Director, Dialogue on Technology Project

Union/Affiliation: Administrative and Professional Staff (APSA)
Pay range: 116061.00 To 138495.00 Annually SFU Department Descr: Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue
Position Grade: 14
# of openings: 1
Biweekly Hours: 72

Who We Are

Simon Fraser University is a leading research university, advancing an inclusive and sustainable future. Our purpose – the essence of SFU – is to create and connect knowledge, learning and community for deeper understanding and meaningful impact. We are committed to fostering excellence, innovation, belonging and community in all that we do.

Housed at the SFU Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue, the Dialogue on Technology (DoT) project advances the principle that technology policy should reflect public values—not be shaped behind closed doors. Through public engagement, multi-stakeholder dialogue, and knowledge translation, DoT bridges divides between technologists, policymakers, researchers, industry, and communities.

About the Role

The Director, Dialogue on Technology Project provides strategic leadership for the Dialogue on Technology Project (DoT), a high-impact initiative housed at SFU's Centre for Dialogue that shapes inclusive, informed and values-driven dialogue on the governance of AI and related technologies. The role oversees all facets of the Dialogue on Technology Initiative, including governance, operations, engagement strategy, original program development, fundraising, partnerships, supporting key strategic and academic goals for SFU, and long-term sustainability. The role provides vision, thought leadership, and institutional representation for DoT and is responsible for designing and delivering intergovernmental, community-based, and cross-sector dialogue programming at local, provincial, and national scales. The role builds and sustains strategic partnerships with governments, philanthropic foundations, academic experts, Indigenous Nations, media, and civil society organizations to advance public engagement, multi-stakeholder collaboration, and knowledge translation that bridge gaps between experts, decision-makers, and the public, advancing responsible and democratically grounded technology governance. The role provides thought leadership on participatory technology governance and represents the initiative in engagements in regional, national and global fora- shaping the field of participatory technology governance in Canada and beyond. The role enables the long-term sustainability of the initiative through strategic planning, financial stewardship, branding, strategic communications, and external representation, and supports university-wide efforts to demonstrate leadership on AI policy.

Qualifications

Master's degree in a relevant discipline and eight years of relevant experience in a senior strategic or leadership role working across sectors to advance systems change, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

• Strategic-level understanding of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, including their societal, ethical and policy implications.
• Demonstrated success building coalitions, designing engagement for impact, and delivering public-facing programming on complex policy issues.
• Proven track record of leading participatory engagement processes involving multi-stakeholder groups, including policymakers, technologists, academics, civil society and industry leaders.

What We Offer

At SFU, our goal is to ensure our people are valued and supported by promoting a healthy work-life balance, professional growth and development, as well as a safe and respectful workplace. We offer temporary employees who belong in the Administrative & Professional Staff Association (APSA):

• An additional 7% pay in lieu of benefits & 8% vacation pay
• Employer paid extended health & dental plans
• Professional development funds (minimum contract period of 1 year)
• Hybrid-work program for eligible positions

Additional Information

The assignment end date is March 31, 2028.