Director, Innovation and Research(Temporary Full-Time 1 year)
About the role
Join Our Passionate Team at The Brenda Strafford Foundation!
About Us:
The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Aging Care & Senior Living communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families. Locally, in Calgary, BSF also operates Alberta’s largest second-stage shelter providing safe shelter and comprehensive support services to women and children leaving abuse and violence.
Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job – they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of BSF!
Team members embody our values:
- We put people at the centre of everything we do
- We boldly pursue quality and innovation with pride and enthusiasm
- We believe in engagement with all stakeholders and respect every voice
- We act with compassion, empathy and understanding
The BSF Way:
Putting people first is a way of life at BSF. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.
Through the BSF Way, we uphold our 8 Commitments to:
- Get to know what makes a person unique
- Enable and respect choices
- Champion everyone's abilities, interests and aspirations
- Deliver "wow" service
- Do little things that can make a big difference
- Be the reason someone smiles
- Make people feel at home
- Be present in the moment
The Role:
JOB PURPOSE
The Director, Innovation and Research, is a visionary leader responsible for setting the strategic direction and operational excellence of the research and innovation portfolio across The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF). This role provides high-level leadership in building and sustaining a culture of innovation, advancing applied research, and developing collaborative partnerships to improve care outcomes and quality of life for those we serve.
The Director leads cross-functional teams, strategic partnerships, and complex projects with internal stakeholders, external partners, academia, and international collaborators. The Director is a senior ambassador for BSF’s commitment to excellence in aging care, person-centred practice, and translational research.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Develop and lead the execution of a multi-year innovation and research strategy aligned with BSF’s strategic goals.
•Establish and oversee governance frameworks for innovation and research initiatives, ensuring accountability, ethics, and impact measurement.
•Represent BSF nationally to cultivate strategic alliances and elevate the organization’s profile in research and innovation ecosystems.
•Act as a thought leader and advisor to executive leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities in innovation and research.
•Oversee the full innovation and research pipeline—from ideation to implementation—ensuring alignment with operational and strategic priorities.
•Provide executive-level oversight to large-scale research initiatives and innovation pilots, including risk, change, and stakeholder management.
•Lead reporting on research and innovation outcomes to executive and board-level audiences, including development of performance metrics.
•Forge and steward high-impact partnerships with post-secondary institutions, healthcare providers, funders, and international stakeholders.
•Lead or co-lead grant applications, funding proposals, and strategic initiatives to secure resources for long-term sustainability.
•Build and expand collaborative networks that position BSF as a hub for research, co-design, and innovation in the areas we serve.
•Champion a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement across BSF by mentoring staff, supporting professional development, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
•Oversee the development and dissemination of scholarly publications, presentations, and knowledge products that translate evidence into practice.
•Provide executive oversight to knowledge mobilization plans that ensure innovation and research activities are adopted and scaled across BSF.
Why Join Us:
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.
Who We're Looking For:
•Bachelor's degree in health or business or a related field
•Master's degree in health or business or a related field preferred
•Demonstrated experience in Program or Project Management and/or in a Research and Innovation environment
•Broad knowledge of the health and innovation environment
•Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders to support the development and delivery of initiatives.
Additional Information:
In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act , a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.
As a condition of employment with “BSF”, all new Health Care Worker hires must provide written proof of immunizations for communicable diseases.
Diversity and Inclusion:
The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team!
We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.
We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.
Site: Cambridge Manor
-
Position Title: Director, Innovation and Research(Temporary Full-Time 1 year)
-
Requisition Number: 1404
-
FTE: 1.0
-
Position Status: Temporary Full Time
-
Union/Agreement: Corporate Management
-
Hours per Shift: 8 hours
-
Wage rate/Salary:
-
Posting End Date: 12/08/2025
About The Brenda Strafford Foundation
The Brenda Strafford Foundation owns and operates four Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care facilities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB, with over 800 beds and approximately 1000 staff. As a registered Canadian charitable organization, The Foundation is involved in a number of projects for innovation in seniors health and wellness.
The Foundation supports local charitable projects to serve women and children who are fleeing domestic violence, families at risk of homelessness, and persons in need of health services abroad in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominica.
Some of The Brenda Strafford Foundation's charitable programs and initiatives include:
- Dementia Friendly Communities (Alberta)
- The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (Calgary)
- Brenda's House operated by Children's Cottage Society (Calgary)
- The Institut Brenda Strafford (Haiti)
- The Village of Hope Hospice and Community Vision Centre of Excellence (Jamaica)
- The Brenda Strafford Eye Centre and four Public Health Centres (Dominica)
The Foundation also has a close affiliation with research at the University of Calgary:
- The Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging
- The Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Geriatric Medicine
- The Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Alzheimer Research
- The Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence
All of The Foundation's operations and charitable endeavors are driven by our guiding philosophy: The Preservation of Dignity and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Mission: As a charitable organization we are an innovative force, providing high quality person-centred care and services to optimize well-being and enrich people's lives.
Vision: We will provide leadership to create a future where people can live life to the fullest, with dignity, hope and happiness — in caring and supportive communities.
Director, Innovation and Research(Temporary Full-Time 1 year)
About the role
Join Our Passionate Team at The Brenda Strafford Foundation!
About Us:
The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF) is a charitable organization that currently owns and operates five Aging Care & Senior Living communities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB. We take pride in providing a safe, caring, and comfortable home environment that caters to the complex needs of our senior residents and families. Locally, in Calgary, BSF also operates Alberta’s largest second-stage shelter providing safe shelter and comprehensive support services to women and children leaving abuse and violence.
Our team members not only have the right skills and knowledge for the job – they are also passionate about the mission, vision, and values of BSF!
Team members embody our values:
- We put people at the centre of everything we do
- We boldly pursue quality and innovation with pride and enthusiasm
- We believe in engagement with all stakeholders and respect every voice
- We act with compassion, empathy and understanding
The BSF Way:
Putting people first is a way of life at BSF. It's in our values and it's central to the way we do things. We believe in a person-centered approach to our care, services, and environment. By responding to the individual needs of those we serve, we can all play an important role in optimizing well-being and enriching lives... one person at a time.
Through the BSF Way, we uphold our 8 Commitments to:
- Get to know what makes a person unique
- Enable and respect choices
- Champion everyone's abilities, interests and aspirations
- Deliver "wow" service
- Do little things that can make a big difference
- Be the reason someone smiles
- Make people feel at home
- Be present in the moment
The Role:
JOB PURPOSE
The Director, Innovation and Research, is a visionary leader responsible for setting the strategic direction and operational excellence of the research and innovation portfolio across The Brenda Strafford Foundation (BSF). This role provides high-level leadership in building and sustaining a culture of innovation, advancing applied research, and developing collaborative partnerships to improve care outcomes and quality of life for those we serve.
The Director leads cross-functional teams, strategic partnerships, and complex projects with internal stakeholders, external partners, academia, and international collaborators. The Director is a senior ambassador for BSF’s commitment to excellence in aging care, person-centred practice, and translational research.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•Develop and lead the execution of a multi-year innovation and research strategy aligned with BSF’s strategic goals.
•Establish and oversee governance frameworks for innovation and research initiatives, ensuring accountability, ethics, and impact measurement.
•Represent BSF nationally to cultivate strategic alliances and elevate the organization’s profile in research and innovation ecosystems.
•Act as a thought leader and advisor to executive leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities in innovation and research.
•Oversee the full innovation and research pipeline—from ideation to implementation—ensuring alignment with operational and strategic priorities.
•Provide executive-level oversight to large-scale research initiatives and innovation pilots, including risk, change, and stakeholder management.
•Lead reporting on research and innovation outcomes to executive and board-level audiences, including development of performance metrics.
•Forge and steward high-impact partnerships with post-secondary institutions, healthcare providers, funders, and international stakeholders.
•Lead or co-lead grant applications, funding proposals, and strategic initiatives to secure resources for long-term sustainability.
•Build and expand collaborative networks that position BSF as a hub for research, co-design, and innovation in the areas we serve.
•Champion a culture of inquiry and continuous improvement across BSF by mentoring staff, supporting professional development, and enabling data-driven decision-making.
•Oversee the development and dissemination of scholarly publications, presentations, and knowledge products that translate evidence into practice.
•Provide executive oversight to knowledge mobilization plans that ensure innovation and research activities are adopted and scaled across BSF.
Why Join Us:
At The Brenda Strafford Foundation, we are more than a workplace—we are a united team. We believe in fostering a culture where you can grow, collaborate, and make a meaningful impact. You'll be part of a team that values empathy, compassion, and innovation.
Who We're Looking For:
•Bachelor's degree in health or business or a related field
•Master's degree in health or business or a related field preferred
•Demonstrated experience in Program or Project Management and/or in a Research and Innovation environment
•Broad knowledge of the health and innovation environment
•Experience establishing and maintaining relationships with multiple internal and external stakeholders to support the development and delivery of initiatives.
Additional Information:
In accordance with Alberta's Protection for Persons in Care Act , a criminal record check is required for successful candidates.
As a condition of employment with “BSF”, all new Health Care Worker hires must provide written proof of immunizations for communicable diseases.
Diversity and Inclusion:
The Brenda Strafford Foundation is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and celebrating an environment of inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility for all employees.
Ready to Make a Difference?
If you’re ready to bring your expertise to a place where your work will truly matter, apply today and become a vital part of our compassionate team!
We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.
We sincerely thank everyone for their interest in this opportunity. Due to the high volume of applicants, only those advancing to the next stage will be contacted.
Site: Cambridge Manor
-
Position Title: Director, Innovation and Research(Temporary Full-Time 1 year)
-
Requisition Number: 1404
-
FTE: 1.0
-
Position Status: Temporary Full Time
-
Union/Agreement: Corporate Management
-
Hours per Shift: 8 hours
-
Wage rate/Salary:
-
Posting End Date: 12/08/2025
About The Brenda Strafford Foundation
The Brenda Strafford Foundation owns and operates four Long Term Care and Assisted Living seniors care facilities in Calgary, AB, and Okotoks, AB, with over 800 beds and approximately 1000 staff. As a registered Canadian charitable organization, The Foundation is involved in a number of projects for innovation in seniors health and wellness.
The Foundation supports local charitable projects to serve women and children who are fleeing domestic violence, families at risk of homelessness, and persons in need of health services abroad in Haiti, Jamaica and Dominica.
Some of The Brenda Strafford Foundation's charitable programs and initiatives include:
- Dementia Friendly Communities (Alberta)
- The Brenda Strafford Society for the Prevention of Domestic Violence (Calgary)
- Brenda's House operated by Children's Cottage Society (Calgary)
- The Institut Brenda Strafford (Haiti)
- The Village of Hope Hospice and Community Vision Centre of Excellence (Jamaica)
- The Brenda Strafford Eye Centre and four Public Health Centres (Dominica)
The Foundation also has a close affiliation with research at the University of Calgary:
- The Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging
- The Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Geriatric Medicine
- The Brenda Strafford Foundation Chair in Alzheimer Research
- The Brenda Strafford Chair in the Prevention of Domestic Violence
All of The Foundation's operations and charitable endeavors are driven by our guiding philosophy: The Preservation of Dignity and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Mission: As a charitable organization we are an innovative force, providing high quality person-centred care and services to optimize well-being and enrich people's lives.
Vision: We will provide leadership to create a future where people can live life to the fullest, with dignity, hope and happiness — in caring and supportive communities.