Dean, Faculty of Research

COMPETITION NUMBER: 1364

CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 15, 2025 @ 11:59 PM MST

 

FACULTY OF RESEARCH 

 

At NorQuest College, we work closely with industry and community partners to shape innovation, strengthen our communities, and create positive social impact in Edmonton and beyond. 

 

Partnering with NorQuest means partnering with an organization that bolsters Alberta’s economy and builds partnerships of trust. We work with internal and external partners to create solutions that address their needs. Together, we are committed to making a true, lasting difference for our students, communities, and province. NorQuest: 

  • Is a top-rated research college in Canada, recognized for excellence in applied research. 
  • Secured over $18.5 million in funding for research projects since 2020. 
  • In the 2023-24 fiscal year, conducted 73 research projects with 89 collaborations with government, industry, and community organizations across Alberta and Canada. 
  • Is home to three Research Chairs leading high-impact research programs and partnerships in key sectors.  

The Dean, Research reports to the Associate Vice President, Research & Development (AVP, R&D) and has responsibility for managing the Faculty’s operations and providing strategic leadership within the Faculty, across the Research & Development portfolio, and at the College level. 

 

The Dean, Research provides strategic leadership and management for the Faculty including the departments of Strategic Research, Institutional Research, Applied Research, and the Knowledge Mobilization Office, and supervises the teams of major college initiatives being incubated within the Faculty. 

 

Working in consultation with other senior leaders across the College, including executive, post-secondary partners, Advanced Education, and industry, the Dean, Research will advance NorQuest’s reputation as a top research college, contribute to the continued growth of a research culture at the College, and drive alternative revenue generation and impact through research. 

 

The Dean, Research will inspire and lead faculty and staff in positioning the Faculty as a leader in research, and NorQuest as the partner of choice for applied research in the province and beyond. The Dean, Research utilizes their previous experience and expertise, as well as industry and post-secondary alliances, to understand and identify how best to develop, deliver, and lead the research enterprise for impact, as well as maintaining the highest levels of compliance. 

 

The Dean, Research serves as the College’s Chief Research Officer (CRO), ensuring college-wide compliance with all research legislation, regulations, and operational requirements. 

 

Finally, as a key member of the Research & Development (R&D) Senior Leadership Team, Dean’s Council, Senior Operations Committee, Senior Academic Leadership Team, and NorQuest Leadership Team, the Dean works as a leader and an enabler for meeting the College’s strategic priorities and vision by providing leadership and sound decision making at all College wide committees and by collaborating and integrating across the College to build and execute on the individual strategies of each area. 

 

HOW YOU’LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE: 

 

College and Divisional Planning and Leadership 

  • Creates a culture of research, innovation, and entrepreneurship, and seeks opportunities to innovate.  
  • Cultivates an environment to grow applied research.
  • Consults and provides expertise to other College leaders and Executive to grow research at NorQuest. 

 

Faculty Operations 

  • Ensures sound financial stability by engaging faculty and staff in the financial planning process. Provides direction for the overall Faculty capital, operating, and revenue budget development, as well as managing Faculty expenditures.
  • Provides leadership and direction in the development of financial resources for research activities.
  • Ensures that Faculty budgets support the College directions. 

 

Internal Relationships and Collaboration 

  • Maintains strong internal relationships, ensuring the Faculty’s impact, budget, resources, and business planning is executed and aligned to help achieve the College’s strategic plan.
  • Ensures the operational and strategic research support is provided by the Faculty to move college priorities forward.
  • Leverages relationships to build applied research, strategic research, institutional research, and knowledge mobilization capacity across the College. 

 

External Relationships and Partnership Building 

  • Plays an important role working with interest-holders and representing the College at external higher education and research-specific forums, especially as it pertains to new research partnership opportunities, collaborations, and external consultations.
  • Ensures the College is a leader in applied research locally and nationally.
  • Develops relationships in support of professional contribution, strategic partnerships, and innovative research. 

 

Chief Research Officer 

  • Working with all areas of the college to ensure all policies, procedures, and practices meet federal and funder research requirements.
  • Leading the College’s Research Data Management Strategy.
  • Leading the tracking and reporting of college-wide research funding, metrics, and compliance.
  • Reviewing all research funding application submitted by college faculty, staff, and students, including selecting (in consultation with the Director BIA, VPA, and President, where appropriate) those applications which should be submitted for funding. 

 

WHAT YOU BRING: 

 

  • A PhD or combination of a master's degree and direct experience in research including grantsmanship.
  • 7+ years progressive experience in senior post-secondary administration.
  • Experience in research administration, securing research funding, and research project management is required.
  • Demonstrated capacity to lead in matters relating to advancing the college’s strategic priorities, and especially with respect to research and development.
  • Demonstrated success in collaboratively developing and implementing a vision and guiding people to achieve exemplary performance and outcomes.
  • Experience accessing external funding, developing and implementing contract training projects, and working with multiple stakeholders is desired. Relevant experience will also be considered.
  • Demonstrated leadership and experience in advancing anti-racism, justice, diversity, equity, inclusion, and decolonial Indigenization initiatives and understanding. 

 

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER? 
As a difference maker you bring: 

  • Superior organization, collaboration, conflict resolution, critical thinking, problem solving, time management, fiscal planning and reporting, and facilitation skills required.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills.
  • Resilience and flexibility in a complex, rapidly changing environment.
  • Demonstrated ability to develop internal and external partnerships.
  • Working knowledge of computer applications (specifically, MS Office suite, including Teams and Microsoft BI).
  • Experience with issues management, change Management, and project management are assets. 

 

SALARY:($111,219-$139,052) annually. This is a fulltime permanent position with immediate access 
to our great pension and benefit programs. Internal movement guidelines are outlined in the Salary Administration procedure. 

 

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

 

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

 

Difference Makers. If we were to describe what NorQuest College is, we’d say these two words. We are so fundamentally driven in our mission to make a difference to our students, our community, and to our fellow NorQuesters, that it guides what we do, who we meet, and where we are headed.

So how do we make differences?

  • We empower NorQuesters. NorQuesters are expected to embody our Qs—lead from where you are, be dependable, find ways forward—to name a few, but how you do that is your choice!
  • We unlock potential. Whether its newcomers to Canada who want to improve their English, students who want to complete their academic upgrading, learners pursuing post-secondary education, or anyone who wishes to strengthen their skills through professional development, our passion to educate touches people of all levels and all backgrounds.
  • We strengthen Alberta. From our graduates who hit the ground running, to our partnerships with government, industry, and business, to our commitment to communities, including a dedicated focus on Indigenous communities, we contribute to our province and make it stronger. We strive to be an employer of choice for First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in Canada by leading, supporting, and being an ally through our work toward decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization. 

And that’s a snapshot of how we are Difference Makers. But there’s so much more to us and we invite you to explore further!

 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

 

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

 

Apply to Become a NorQuester: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

 

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.