Job Description
DUTIES TRU Wildfire is an integrated research, education, training and innovation initiative that, in partnership with BC Wildfire Service, has a vision to provide national and international research and education in wildland fire, helping to shape wildfire research and learning in Canada and around the world. TRU Wildfire will undertake world-class research and innovation that will contribute to addressing some of society’s most pressing problems, as well as provide training and education to the next generation of researchers and leaders in wildfire in the service of provincial, Indigenous, federal, and international partners. TRU Wildfire is expressly committed to an inter-disciplinary approach focused on four pillars including fire science, community and social resilience, health and well-being, and Indigenous cultural fire. Positioned at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC, the Director TRU Wildfire Research, Innovation, Education (RIE) will initially provide the necessary leadership to build the infrastructure of the initiative, including working closely with external and internal stakeholders to create the structures and environment conducive to the development and delivery for world-class research and education. The Director position will have responsibility for the day-to-day operations of wildfire research, innovation and education including such aspects as strategic planning, financial oversight, and cultivating and maintaining partnerships to support knowledge exchange activities, funding proposals and building knowledge regarding Indigenous fire stewardship. The Director TRU Wildfire REI works in close collaboration with stakeholders across the university including the Research Chair for Predictive Services, Emergency Management and Fire Science (provides the scientific leadership for the Institute); Office of the Vice-President Research; Provost’s Office; Facilities; and University Relations. Leads the strategic planning process for the short- and long-term success for the research, innovation and education aspects of TRU Wildfire Develops funding applications to provincial, national and international organizations for core operational funds and ensures the successful completion of deliverables as laid out in contract agreements through effective management of core funding. Provides administrative leadership to the development and execution of calls for proposals, letters of intent and expressions of interest, their evaluation and the process of peer review and selection for funding. Creates or supports granting and other applications supportive of TRU Wildfire Works with government, industry, Indigenous community partners, non-government organizations and the academic community to understand the needs from a range of sectors including such partners as the forest industry, wildfire management, agriculture industry, energy industry, and protected area managers. Develops and maintains collaborations and structural links among research, innovation and education. Works closely with TRU Wildfire training leadership and practice to ensure smoother and coordinated activities and efforts across the full TRU Wildfire initiative. Provides project management support to Deans and others in support of new programming, research and/or innovation efforts related to wildfire. Develops and maintains communications and relationships internally and externally, including among investigators and government departments, industry, professional associations, not-for-profit and other organizations. Establishes good working relationships and collaborative arrangements with community groups, Indigenous research partners and communities, funders, politicians, and other organizations to help achieve the goals of TRU Wildfire research, innovation and education components. Assists in ensuring TRU Wildfire research, innovation and education initiatives are financially strong, including through work with Advancement and granting agencies. Facilitates stakeholder meetings, attends national and international meetings and develops supporting tool kits and administrative systems as necessary. Oversees planning and development of national and international meetings by preparation of presentation materials as necessary and meeting organization activities with support. Provides leadership to ensure efficient and effective operations and knowledge translation and mobilization programs. Responsible for ensuring efficient operations of TRU Wildfire research, innovation and education including core operating funds, budget development, expenditure management, acquisition of resources, capital, space, human resources, and reporting. Drafts policies and prepares procedures to implement the organizational policies; review existing policies on an annual basis and recommends changes as appropriate. Supports recruitment and retention efforts related to students in wildfire related education programming. Supports committees as necessary. Supervises employees as appropriate. Other duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education: PhD in a related field; Master’s degree with relevant experience may be considered. Required Knowledge/Experience: Content knowledge or lived experience is a strong asset Experience with diverse populations, especially related to Indigenous and equity-deserving groups Research creation and completion, ideally experience with creating independent research Experience with academic development and approval process Experience working with and collaborating with faculty on research and/or other projects Experience communicating with multiple stakeholders and using multiple methods Experience with post-secondary systems and collegial governance Experience working with government and/or other external agencies Experience supporting and/or leading high level strategic initiatives Skills and Abilities: Ability to develop, interpret and apply complex policies and procedures Ability to problem solve and exercise independent judgment Demonstrated excellence in writing and editing skills Extensive background in project and/or research management Excellent communication, collaboration, and facilitation skills Excellent organizational skills A high level of discretion and professionalism, including the ability to work independently and with minimal supervision while exercising considerable initiative. Advanced computer literacy, including word processing, budget spread sheets, database, power point presentations. Ability to deal with confidential issues relating to faculty members, government agencies, and other stakeholders.