Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer

Director of Research & Knowledge Transfer

About OSCIA

The Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association (OSCIA) is a unique not-for-profit farm organization whose diverse membership has a significant presence in all agricultural areas of the province and across all major sectors. The mission of OSCIA is to facilitate responsible economic management of soil, water, air and crops through development and communication of innovative farming practices. OSCIA is a leader in agricultural program delivery, including cost-share funding distribution, educational workshop offerings for farmers, and administration of on-farm applied research and knowledge transfer opportunities.

Job Summary

The Director of Research and Knowledge Transfer provides strategic leadership and oversight for OSCIAs research and knowledge transfer programs. This position is responsible for ensuring that all research and KTT initiatives are designed, delivered, and evaluated in alignment with OSCIAs organizational strategy, stakeholder priorities, and performance objectives.

The Director plays a pivotal role in fostering innovation, guiding partnerships with industry and government, and ensuring that outcomes from OSCIAs research programs arerelevant, accessible, and impactful to Ontarios agricultural sector. The Director will lead the strategic direction for communicating OSCIA research results, ensuring timely and effective knowledge transfer to members, partners, and the broader agricultural community.

This leadership role focuses on governance, direction, and performance oversight, ensuring operational activities are executed effectively by program managers and staff.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Oversight of Research Programs and Financial Stewardship

• Provide strategic direction and oversight for all on-farm applied research and knowledge transfer initiatives, ensuring scientific rigor and alignment with OSCIAs mission and goals.
• Establish and monitor research priorities, performance benchmarks, and program outcomes to guide team execution.
• Oversee annual budgets and long-range financial forecasts, ensuring fiscal accountability, compliance, and transparency.
• Evaluate program performance and sustainability across all research portfolios.
• Direct the establishment of frameworks for program evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Review findings and guide the development of recommendations for the design and negotiation of new program constructs and delivery agreements.
• Ensure that clear objectives, timelines, and performance indicators are established for all program areas, and that they align with strategic goals and available resources.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Council to set annual and multi-year performance targets and resource allocations.
• Provide oversight for the development of SOPs, guidance documents, and tools that support consistency, accountability, and excellence in operational delivery.
• Prepare and present timely reports to the Board, summarizing departmental performance, key activities, and strategic priorities.

Knowledge Transfer & Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide high-level oversight of knowledge translation and transfer (KTT) strategies, ensuring effectiveness, timeliness, and alignment with organizational goals.
• Build and sustain strategic relationships with government agencies, agricultural associations, research institutions, and industry partners.
• Guide the development of communications strategiesexecuted by other departmentsto enhance transparency, highlight successes, and demonstrate program impact.
• Identify and evaluate new research and KTT opportunities based on sector priorities, emerging issues, and funding landscapes.
• Ensure stakeholder collaboration and co-development of initiatives that reflect Ontarios agricultural priorities and promote broad participation.
• Represent OSCIA as an ambassador and thought leader, strengthening the organizations reputation and influence in the agricultural community.

Team Leadership & Internal Collaboration

• Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to departmental managers and staff, ensuring clarity of direction, alignment with organizational values, and professional excellence.
• Oversee the establishment of performance goals, coaching frameworks, and professional development opportunities to support staff growth and accountability.
• Champion a positive, inclusive, and collaborative workplace culture focused on innovation and excellence.
• Ensure strong cross-departmental collaboration and alignment with the broader strategic direction of the Association.
• Oversee succession planning and knowledge transfer practices to sustain operational continuity and leadership resilience.

Data Governance, Analysis and Reporting

• Oversee frameworks for data collection, analysis, and reporting to ensure the accuracy, integrity, and consistency of program information.
• Review and approve performance reports for senior management, funding partners, and the Board, ensuring they include clear insights and actionable recommendations.
• Guide the use of data analytics to inform strategic decision-making and identify future opportunities.
• Promote a culture of evidence-based management and data-driven innovation across the organization.

Policy, Advocacy and Representation

• Represent the organization externally to government bodies, funding agencies, and sector partners to convey producers insights that inform and influence future agricultural and research policy development.
• Ensure that all programs operate in compliance with relevant legislation, funding conditions, and industry standards.
• Participate in consultations, roundtables, and advocacy campaigns that align with the organizations mission and enhance its visibility as a trusted leader in agricultural programming.
• Provide policy analysis and recommendations to the Leadership Council and Board to inform organizational strategy.

Risk Management and Governance

• Identify, assess, and mitigate potential operational, financial, reputational, and compliance risks associated with program activities.
• Develop and implement risk management frameworks, contingency plans, and internal controls to protect program integrity.
• Ensure that team members are equipped with risk prevention protocols and contingency strategies.
• Regularly review and update risk mitigation strategies in consultation with leadership and external partners.
• Maintain a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving that ensures program continuity and stakeholder confidence.

Performance Metrics:

• Program Effectiveness: Strategic alignment, efficiency, and measurable outcomes of research and KTT programs.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Quality, breadth, and impact of partnerships across sectors.
• Research Impact: Degree of research adoption and influence at the farm, regional, and policy levels.
• Leadership & Staff Development: Strength of team capacity, retention, and professional growth.
• Innovation & Policy Influence: Integration of research findings into new or improved program models and sector strategies.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Education: A post-secondary degree in related fields (e.g. Agriculture, Environmental Science, Soil Science, Plant Science, Agri-environmental Studies) ) is required. A graduate degree in a related field is considered an asset. A post-secondary degree in public administration, or leadership management is considered an asset.
• Professional credentials Earned from professional associations that verify specialized knowledge in leadership competence. Memberships in professional organizations, (Certified Crop Advisor (CCA), Professional Agrologist (PAg.), Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), , Nuffield Agriculture Canada,
• Years of Experience: Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in research program management, policy development, and organizational leadership, including at least 8 years in a senior management or director-level role.
  

Specific Experience:

• Proficiency in experimental design, research methods, data analysis, and statistical interpretation.
• Demonstrated success overseeing complex, multi-stakeholder programsideally in agriculture, agri-environmental initiatives, or sustainable resource management.
• Strong background in government relations related to program funding, reporting, and compliance.
• Experience guiding cross-functional teams and fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and innovation.
• Demonstrated understanding of Ontario agriculture and related topics such as environmental and economic farm sustainability, biosecurity, soil health, water quality and biodiversity.
• Practical farm experience considered a strong asset.
• Skilled in preparing clear, concise reports and documenting processes.
• Experience and analyzing team performance metrics.
  

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge:

• In-depth knowledge of Ontario agricultural research, funding frameworks, knowledge mobilization practices and science communication.
• Understanding of rural dynamics, environmental policy, and farm-level implementation challenges.
• Experience with applied agricultural research and program evaluation.
• Comprehensive understanding of program delivery processes and workflow analysis.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365; knowledge of data analysis and reporting tools an asset

Skills:

• Strategic thinking, project planning, and results-oriented leadership.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, with a focus on clarity, professionalism, and audience awareness.
• Leadership excellence with the ability to inspire teams and drive organizational performance.
• Exceptional organizational skills with the capacity to balance multiple priorities and meet competing deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail with the ability to interpret financial documentation and assess budget-related components of applications and claims.

Abilities:

• Proven ability to work both independently and part of a dynamic, collaborative team.
• Demonstrated judgment, diplomacy, and adaptability in complex or high-pressure contexts.
• Adaptable and innovative mindset with a focus on driving continuous process improvement.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adaptability: Demonstrate a willingness to be flexible, versatile, and dynamic in a changing work environment while maintaining effectiveness and efficiency.
• Ethical behaviour: Ensure personal behaviours align with the Association's core values.
• Relationship development: Establish and maintain positive working relationships with others, internally and externally.
• Effective communication: Speak, listen, and write in a precise, clear, and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools.
• Client focus: Anticipate clients' needs and respond in an appropriate and timely manner, seeking to provide the highest quality service.
• Teamwork development: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve challenges, and make decisions that enhance cross-functional cooperation.
• Initiative: Ability to assess and initiate tasks independently.
• Decision-making: Assess role-based situations to determine the importance, risks, and make clear decisions in a timely manner.
• Time management and organization: Set priorities, develop a task schedule, monitor progress towards deadlines.
• Problem-solving: View problems as learning opportunities, focus on improving future results.
• Cultural Competence: Value diversity and inclusivity, demonstrating an ability to work effectively with trust across various departments.
• Foster Sustainability: Ensuring the work we do improves the viability and sustainability of rural Ontario and Ontario agriculture.
• Continuous Learning: Participate in an environment of professional development and personal growth.

OSCIA offers a competitive compensation package and is an equal opportunity employer.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those candidates under consideration will be contacted.

Thank you for your interest in this position!

ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT (AODA IN ONTARIO)

OSCIA is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the provincial guidelines for accessibility (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code, Ontario Only). As such, OSCIA will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the recruitment process.

HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT

OSCIA strives to ensure that its employment practices are free from direct and indirect discrimination and is committed to upholding the human rights of those participating in the hiring process. In pursuit of this commitment, OSCIA will not condone or tolerate any acts of discrimination or harassment under any of the grounds protected under human rights legislation. This commitment extends to the hiring process and throughout the course of employment.