UNIVERSITY POSITION DESCRIPTION

PART 1 – IDENTIFYING DATA

Position Number: Headquarters: Position Title: Scientific Director, Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit Incumbent: Vacant Supervisor’s Name: Bronwyn Hancock Supervisor’s Title: Associate Vice-President, Research Development Division: Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit Date Description Completed : March 2021

PART II - SUMMARY (broad statement of why position exists)

The Scientific Director is responsible for the oversight and operation of the Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit, including providing strategic advice and support to the SUPPORT Unit Oversight Committee, and executive and operational leadership to the Unit staff. The Scientific Director is also responsible for building an applied health-related research program and conducting research activities at YukonU.

The Scientific Director plays a key role in promoting patient-oriented and Indigenous health research in Yukon, and in building connections with Indigenous government and public government policy-makers to support health research to improve health outcomes for all Yukoners. While based at YukonU headquarters, the Scientific Director will ensure the development of a culture that celebrates research across all YukonU campuses, in Yukon , and in partner non-government organizations, with a strong patient-oriented focus and an emphasis on indigenization of health research in Yukon.

Through these activities, the Scientific Director work collaboratively to achieve the vision of the SPOR SUPPORT Unit, which is, “Yukon is a recognized leader in co-created health research, grounded in partnership among Indigenous and non-Indigenous government and non-government institutions, that brings together all ways of knowing to help Yukoners face our shared challenges, leading to an improved patient experience and improved health outcomes for all residents.”

A. Duties and Responsibilities

1. Major Function - the most important activity or responsibility required (describe what is done, why it is done, and how it is done):

The Scientific Director will provide executive and research leadership to the Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit by:

• Developing broad strategic direction and annual budget allocations for recommendation to the SPOR SUPPORT Unit’s Oversight Committee • Overseeing personnel management in the Unit, including recruitment, retention, training and development, performance evaluation, supervision and conflict management • Leading and providing mentorship to the SUPPORT Unit team • Building research relationships among SUPPORT Unit governing partners, participating partners and supporting organizations to leverage resources and achieve shared goals • Overseeing the development of operating policies and procedures to guide Unit operations, and ensuring compliance with those policies and procedures • Overseeing the preparation of financial and activity reports as required by the funding agency

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• Overseeing the development of annual workplans that ensure the Unit is meeting its core obligations as outlined in the funding agreement • Overseeing the development and implementation of strategic documents required by the funder, including a capacity and training strategy, patient engagement strategy and performance measurement framework • Liaising with funding partners to track and monitor in-kind contributions • Building relationships with other SPOR entities across Canada, and identifying opportunities for partnership and collaboration • Liaising with other research organizations to coordinate research priorities and approaches • Developing and maintaining service level standards for the Unit • Overseeing public outreach and engagement activities and culturally appropriate knowledge translation initiatives related to the work of the Unit • Monitoring and reporting on performance indicators associated with the operation of the Unit, and ensuring compliance with funder requirements for implementation and outcome evaluations • Providing administrative support to the Oversight Committee • Identifying, overseeing and implementing appropriate research ethics across all health research undertaken in association with the Unit • Identifying and supporting capacity building in health research across the Unit, partner organizations, Yukon University and the territory • Promoting the work of the SUPPORT Unit, including speaking at conferences, networking and publishing • Supporting the Oversight Committee in the development of a sustainability plan for the SUPPORT Unit

Approximate percentage of job time above functions are performed: 50%

2. Other Principal Activities, in order of importance (describing for each what, why, and how, and approximate percentage of job time required, rounded off to the nearest 5%):

The Scientific Director will be responsible for building an applied research program, and conducting research activities at Yukon University, by:

• Outlining a specific research program to meet identified research needs • Aligning research program goals with Strategic Directions and other guiding documents held or created by Yukon University • Identifying and developing a set or research projects that are designed to meet research program goals • Leading the development of project funding proposals to third-party funders to attract and retain external research project funding • Conducting research activities to carry out those projects • Identifying and acquiring the tools, materials and services required to conduct research activities in accordance with Yukon University policy and procedures and funder guidelines, and within available budgets • Disseminating research results through technical reports, peer-reviewed publications, presentations, meetings, community engagement, media interactions, and other internal and public communication avenues • Creating and maintaining partnerships with research collaborators and end-users in support of existing and potential research projects, and building a network of peer experts both internal and external to Yukon University

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• Ensuring ethical conduct of research activities in accordance with Yukon University’s Research Ethics processes and in compliance with relevant Yukon University policies and procedures • Holding financial accountability for research program funding and ensuring research funding is spent in accordance with Yukon University and research funder guidelines, policies and procedures • Reporting on research activities to funding bodies and Yukon University Senior Management and Board of Directors, and contributing to financial reporting and budget development as required by Yukon University Financial Services • Creating opportunities for student and faculty involvement in research, and supervising and mentoring student researchers and faculty members • Hiring and supervising research staff, technicians and students

Approximate percentage of job time above functions are performed: 40%

3. Examples of Additional Divisional activities which may be performed:

• Participating in Yukon University meetings, outreach activities and events • Co-supervising graduate students from other institutions • Conducting service activities internal to Yukon University (e.g., participation on committees and hiring panels; delivery of guest lectures) • Conducting service activities external to Yukon University (e.g., participation in external research committees; conducting peer review) • Providing advice on research operations, research development, and strategic growth as requested by the Associate Vice-President, Research Development • Other related duties as assigned

Approximate percentage of job time above functions are performed: 10%

4. Approximately how long will it take for a fully qualified employee from outside the work unit to reach the full working level of the position:

One year.

B. Problem-solving and decision-making

1. a) List any sections of Acts, Regulations, and Policies or Procedures the incumbent must be fully familiar with in order to perform the position’s functions:

• Yukon University Strategic Plan and other strategic guidance documents (e.g., Academic Plan, Research Plan) • Yukon University Policies and Procedures • Content of Yukon University’s Yukon First Nations core competency courses • SPOR SUPPORT Unit Funding Agreement with Canadian Institutes of Health Research • Funding agreements and policies of relevant funding agencies • Yukon University Collective Agreement • Yukon University Act • Human Rights Act • Occupational Health & Safety regulations

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• Health Information Privacy and Management Act • Other discipline-specific governing standards or guidelines as relevant (e.g., Tri-Council Policy Statement on Ethical Conduct of Research Involving Humans and Integrity in Research and Scholarship; Principles of Ownership, Control, Access and Possession)

b) Is the position responsible for interpreting, administering, or enforcing any of the above? If yes, explain.

Yes, the position is responsible for interpreting and administering the above in order to: • Ensure the SUPPORT Unit is operating in accordance with funder requirements, and meeting all obligations of the funding agreement; • Ensure research programs are operated in accordance with these Acts, Regulations, Policies or Procedures; • Ensure Yukon University research is conducted ethically; • Ensure directions and operations of research at Yukon University are consistent with the Strategic Plan and other strategic governing documents

2. (a) Describe the kinds of recommendations the incumbent is regularly required to make and to whom:

• Oversight Committee for the SPOR SUPPORT Unit: Strategic priorities for the Unit • Oversight Committee for the SPOR SUPPORT Unit: Funding allocations for the Unit • Associate Vice President Research Development: partnership opportunities, funding opportunities, project development, strategic directions, expenditures above authorized spending authority; administrative and operations procedures, strategic directions • Other Senior Team members: strategic direction and opportunities

b) Who normally makes the final decisions with respect to those recommendations?

• Oversight Committee for the SPOR SUPPORT Unit acts as a Board of Directors, approving broad strategic direction and budget allocations. Within that broad direction, the Scientific Director is accountable for operational, research and expenditure decisions, and for reporting back to the Oversight Committee on these activities • With respect to research recommendations, Associate Vice-President Research Development will have final decision-making authority

3. a) Describe the kinds of final decisions regularly made for which the incumbent is held accountable.

Program direction, activities and changes; staff performance management; student supervision; budget projections, income and expenditures; expenditure decisions within authorized spending authority; research and analytical methods and techniques used; dissemination of research results.

b) What is the direct impact of those decisions?

Failure to perform duties will compromise the financial and programming viability of the SPOR SUPPORT Unit, YukonU Research Centre, Yukon University, and its activities, and eligibility to administer external research funds. C. Freedom to Act

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1. Describe the way in which this position receives direction:

• Regular meetings with the SPOR SUPPORT Unit Oversight Committee and engagement with the Committee Chair • On-going discussions with supervisor

2. What legislation, regulations, procedures or established practices guide, constrain or limit the activities of this position?

• As per Section B 1(a)

3. How is the work of the position normally checked or evaluated?

• Annual performance reviews conducted by the SPOR SUPPORT Unit Oversight Committee and supervisor • Regular scheduled meetings with Oversight Committee Chair, supervisor, feedback from co-workers

4. What types of decisions are normally referred to the supervisor or Oversight Committee Chair? (Give examples)

• Expenditures greater than authorized spending authority • Politically or reputationally sensitive issues • Decisions that may impact other program, research or teaching areas within Yukon University or may impact other SPOR SUPPORT Unit governing partners

D. Financial Accountability

1. a) Annual Budget (for unit under the direct control of the position): Fiscal year: 2021/2022 Annual payroll: $350,000 O/M Budget (excluding payroll): $400,000 Capital Budget (excluding payroll): $0 Revenues: $0 Recoveries: $0

Note this position is not allocated any portion of Yukon University’s core budget; all funding is from external third-party funds as descripted in D2. The Scientific Director will be expected to generate additional third-party revenue to support research activities in addition to the amounts listed above.

b) Who prepares this budget?

The Scientific Director prepares an annual budget in collaboration with Yukon University finance staff, for consideration and approval by the SPOR SUPPORT Unit Oversight Committee. The budget must be consistent with the Funding Agreement with CIHR.

c) What is this position's accountability for budget once allotted?

The Scientific Director is accountable for appropriate expenditure of funds, for reporting to the Oversight Committee and for leading preparation of financial reports to the funding agency.

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d) Does position have authority/ability to reallocate resources? (describe) Yes, within financial operating guidelines established by the Oversight Committee.

e) Signing authority levels:

As per University policy and/or SPOR SUPPORT Unit operating policies.

2. Other expenditures or revenues influenced by this position and how.

Third-party research revenue: • Annual budget variable and dependent on funding success but can be hundreds of thousands of dollars. • Budgets are prepared by incumbent with review from supervisor and support of Budget Officer. • Incumbent is responsible for expenditures related to scheduled activities and projects within authorized spending authority, and for seeking approval following Yukon University procedures for expenditures outside of allocated budget. • This position has authority to reallocate resources within authorized spending authority over which position has budgetary ownership, and in accordance with funder guidelines where appropriate. • Signing authority levels are consistent with policy.

E. Management Supervision of Human Resources

1. No direct supervisory duties.

X 2. Supervisory duties. a) Number of positions supervised directly: Term 3 Casual 0-5 (incl. students)

Number of positions supervised indirectly: Term _____ Aux/Casual 0-5

b) Nature of supervision: (check any of the following supervisory tasks that are to be performed on a regular basis): _x___a) show colleagues how to do tasks _x___b) train or ensure proper training of other employees in work procedures _x___c) assign work and review for quality/quantity _x___d) establish work priorities and schedules _x___e) change duties and responsibilities _x___f) participate with supervisor in employees' performance evaluations, or formally appraise employees' work performance and discuss appraisal with them, making a final recommendation to advance or withhold merit increments _x__g) recommend appointment or rejection upon completion of probationary period _x__h) interview employees with attendance or performance problems ____I) act as first formal step in the grievance procedure _x__j) interview candidates for vacant positions in the unit _x__k) give opinion to supervisor on selection of new employees, or make final decision on selection of new employees

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_x__l) other: determining whether graduate student requirements are met

F. Key Personal Contacts

Who (what positions or groups) Purpose Frequency

Oversight Committee Chair Receive direction Bi-weekly Supervisor Receive direction At least weekly Project Staff Supervision & Advice At least weekly Administrative Staff Information exchange As required University Staff Information exchange As required Government Officials Information exchange As required Private Industry/other Information exchange As required Professional Colleagues Information exchange As required

G. Tools, Equipment, or Machinery Used

Name Purpose Frequency

Computer/e-mail/Internet Data entry, 60% systems/AV equipment communications, report preparation, etc. Office Equipment (photocopier, Reproductions and 5% fax, etc.) communications Telephone/voice mail systems Information exchange 5%

H. Working Conditions

a) Describe weights lifted:

Type How Heavy Percentage of the time AV/Research material 5 kg 5% AV equipment 10 kg 5%

b) What working conditions (sitting, standing, bending, reaching) or types of physical effort (hiking, walking, driving) are required?

Type Percentage of the time

Sitting 75% Walking 10% Standing 10% Driving 5%

c) Describe any physical hazards present: Type Percentage of time

Not applicable.

d) Describe special physical conditions leading to discomfort: Type Percentage of time

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Not applicable

e) Interpersonal Conditions: Check any of the following conditions which are normal and expected in the job and give examples:

high level of dissatisfied clients high level of emotional clients potential physical abuse from clients x regular critical deadlines x high level of irregular critical deadlines constant interruptions x instructions from more than one source x students or staff under work related stress other:

Examples in support of above

Travel Required

a) average number of trips annually 6-7 b) average number of days per trip 3-14 c) average distance per trip 500-3000 km d) most frequent mode of transportation driving, flying

I. Organization Chart

- Complete portion above dashed line whether the position supervises or not. - Complete portion below dashed line if this position supervises others.

IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR’S POSITION Title: Associate Vice President Research Development Classification Level: ME3

PEER POSITIONS: (all those reporting to the same immediate supervisor)

Title: Research Chair, Indigenous Knowledge Classification Level: BU11

Title: Research Chair, Permafrost and Geoscience Classification Level: BU11

Title: Industrial Research Chairs (2 – Northern Mine Remediation & Northern Energy Innovation) Classification Level: BU11

Title: Manager, Climate Change Research Classification Level: BU10

Title: Research Ethics Coordinator Classification Level: BU8

Title: Executive Assistant

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Classification Level: BU7

Title: Laboratory Technician Classification Level: BU7

Title: First Nation Engagement Liaison Classification Level: BU6

SUBJECT POSITION TITLE: Scientific Director, Yukon SPOR Support Unit

SUBORDINATE POSITIONS:

Title: Operations Manager Title: FN Research Manager Title: Research Manager Classification Level: TBD Classification Level: TBD Classification Level: TBD No. of Employees: 1 No. of Employees: 1 No. of Employees: 1

Title: Casual researchers Classification Level: variable No. of Employees: 0

PART III – SIGNATURES

I confirm that this describes the duties and Date: ……………………………………. responsibilities I require of an incumbent in this position and have reviewed the description with the incumbent (where applicable).

…………………………………………… Dean/Director or Designate

Date: ……………………………………. I have read the foregoing position description and understand that it is a general description of the duties and responsibilities assigned to the position I occupy.

………………………………

Incumbent

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PART IV - QUALIFICATIONS

To be completed by the Dean/Director or designate A. Minimum Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Completed PhD in relevant field, a clinical designation with a graduate level degree, or Indigenous knowledge keeper of equivalent level as recognized by their community • Knowledge of multi-disciplinary research methodologies and their application in a northern context • Proven experience in management and leadership within a dynamic and complex environment, including leading or promoting innovation in health research or a related field • Experience partnering with Indigenous communities and governments on research activities • Knowledge of federal and territorial research funding programs and corresponding departments • Knowledge of current discipline-specific research and knowledge • Experience in developing research programs and designing and carrying out complex research projects in an academic environment • Experience with project management and demonstrated organizational skills • Experience developing and managing budgets • Experience developing and sustaining research partnerships, including partnerships with Indigenous communities and governments, private sector, and other government bodies • Experience developing and writing successful funding proposals • Experience creating student research projects, and supervising and mentoring students • Experience with facilitation • Excellent supervisory skills • Academic writing experience • Community engagement, communications and public outreach experience • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of government, non- government and academic organizations • Discipline-specific computing skills • Demonstrated ability in building teams, strategic planning and setting and achieving goals

B. Licenses, Certificates Required - Give title and section of any legislation, regulations, or other authority where applicable.

None.

C. Other skills and/or knowledge which may be desirable, but not necessarily essential to the performance of the position’s duties.

• Knowledge of Yukon scientific, research and technical communities • Knowledge of education principles and practices and experience teaching at a post-secondary level • Membership in relevant professional organizations and/or national and/or international networks • Experience living and working in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities across Canada

PART V – COLLEGE SIGNOFF

Comments: I approve this position description as being representative of the work I require to be performed and that the responsibility levels identified have been delegated to this position.

………………………………………..… ………………………………………….

Director, Human Resources Services College President

Date: ………………………………….. Date: …………………………………..

FOR HUMAN RESOURCE SERVICES USE ONLY: Evaluation Point Results: Knowledge and Skills: 212 Accountability: 106 Mental Demands: 92 Working Conditions: 0

Total Points: 410 Pay Level: BU11

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