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Job Title


Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship


Company : University of Toronto


Location : Toronto, Ontario


Created : 2025-12-11


Job Type : Full Time


Job Description

Overview As Canadas leading university and a global Top 20 institution, the University of Toronto (U of T) is leading lifechanging crossdisciplinary research and innovation to address the worlds most pressing challenges. The University is home to an exceptional complement of faculty, librarians, and staff who work with vibrant students, postdoctoral researchers, alumni, and partners locally and around the world. Annually, the tricampus U of T community, together with its affiliated hospitals, attracts $1.54billion in research funding. The University of Toronto is a leading North American innovation engine for researchbased startups and a global leader in transforming ideas into products and services that improve the world. From applied AI companies emerging from proteges of Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton, to industry partnerships with leading global companies, U of T is at the forefront of researchbased innovation and commercialization. The University was recently ranked #1 in Canada in the Pitchbook annual ranking of the Top 100 universities for entrepreneurs and is ranked among the top five in the world for university startup incubators. It houses a powerful network of 12 accelerators, engages over 600 industry partners, and has launched 1500 venturebacked companies that have created over 20,000 jobs and secured over $14billion in funding. Role Summary It is within this diverse ecosystem that U of T seeks a collaborative leader with deep expertise for the position of Assistant VicePresident, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship (AVPIPE). The AVPIPE will join a talented and highly integrated team within the Research and Innovation portfolio that values collegiality, mutual support and collective success, and is driven by advancing research, innovation and impact. Reporting to the VicePresident, Research, Innovation and Strategic Initiatives (VPRISI), the AVPIPE will lead a dynamic and highperforming team across the Innovation & Partnership Office (IPO), University of Toronto Entrepreneurship (UTE) and University of Toronto EarlyStage Technology (UTEST). They will provide strategic direction in growing commercialization activity and entrepreneurship, fostering and expanding funded research partnerships with industry and public/private organizations; and by providing essential and missioncritical supports that will have broad economic and public impacts to the U of T community. The AVPIPE will play a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the broader innovation ecosystem across U of Ts three campuses. Responsibilities The AVPIPE will lead a dynamic and highperforming team across the IPO, UTE and UTEST. They will provide strategic direction in growing commercialization activity and entrepreneurship; fostering and expanding funded research partnerships with industry and public/private organizations; and by providing essential and missioncritical supports that will have broad economic and public impacts to the U of T community. The AVPIPE will play a pivotal role in strengthening and expanding the broader innovation ecosystem across U of Ts three campuses. Qualifications The ideal candidate brings an outstanding track record leading research administration and commercialization, cultivating entrepreneurship, and fostering industry partnerships within a researchintensive academic institution or large organization. They will possess excellent relationshipbuilding, interpersonal and communication skills, combined with strong analytical and problemsolving skills, and proven success in realizing and promoting opportunities. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to lead within a fastpaced, highly complex and increasingly global environment. The AVPIPE will possess a deep respect for and understanding of the breadth of academic research and innovation across disciplines at U of T and demonstrate the ability to cultivate respectful and collegial relationships within academic, industrial, government and business environments. They will possess a high level of emotional intelligence, be an inspiring leader to a talented team, and a champion for promoting equity, diversity, and inclusivity in all its forms. Application Information The University of Toronto has partnered with the leadership advisory firm Odgers for this recruitment. Applications are encouraged immediately and ideally by 11/09/2025 to Julia Robarts and Krutika Hotwani at https://careers.odgers.com/en-ca/job/30765. Inquiries or accommodations requests can be directed to [email protected]. Benefits The University of Toronto offers a generous compensation and benefits package. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid timeoff, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, defined benefit pension plan, health care spending accounts, and tuition reimbursement, visit https://people.utoronto.ca/careers/benefits/. Diversity and Inclusion The University of Toronto embraces diversity and is building a culture of belonging that increases its capacity to effectively address and serve the interests of its global community. U of T strongly encourages applications from Indigenous Peoples, Black and racialised persons, women, persons with disabilities, and people of diverse sexual and gender identities. U of T values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and recognizes that diverse perspectives, experiences, and expertise are essential to strengthening its academic mission. #J-18808-Ljbffr