Director, iSchool Institute

About Us

The Faculty of Information at the University of Toronto is a research-led Faculty, educating the next generation of leaders in information scholarship and the information professions, both established and emerging. Our researchers and graduates are recognized for their innovation, experimentation, human-centred perspectives and commitment to community.

The Faculty, which will celebrate its centenary in 2028, has built on its heritage strengths in libraries, archives and museums to incorporate scientific and technological expertise from engineering, computer science, and other disciplines. At the same time, it has committed itself to applying social, political, and cultural perspectives from media arts, humanities, and social science to the study of information, technology, people and the relationships among them.

A top tier school, the Faculty of Information is consistently recognized globally for excellence in Library and Information Management by the QS World University rankings. The QS rankings include both Master’s and PhD level programs.

More background about the Faculty can be found on its website (ischool.utoronto.ca).

Your Opportunity

The Faculty of Information is reimagining the iSchool Institute as a strategic innovation and professional learning hub - one that translates research into real-world impact, builds global partnerships, delivers AI-enabled learning at scale, and strengthens the Faculty’s long-term financial sustainability.

The Director of the iSchool Institute will serve as the architect and operator of this transformation. Reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer, with a dotted-line strategic relationship to the Dean, the Director will lead the evolution of the Institute from a traditional continuing education unit into a market-responsive, venture-style engine for innovation, partnership, and applied learning.

The Director will operate through a lean core team and matrixed partnerships across the Faculty and the University, working collaboratively with academic leaders, central administrative units, and external partners.

The Director will:

• Operationalize the Faculty’s vision by shifting the Institute toward a responsive, entrepreneurial model that balances innovation, academic integrity, accessibility, and public mission.
• Translate and commercialize research and expertise in partnership with faculty members, central research and innovation offices, and external collaborators.
• Forge high-impact partnerships with government, public sector, industry, and global institutions.
• Build and steward an AI-enabled learning ecosystem that is scalable, secure, inclusive, and aligned with institutional standards.
• Ensure financial sustainability through diversified, well-governed revenue models.

Essential Qualifications

Education

MBA or equivalent combination of education and senior-level experience in strategy, finance, entrepreneurship, or venture leadership.

Experience and Skills

A minimum of 10 years’ experience working at the intersection of academia, innovation, commercialization, and digital learning with a minimum of 6 years' experience in senior leadership roles. The successful candidate will have demonstrated experience navigating scholarly environments while building and scaling innovation initiatives.

1. Academic Leadership
   • Senior-level experience within a university/research-based unit (e.g., faculty, school, research centre, innovation hub, professional education institute).
   • Proven ability to collaborate with faculty and research staff to translate expertise into applied offerings.
   • Ability to balance commercial sustainability with academic rigor and public mission.
2. Innovation & Entrepreneurship
   • Hands-on leadership of innovation ecosystems bridging research, product development, and market launch.
   • Experience piloting venture-style programs (e.g., custom training, micro-credentials, outcome-based learning products).
3. Commercialization & IP
   • Direct experience with academic IP commercialization, including licensing, spinouts, or consultancy models.
   • Strong business-case development and go-to-market skills.
4. Digital Learning & AI
   • Leadership of digital or AI-enabled learning initiatives at scale.
   • Experience integrating analytics, adaptive learning, or emerging technologies into educational delivery.
5. Partnership Building
   • Established relationships with government, public sector, or industry partners.
   • Experience drafting and managing multi-year partnership agreements.
6. Leadership & Governance
   • Experience advising senior academic leaders and navigating complex governance environments.
   • Strong risk management, compliance, and equity-informed decision-making capabilities.
7. Communication & Influence
   • Exceptional ability to translate complex ideas into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.