Dean, Research and Innovation

We are here to launch, advance, and evolve careers — join us and make an impact.

Job Description

We are here to launch, advance, and evolve careers — join us and make an impact.

About Bow Valley College

For 60 years, Calgary’s college has grown to prepare 14,000 students annually for meaningful careers in health care, social services, business, technology, and creative industries. Every program has a Work Integrated Learning requirement, ensuring students contribute to the workplace before they graduate. With a strong focus on advanced simulation training and Alberta’s evolving needs, Bow Valley College’s new Health Care Centre of Excellence is working to expand space and programs, aimed at graduating four-times as many health professionals annually by 2036. Proudly recognized as one of Canada’s Top 50 Research Colleges, we combine innovative learning with hands-on experience. Home to Alberta’s only major e-sports arena and a state-of-the-art digital production hub. Learn more about the opportunities Bow Valley College creates for students, Calgary, and Alberta at bowvalleycollege.ca.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President, the Dean, Research and Innovation is responsible for the strategic planning, growth, marketing, efficient and effective operation management of research portfolio and a range of applied research projects and related activities. The incumbent will act as a liaison with research staff, faculty, students and external research partners (industry, community), external funders and financial and human resources management for on-going research projects.

The Dean will supervise the operations of research projects, to ensure that projects are meeting the project goals, expectations, timeline and budgetary requirements. The incumbent will supervise the asset and resource management within the research department. The incumbent will also involve in the development of large and complex research proposals, initiatives and projects. The incumbent will manage the development of operational reports and documents in a manner that meets or exceeds any audit (internal/external) requirements.

Responsibilities

Vision, Strategy and Leadership

• Set the strategic direction for applied research and innovation at Bow Valley College, aligned with the Open Doors – Open Minds strategic plan, Academic and Research priorities, the Alberta 2030 plan, and the College's mandate and values.

• Serve as a contributing member of the Academic Leadership Team and the Academic Division management team, providing leadership on long-range academic planning.

• Champion continuous improvement across all departmental functions, embedding a culture of service excellence, evidence-based practice, and student-centred outcomes.

• Foster strong, collaborative links between Research and Innovation and all academic departments, support services, and relevant external stakeholders.

• Acts as a connector and bridge-builder across the institution, cultivating interdisciplinary projects and cross-department initiatives.

• Represent Bow Valley College's interests at the local, provincial, and national levels on matters related to research, innovation, and the creative arts.

Strategic Initiatives

• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive research agenda that addresses industry, community, and societal challenges, and creates meaningful learning experiences for BVC students and faculty.

• Monitor and evaluate research activities conducted by researchers, staff and faculty; provide coaching, mentorship, and institutional support to build research capacity.

• Generate applied research ideas and promote interdisciplinary collaboration within BVC and with external institutions, industry partners, and government agencies.

• Lead the development, launch, and periodic review of programs within the College's mission, ensuring pathways that are responsive to student, employer, and community needs.

Project and Partnership Development

• Develops Business Development processes and operations for the department.

• Provides leadership in establishing, managing, and expanding strategic partnerships with industry, government, community organizations, First Nations, and alumni networks.

• Develops and executes long-term partnership strategies that advance research, innovation, advancement, and community initiatives at regional, provincial, and national levels.

• Allocates resources and directs business development activities to ensure alignment with College priorities, departmental goals, and funding requirements.

• Represents the College externally on committees, taskforces, and advisory boards, advocating for institutional priorities and fostering collaborative opportunities.

• Ascertains the feasibility and development of new programs and projects. 

• Collaborates with the other college departments in the sourcing and development of international and domestic agreements for the development new projects and initiatives.

• Identifies business sectors and institutions to target for relationship building and opportunity development. 

• Develops strategies to grow opportunities for research partnerships including startup funding and business planning. 

• Oversees the development and implementation of the business and marketing plan and ensures that it fits with the College’s overall marketing goals and direction. 

• Negotiates terms of agreements and contracts. 

• Ensures success of contract implementation and completion

• Seeks partnerships with PSIs, not for profit, government and industry for obtaining research grants.

• Seeks national and international partnerships where relevant, that facilitate broadening the scope of research and innovation.

• Leads the development of relevant research and innovation funding proposals.

• Ensures sustainable funding for the Office of Applied Research through funding of applied research and innovation proposals.

Application Development Leadership

• Oversees collaboration across internal departments, external partners, industry stakeholders, First Nations, and funding agencies to maximize impact and funding success.

• Provides oversight of proposal strategy, content, and structure for internal and external applications, ensuring consistency with College priorities.

• Reviews proposals not approved for funding and develops alternative pathways, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with strategic objectives.

• Ensures internal staff and departments, including Advancement, Intellectual Property, and Community offices, understand proposals’ objectives, impact, and execution plans.

• Provides leadership in the design, development, and submission of high-impact applications, proposals, and project plans across research, innovation, and advancement initiatives.

• Leads the identification of strategic funding opportunities, both internal and external, to support College-wide priorities.

• Directs complex proposal development, including project planning, financial budgeting, and letters of commitment, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Policy Development and Implementation

• Implements decisions of the College Board at the direction of the VP, Academic.

• Contributes to the development, review and implementation of College-wide policies and procedures.

• Ensures that policies and guidelines are applied uniformly and consistently.

Academic Relations

• Provides strategic leadership in identifying grant opportunities and potential donors to support the development, enhancement, and sustainability of academic programs and College infrastructure.

• Supports the development and integration of project-based learning (capstone) and Work Integrated Learning (WIL) across academic programs, ensuring alignment with the College priorities and industry needs.

• Collaborates with academic deans and faculty to develop new research areas, faculty researchers, and innovative academic initiatives that enhance the College’s research and experiential learning capacity.

• Contributes to student recruitment strategies for domestic and international students by promoting research, innovation, and experiential learning strengths of the College.

• Contributes to student recruitment strategies for domestic and international students, leveraging alumni networks and initiatives to attract prospective students and promote the College’s programs.

• Develops and facilitates platforms for academic programs to showcase innovative initiatives, including research projects, industry partnerships, and community engagement.

• Supports the development and expansion of degree programs by ensuring research, experiential, and infrastructure requirements are met.

• Collaborates with other schools and departments within the College to develop and maintain joint experiential learning projects that benefit students, faculty, industry partners, and the College.

• Works with College departments to implement research and experiential learning criteria necessary for program accreditation, ensuring compliance and institutional excellence.

Budgeting and Finance

• Manages the Office of Research and Innovation budget, and is accountable for all expenditures.

• Ensures plans are consistent with the approved operating and capital budget.

• Develops and implements business and operational plans.

• Prepares financial and operating reports as required.

Representation and Communications

• Consults with and represents the College and College interests to the employer community in relevant business sectors, government agencies, professional associations, school boards and other community groups.

• As required undertakes to represent the College on special initiatives at the local, provincial, or national levels.

• Keeps the Vice President, Academic informed about sensitive matters in his/her areas of responsibility.

• Acts as a connector across the institute, building collaborative relationships and partnerships within the division and throughout the institute.

• Fosters positive reputation and relations with post-secondary institutions across Canada.

• Fosters the development of cross-department, interdisciplinary projects and programs.

• Develops good working relationships with key internal departments and leaders.

• Acts in a manner which promotes and develops co-operation throughout the area of responsibility and the College.

Team Development

• In accordance with the College policy and the various collective agreements, is responsible for the selection, assignment, evaluation, training, coaching and development of employees within the department.

• Delegates appropriate authority to the Associate Deans and Managers and provides them with the necessary information, supervision and support to enable them to fulfill their duties and responsibilities.

• Participates in the administration of the collective agreement and, where appropriate, represents management in the grievance procedure. Participates as required in the collective bargaining process.

• Recruits and hires staff to meet the changing needs of the departments.

  • Writes and reviews job descriptions, recruitment action forms.

  • Reviews postings and interview scripts.

  • Shortlists candidates, establishes interviews panels.

  • Evaluates candidates and selects candidate to be hired.

• Leads compliance with the professional, ethical, legal and legislative requirements of the various functions and staff within the team.

• Establishes key objectives for staff - ensuring these objectives are achieved as outlined to a high quality standard and are in compliance with college/program policy and procedure.

• Responsible supervision, evaluation, scheduling, disciplining, performance management and motivation of direct staff to ensure optimal service is maintained.

  • Performance appraisals on direct reports.

  • Considers and approves vacation requests, professional development and overtime needs with consideration to budget parameters for direct reports.

  • Take corrective action on performance issues as required.

• Develops recruitment and selection and retention strategies to attract and retain employees with required education and experience as per recruitment guidelines.

• Creates an environment that recognizes, rewards, and celebrates ideas and achievements.

• Develops succession plans for key positions within the division.

• Empowers people by respecting and appreciating diversity. 

• Demonstrates bravery through addressing challenging topics; engaging in difficult but necessary conversations; champions change and informed position regardless of opposition or political agendas; and seeks constructive feedback.

Minimum Qualifications

• Masters - In a related field

• The position requires a minimum of 5 years previous experience in managing or coordinating in an educational setting.

• 10 years of relevant work experience.

• Police Information Check.

• Ability to travel.

• An equivalent combination of directly related education and experience may be considered.

Preferred Qualifications

• Management skills and/or previous supervisory experience.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to respond in a professional manner suited to the target audience.

• Requires tact, and a knowledge and understanding of College programs, academic policy, College governance, and the College political environment.

• Ability to communicate effectively with senior management.

• Strong analytical, decision making, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work strategically and comfortably in highly ambiguous situations.

• Able to work in time sensitive, dynamic work environment with changing priorities.

• Has demonstrated strong leadership capabilities, able to gain the confidence and respect of faculty and staff members, influence the organization at various levels and build consensus towards achieving the vision and goals of the College.

• Capable of creating a sense of common purpose amongst faculty, staff, and stakeholders.

• A strategic thinker who brings a strong sense of vision to the creation and development of education programs for the College.

• Instills a sense of enthusiasm and confidence, fosters a climate of innovation, and stimulates all to contribute their best.

• Has entrepreneurial skills and the ability to establish and grow relationships.

• A strong team player that is able to work effectively across the College with a demonstrated record of moving initiatives forward.

• Strong administrative and management skills, able to identify and prioritize competing needs and handle multiple projects concurrently.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully developing and managing budgets.

• Strong interpersonal skills, develops relationships easily, will maintain a high profile and establish an effective two-way dialogue with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

If your education was received internationally, you will be required to provide your international education assessment by from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator upon hire.

Closing Date: July 25, 2026

This opening is a continuous, (Management) position.

Please note all successful candidates will be required to provide copies of government issued identification, proof of educational qualifications and a Police Information Check upon hire.

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.

Union :

Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
Bow Valley College is strongly committed to fostering diversity and inclusion within our community. We welcome applications from qualified candidates who would contribute to the further diversification of our employees including, but not limited to, visible minorities, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity.