Director, Data Strategy and Partnerships

The Vector Institute is an independent, not-for-profit Canadian corporation dedicated to working across sectors to advance AI application, adoption, and commercialization across Canada.

The Vector Institute is seeking a Director, Data Strategy and Partnerships to join our team in Toronto. Reporting to the Chief Data Officer, the successful candidate will work cross-functionally across Vector’s Health and Technology, Industry, AI Engineering, and Research and Academic Operations work streams and with external stakeholders to:

• Lead the evolution and implementation of Vector’s data strategy;
• Foster existing and new data partnerships with public and private sector stakeholders to further Vector’s mission; and,
• Lead Vector’s data governance program spanning Vector’s private and secure Data and Analytics Environments and business operations.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

A results-driven and strategic thinker who understands the AI product life cycle and the complexities of accessing sensitive data for the purposes of AI and ML research, innovation, and education. You have a strong track record of identifying and fostering collaborative data sharing partnerships and experience driving continuous quality improvement of policies, processes, and implementation of data governance, management, and privacy best practices.

You are an effective team leader, with experience leading highly qualified and diverse staff to work together on common goals and successfully meet and advance business objectives. Your leadership and interpersonal skills allow you to navigate, develop, and nurture relationships with internal and external stakeholders. You are comfortable representing Vector as a thought leader in this space at events and in the media.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evolution and implementation of Vector’s data strategy;
• Identify, establish, and evolve partnerships between Vector and data holding organizations;
• Drive data sharing projects between Vector and its public and private sector partners;
• Lead on data governance best practices and legal requirements for sensitive data to be used in AI/ML discovery;
• Oversee the development and operationalization of organizational data governance, stewardship and management policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices;
• Provide leadership to, and supervise the portfolio of a Project Manager and Data Steward in executing respective responsibilities and advancement of deliverables; and,
• Other related duties as assigned.

Key Success Measures

• High impact data assets are available to Vector’s community for AI research, innovation, and education activities.
• Streamlined operational and sustainable data governance best practices .
• Stakeholder feedback, via informal and formal feedback mechanisms to ensure that Vector’s investments in data and infrastructure add value to the AI ecosystem.
• AI projects, led by Vector and others, that turn data into knowledge and benefit society .
• Contribution of Vector’s data strategy to Vector’s vision and mission through close coordination with its work streams and stakeholders.

Skills and Experience

• Holds, at minimum, a graduate degree in a business, AI/ML, health, technical, or related field.
• Minimum five years of experience successfully managing all operational aspects of a data strategy and/or data management program, ideally in the technology sector(s).
• Demonstrated success with implementation of organizational strategic plans and effective business processes including evaluation and prioritization of opportunities.
• In-depth knowledge of data governance and legal requirements as they relate to use of sensitive data (including health) to advance AI/ML research, innovation, and education activities.
• An understanding of responsible AI and benefits of applied AI research to society.
• Experience with working with multi-disciplinary stakeholders, prioritizing conflicting needs, managing limited resources, building multi-disciplinary project teams, handling matters expeditiously, and following through on tasks to successful completion.
• Experience in people management is considered an asset.
• Possesses exceptional verbal and written English communication skills, effective in presenting to a diverse set of stakeholders.
• Brings a positive attitude and energy, integrity, a sense of humour, and outlook to a corporate culture, and is motivated by continuous learning and the desire to make a difference and a real contribution to development and deployment of safe and trustworthy AI.

At the Vector Institute we are committed to driving excellence and leadership in Canada’s knowledge, creation, and use of AI to foster economic growth and improve the lives of Canadians. We strive for greater inclusion in the programs and culture that we build by welcoming and encouraging applications from all qualified candidates. This includes but is not limited to applicants who are indigenous, 2SLGBTQIA+, racialized persons/visible minorities, women, and people with disabilities.

If you require an accommodation at any point throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact hr@vectorinstitute.ai and we will happily work with you to meet your needs.

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