with courage and creativity
- Navigates sensitive situations and builds consensus
Collaboration and Teamwork
- Builds strategic partnerships internally and externally
- Fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment
Cultural Awareness
- Demonstrates respect and understanding of diverse cultural perspectives
- Supports Indigenous and international engagement priorities
University Understanding
- Aligns work with UNBC’s strategic priorities and institutional context
- Navigates governance structures and builds organizational support
Salary
The starting salary will be determined with consideration of the successful candidate’s relevant education, skills, and experience. The annual salary range for this position is $120,000 to $140,000.00. The position is located on campus, in Prince George.
UNBC offers employee tuition waivers (includes spouse and dependents), excellent benefit and pension packages, as well as employee training and development opportunities. For more details please see http://www.unbc.ca/human-resources/employee-benefits.
Normal hours of work will be 8:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to Friday.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Employment Equity
The University of Northern British Columbia is fully committed to creating and maintaining an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment that is accessible to all. We are devoted to ensuring a welcoming, safe, and inclusive campus free from harassment, bullying, and discrimination. This commitment is woven into our motto and mission. In the Dakelh language, UNBC’s motto ‘En Cha Huná translates to “they also live” and means respect for all living things. Through the respect for all living things, we are able to grow and learn better together, each bringing our own unique individual differences and contributions to inspire leaders for tomorrow by influencing the world today.
Employment equity requires that we remove barriers and overcome both direct and indirect discrimination. In this way, the pool of excellent candidates increases substantially. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person.
About UNBC
Since its founding in 1990, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) has emerged as one of Canada’s best small research-intensive universities, with a passion for teaching, discovery, people, and the North. UNBC’s excellence is derived from community-inspired research, hands-on learning, and alumni who are leading change around the world.
Since time immemorial, Indigenous peoples have walked gently on the diverse traditional territories where the University of Northern British Columbia community is grateful to live, work, learn, and play. We are committed to building and nurturing relationships with Indigenous peoples, we acknowledge their traditional lands, and we thank them for their hospitality. UNBC’s largest campus in Prince George is located on the traditional unceded territory of the Lheidli T’enneh, in the spectacular landscape near the geographic centre of beautiful British Columbia.
UNBC consistently ranks in the top three in its category in the annual Maclean’s university rankings. UNBC also recently placed among the top five per cent of higher education institutions worldwide by the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
With a diverse student population, the University is friendly, inclusive, and supportive. Prince George is a city of ~80,000 people with impressive cultural, educational, and recreational amenities. For more information about living and working in Prince George, please refer to http://www.unbc.ca/experience and https://moveupprincegeorge.ca. Make your mark with this leading post-secondary institution.
To Apply
Applicants should create an applicant profile and apply for this position by uploading and submitting a cover letter and resume. This exempt/management position is an on-campus position, based at the Prince George Campus
The University of Northern British Columbia is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, and members of visible minorities) as well as the 2SLGBTQ+ communities and individuals with intersectional identities.
Persons with disabilities, who anticipate needing accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, may contact UNBC Health & Wellbeing at [email protected]. Any personal information provided will be maintained in confidence.
All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. We thank all applicants for their interest in UNBC however, only those applicants selected for further consideration will be contacted.
UNBC does not use artificial intelligence to screen candidate applications.
Priority will be given to applications received by June 17, 2026. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.
