Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Operations

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Administration, Level C

Job Title

Senior Manager, Strategic Partnerships and Operations

Department

Academy of Translational Medicine - Leadership | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$8,087.08 - $12,117.08 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

September 21, 2026

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

September 30, 2028

 

 

This position will be filled internally. It is posted for informational purposes only.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career. 

Job Summary
The Senior Manager, Operations and Innovation is responsible for providing comprehensive strategic oversight and management in all areas of administration, operations, innovation strategy, ecosystem development for the Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM). Working closely with the ATM Director, this senior leadership role oversees human resources, financial planning, strategic partnerships, policy development, commercialization initiatives, innovation programming, and facilities management in support of the Academy's mission and strategic priorities.

The position provides leadership in establishing innovative programs, partnerships, and operational practices that advance translational medicine, regulatory science, health innovation, and commercialization. The incumbent serves as a trusted advisor to the Director on operational, financial, human resource, innovation, and strategic matters, while leading initiatives that strengthen ATM's role within the broader life sciences and health innovation ecosystem.

The incumbent exercises a high degree of independent judgment and executive decision-making, requiring the ability to assess opportunities, develop strategy, implement complex initiatives, manage competing priorities, and build effective relationships across academia, health systems, government, industry, regulatory agencies, investors, and partner organizations within direction established by the ATM Director. The position provides direct and indirect supervision of staff and contributes to the development of institutional capacity that supports research, education, innovation, commercialization, and societal impact.

Organizational Status

The University of British Columbia is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. Since 1915, UBC’s entrepreneurial spirit has embraced innovation and challenged the status quo. UBC encourages its students, staff and faculty to challenge convention, lead discovery and explore new ways of learning. At UBC, bold thinking is given a place to develop into ideas that can change the world.

Our Vision: To Transform Health for Everyone

Ranked among the world’s top medical schools with the fifth-largest MD enrollment in North America, the UBC Faculty of Medicine is a leader in both the science and the practice of medicine. Across British Columbia, more than 12,000 faculty and staff are training the next generation of doctors and health care professionals, making remarkable discoveries, and helping to create the pathways to better health for our communities at home and around the world.

The Faculty of Medicine —comprised of approximately 2,600 administrative support, technical/research and management and professional staff, as well approximately 620 full-time academic and over 14,000 clinical faculty members—is composed of 19 academic basic science and/or clinical departments, 3 schools, and 26 research centres and institutes. Together with its University and Health Authority partners, the Faculty of Medicine delivers innovative programs and conducts research in the areas of health and life sciences. Faculty, staff and trainees are located at university campuses, clinical academic campuses in hospital settings and other regionally based centres across the province.

The UBC Vancouver Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) people. The City of Vancouver is located on Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations territory.

The Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM) at the University of British Columbia (UBC) is being established by the Faculty of Medicine. The ATM is a nucleus for translational medicine, regulatory science, innovation, commercialization, education, and training. The ATM is a strategic imperative for the Faculty of Medicine and has a mandate to collaborate with units across UBC, health authorities, government, industry, and other partners to accelerate the translation of discoveries into patient, social, and economic impact. The ATM drives impactful research, develops innovative educational programs, and strengthens pathways from discovery through implementation, commercialization, and health system adoption.

 

The Senior Manager, Operations and Innovation is the ATM's senior administrative and strategic liaison for the Faculty of Medicine and central UBC units, responding to queries and directives, contributing to administrative policies and processes, participating in committees, and disseminating communications and changes in institution and specific policies of the ATM.

 

This position develops relationships with those internal to UBC and the Faculty of Medicine as well as those external including partner institutions, health authorities, industry, collaborative research partners and others as required to facilitate appropriate administrative support and ensure consistent application of policies and practices in ATM operations and relationships.

Work Performed
Strategic Initiatives and Direction

• Participates as a member of the ATM's Leadership Team in the development of strategic priorities, goals and objectives for the ATM; establishes and participates in ATM committees, and working groups as required in support of strategic priorities and administrative and operational efficiencies ensuring stakeholder representation.
• Works under the direction of and in partnership with the ATM Director, meeting weekly to develop strategies to improve ATM operations, advance strategic priorities, and implement new initiatives.
• Develops and provides leadership, direction and guidance for strategic administrative and financial efficiencies for the ATM and its members; aligns overall management and administrative functions of the ATM within its mission, vision and strategic priorities and those of the Faculty of Medicine and UBC.
• Responsible for working with ATM leadership to champion a regulatory and translational science and develop and implement a related strategy with recommendations to maximize opportunities in these spaces.
• Directs the development and implementation of specific initiatives in support of ATM strategic and operational priorities and opportunities; provides administrative leadership, project oversight and reporting as needed.
• Works with the ATM Director and other Faculty of Medicine leadership to develop, further advance and improve interfacing education programs and to establish related priorities.
• Develops and implements ATM policies and procedures to achieve administrative and financial efficiencies while ensuring compliance with UBC and Faculty of Medicine policies, procedures and employment agreements; advises ATM members on policies, procedures and employment agreements.
• Initiates and provides direction for business and workflow process reviews in the ATM; develops and implements changes to improve administrative efficiency and internal controls in support of new initiatives and priorities within the ATM, Faculty of Medicine and UBC.
• Ensures coordinated internal processes across ATM teams to streamline research, education, innovation, and platform service delivery.
• Facilitates and manages strategic partnerships and the development of agreements, working with appropriate UBC and external agencies, including Faculty executive, government ministries, University Administration, health authorities, industry, investors, regulators, innovation organizations, granting agencies, and clinical sites to achieve common goals and objectives.
• Authorizes staff appointments; hires, develops, supervises, coaches, evaluates, disciplines and terminates staff; overall responsibility for directly or indirectly managing staff appointees.

                                                     

Innovation Strategy and Ecosystem Development

• Under the direction of ATM Director, leads the development and implementation of ATM's innovation strategy, including strategic focus areas, intake priorities related to project stage, anticipated impact, and strategic initiatives, ensuring alignment with UBC policies and innovation priorities.
• Evaluates the performance of translational research and innovation activities and identifies opportunities to strengthen pathways from discovery to patient, social, and economic impact.
• Develops strategic frameworks, policy recommendations, and innovation initiatives that support commercialization, regulatory readiness, reimbursement planning, venture creation, and health system implementation.
• Leverages provincial and federal funding programs and public-private innovation models to improve the value proposition for industry and amplify impact.
• Leads the development and implementation of the ATM service platform, including intake, services, outputs, and resource allocation, ensuring alignment with UBC policies and requirements.
• Develops and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact, effectiveness, and strategic value of the ATM platform.
• Identifies, connects, and supports innovation activities across UBC faculties, departments, centres, institutes, health authorities, and external partner organizations to strengthen coordination across the translational medicine continuum.
• Performs ecosystem analyses, environmental scans, benchmarking exercises, and strategic planning activities that inform institutional priorities and decision-making.
• Develops and manages strategic relationships with industry, health authorities, regulators, government agencies, investors, innovation organizations, and partner institutions.
• Under the advisement of the ATM Director, participates in  high-value partnerships, including consortia, anchor industry partnerships, foundations, health systems, and government collaborations.
• Engages in partner discovery and outreach activities to build long-term strategic relationships.
• Promotes awareness of partnership opportunities and best practices within the UBC community.
• Supports the development of collaborative governance structures, partnership models, and innovation programs that accelerate translation and commercialization.
• Provides senior-level leadership in resolving complex issues and conflicts arising from active partnership agreements, balancing legal, financial, academic, and reputational considerations.
• Leads the preparation of policy briefs, strategic reports, business cases, ecosystem analyses, and recommendations for senior leadership and external partners.
• Under the direction of the ATM Director, manages commercialization planning and investment readiness activities for ATM initiatives and affiliated ventures, including assessment of market opportunities, regulatory pathways, reimbursement considerations, and implementation strategies.
• Oversees strategic workshops, roundtables, forums, and partnership development activities focused on translational medicine, innovation, and commercialization.
• Represents ATM in institutional, provincial, national, and international innovation initiatives and partnerships.

Human Resources and Leadership

• Works with the ATM Director in strategic planning and management of human resource activities in the ATM ensuring equity and compliance with employment agreements.
• Develops, implements and oversees organizational changes to meet objectives of new initiatives and evolving needs with the ATM.
• Provides leadership with regards to challenging issues such as performance management, grievance meetings, bullying and harassment complaints and other matters that require diplomatic resolution and/or investigation; supports the ATM Director in investigations as required.
• Provides advice and support to ATM Director on faculty and staff recruitment, retention, appointment, re-appointment, promotion, tenure and compensation terms consulting with appropriate UBC units as required; oversees and provides direction to staff in carrying out related processes ensuring compliance with policies and procedures.

Finance and Resources

• Collaborates with the ATM Director in managing all financial activity in the ATM and the development of financial models to manage ATM budgets, funding allocations, revenue and expense projection and analysis in support of ATM business operations, strategic priorities and long term (5-10 year) planning; oversees the development of systems and processes to resolve problems and improve management of financial resources.
•  develops and implements a sustainable hybrid financial model for ATM and builds a balanced portfolio of revenue streams to support core operations and strategic growth.
• Leads the development and management of a balanced ATM project portfolio, ensuring alignment with ATM key performance indicators and UBC priorities to inform resource allocation and strengthen the case for external investors and strategic partners.
• Oversees ATM budgets and financial analyses/summaries, evaluates priorities and makes recommendations to the ATM Director for budget reductions and management of available resources; provides advice and recommendations to other PG holders in managing budgets.
• Signing authority on all ATM P/G's.
• Makes recommendations on significant investment of ATM resources; approves expenditures for standard business equipment, equipment replacement, leases, computers and systems, renovations and repairs, etc. upon appropriate cost/benefit analysis and risk assessment.
• Liaises with Faculty of Medicine Finance staff and other UBC finance personnel

Communications and IT     

• Directs and oversees the development, implementation and maintenance of ATM communication strategies and systems, tools and projects (website, email distribution lists, communication bulletins/newsletters, reports, etc.).
• Oversees ATM internal and external communications ensuring recognition of ATM members and achievements.
• Ensures emerging communication vehicles are evaluated from a technical and user perspective and cost/benefit perspective prior to implementing.

Other

• Assists in grant writing, including large-scale grants.
• Interprets University, Faculty of Medicine and partner institution policies and procedures; develops and implements ATM policies and procedures in alignment with these and to meet goals and objectives in consideration of relevant internal and external requirements.
• Liaises with internal and external units and organizations on behalf of the ATM; participates in various committees and working groups, contributing towards goals and objectives.
• Exercises considerable judgment and decision making in ATM operations, resource allocation and human resource management.
• Participates in ATM, Faculty, University and other committees and meetings.
• Prepares and delivers presentations to internal and external audiences and complements the ATM Director in representing ATM in national and international fora focused on translational medicine and health innovation.
• Acts on behalf of the ATM Director as delegated/requested.
• Performs other related duties as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
Considerable judgement is required for all areas of ATM operations and resource management including the delegation of responsibilities and decision-making. Errors in judgment could lead to inappropriate decisions impacting ATM finances and other resources, the efficiency and effectiveness of ATM operations and the reputation of the ATM, Faculty of Medicine and University.

A high degree of accuracy and initiative is required and relied upon by the ATM Director and others in decision-making and effective implementation of strategic priorities, operational management, problem resolution and in addressing unique situations and opportunities.

Errors in judgement in handling personnel issues could lead to legal/financial issues, disruption to ATM activities, grievances and impact the reputation of the Unit, Faculty of Medicine and University.

Supervision Received
The Senior Manager, Operations and Innovation works independently, reporting to the Director. Work is reviewed in terms of achievement of long-term goals. This position provides advice and works in partnership with the ATM Director in achieving strategic priorities for the ATM.

Supervision Given
Direct and indirect supervision of administrative, project management, communications, education, and operational staff groups through multiple levels of subordinates with responsibilities in administration, human resources, finance, education, IT, space, health and safety, communications, innovation programming, platform service delivery, and faculty support. Provides strategic and operational guidance to staff and oversees external consultants and advisors as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum of five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

Ideally a Post Graduate degree in business administration and/or biomedical research, molecular biology, microbiology, biochemical engineering or an acceptable combination of education and experience in these fields is preferred. Master’s degree or higher is a strong asset. Experience working at a management level within an academic setting with related experience in strategy development and implementation of academic and research programs. Experience in a senior administrative role managing complex relationships, preferably in a University environment or other large organization is also desirable. Knowledge and experience in organizational governance. Demonstrated experience in financial, human resources and communications management. Experience in the review of research proposals and development of program reports.

 

Demonstrated experience in innovation strategy, translational medicine, commercialization, regulatory science, ecosystem development, health innovation policy, venture creation, or related fields. Experience working with industry, investors, health authorities, government agencies, regulators, and innovation organizations is strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to develop strategic frameworks, policy analyses, business cases, ecosystem assessments, and partnership initiatives that support innovation and translational research. Understanding of regulatory, reimbursement, commercialization, and health system adoption pathways for biomedical and health technologies is highly desirable. Experience working across academic, government, health system, industry, and investment environments is strongly preferred.

 

Skills:

Demonstrated experience in financial, human resources and communications management. Proven ability to successfully recruit, mentor, manage, discipline and terminate staff. Proven ability to work with or direct and lead a team. Proven ability assessing opportunities in a variety of science and technical disciplines. Excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, project management, organizational and interpersonal skills. Ability to deal tactfully with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Mastery of English grammar and punctuation is essential, with the ability to read health research text analytically and critically, and make substantive editorial recommendations to improve readability, clarity and impact.
Demonstrated comfort with technical writing and effective translation of complex scientific information into clear and succinct language for a broader audience is essential. Creative problem solving and decision-making; mentorship abilities. Computer competency with knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications. Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain the respect of senior administration and also to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action. Ability to deal with senior University Officers and external stakeholders in a manner which facilitates cooperation and consensus building. Ability to be comfortable, credible and persuasive within academic, government or business environments; ability to initiate, build and nurture academic and research partnerships. Demonstrated effective leadership, motivational and planning abilities. Excellent political acuity, tact, judgment and discretion. Ability to interpret and evaluate policy and procedural requirements. Must be highly self-motivated and sustain a high degree of initiative. Proven ability to analyze, prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Proven judgment and decision-making skills, particularly in areas where there are no established policies or guidelines. Ability to take initiative, manage effectively and meet goals in a complex environment. Ability to foresee, prevent and resolve conflicts and other problems. Must be a talented and fluent writer, able to concisely summarize information and provide a rationale for action.