Executive Director, Lawson Climate Institute
Job Details
Date Posted: 06/24/2026
Req ID: 48770
Faculty/Division: Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
Department: Dept of Mechanical & Industrial Eng
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes
About us:
The Lawson Climate Institute (LCI) at the University of Toronto is a multidisciplinary research hub dedicated to accelerating U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies, policies, and incentives needed to make the global transition to net zero. Launched in April 2025 through a transformative $60-million donation from Brian and Joannah Lawson, the institute serves as a central catalyst for climate-related research, innovation, and collaboration across the University. Its activities are organized around four strategic pillars: Sustainable Innovation and Technology; Climate Policy and Sustainable Finance; Leaders for a Sustainable Future; and Campus as a Living Lab.
Your Opportunity:
Reporting to the Academic Director, the Executive Director drives the development and execution of strategic initiatives and programs to achieve the Institute’s mission to accelerate U of T’s capacity to advance the technologies, policies, and incentives needed to make the global transition to net zero. The Executive Director takes primary responsibility for stakeholder engagement and scaling the Institute to achieve its global ambitions.
Responsibilities include: establishing clear short (1 year) and longer term (3-5 years) performance objectives for the Institute, external funding opportunities; developing mechanisms to identify, support and prioritize potential funding and initiatives, and monitor and assess progress; liaising with senior colleagues in the academic divisions and central portfolios; developing and managing strategic partnerships across institutional, governmental, sectoral and geographic borders; developing thematic research, policy and solutions strategies; oversight of strategic communications plans; preparation of key documents including internal and external progress/impact and financial reports; supporting and managing the Institute’s governance; and implementing research and collaboration funds, allocating budgets, and hiring and managing staff.
Qualifications
Education: Post Graduate Degree in a related area to the theme of innovation, technology and society or an acceptable combination of education and experience. Project management, business, and/or financial management certificate or an acceptable combination of education and experience. A PhD is highly desirable.
Experience: Ten (10) years’ experience working in strategy development and implementation and external relations. Experience in a senior administrative role managing complex relationships, preferably in a University environment or other large organization, is desirable. Knowledge and experience in organizational governance. Demonstrated experience in financial, human resources and communications management. Experience in a high-growth unit is an asset. Experience leading teams and managing people in complex organizational settings; experience in a unionized environment is an asset.
Skills: Proven ability assessing opportunities in a variety of disciplines as well as interdisciplinary opportunities; excellent research, analytical, negotiation, partnership development, project management, organizational and interpersonal skills; excellent verbal and written communication skills; creative problem solving and decision making; mentorship abilities. Computer competency with knowledge of spreadsheet, database, and word processing applications.
Other: Ability to work at the highest strategic levels, to gain and maintain the respect of senior administration, and also to take strategy and move it through to tactics and action. Ability to work with senior University Officers and external stakeholders in a manner that facilitates cooperation and consensus building.
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