Executive Director, Western Research Parks

Western University (Western) is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnocton (Neutral) peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Métis, and Inuit) whom the University recognizes as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

One of Canada’s most distinguished research universities, and a founding member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, Western is ranked among the top 1% of research-intensive higher education institutions worldwide. Western is home to over 1,300 faculty, 2,500 administrative staff, approximately 40,000 students - including over 5,800 international students from 128 countries – and over 328,000 alumni worldwide. Through 11 faculties, a School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and three affiliated University Colleges, Western offers over 400 undergraduate majors, minors, and specializations, and 50 Doctoral and 80 Master’s programs. The University’s research facilities, centres and affiliates attract over $265 million in annual research funding from various research funders and partners. Western is considered one of Canada’s most beautiful universities and is recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers for 2021. For more information, please visit: www.uwo.ca

Western Research Parks - one of Canada’s leading science and technology parks – was established in 1989 to support private and public-sector research and development and to act as a convener and connector in the London ecosystem to promote long-term economic growth for the benefit of the community and University. The Parks is home to the Stiller Centre for Technology Commercialization - one of Canada’s most successful biotechnology incubators - and since its inception, has expanded to now include the Western Advanced Manufacturing Park and the Western Sarnia-Lambton Research Park, a joint initiative of the County of Lambton, the City of Sarnia, and Western University. The vision for the Research Parks is to be recognized globally as a model for interdisciplinary excellence for research translation, student engagement, and innovation. A vital asset of Western University, the Research Parks is at a critical point in its journey to realize its overall vision, and has recently undergone a robust strategic planning process and roadmap for the next five years to develop its Strategic Framework .

It is within this context that Western University invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director (ED), Western Research Parks. This is an exciting opportunity to advance the Parks’ links to the local, national, and global ecosystem to support long-term sustainable economic and social impact, in line with Western’s new strategic plan “Towards Western at 150”. Reporting to the Associate Vice-President, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships and working closely with the Parks’ Board of Directors and Western Research leaders, the Executive Director has responsibility for leading the implementation of the Parks’ strategic plan; overseeing its operations, including financial, human, and physical resources, identifying existing and emerging knowledge-based sectors and prospective tenants within the community; fostering excellence in service delivery and continuous improvements; and providing visionary leadership to an engaged and talented team.

The ideal candidate brings an outstanding track record of experience leading staff and projects and working with a Board of Directors in a large organization; knowledge of real estate and property management operations; and experience negotiating contracts and agreements. They will possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills, solid financial acumen, the ability to identify and realize opportunities and manage multiple, competing priorities. The Executive Director will foster collegial relationships within the Western community and beyond, serve as a trusted advisor to the Parks’ Board, and bring a deep commitment and passion for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in all its forms.

Consideration of candidates will begin in late January 2022. Nominations, applications, and expressions of interest should be submitted, in confidence, to Colleen Keenan or Krutika Hotwani at westernparks@odgersberndtson.com.

Western University is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. In accordance with the AODA Act, accommodation will be provided by both Odgers Berndtson and Western University throughout the recruitment process.