Operational Lead - Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR)

Operational Lead - Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR) 
YukonU Research Center 
Ayamdigut (Whitehorse) Campus 
Term: January 2026-March 2027 (possibility of extension) 
Full-Time (Based on 75 hours bi-weekly) 
Wage: $45.15 - $53.75 hourly
Employment Opportunity Number: 25.147 

Closing Date: Jan 12, 2026

The Yukon SPOR SUPPORT Unit (YSPOR) is seeking a collaborative, strategic, and relationship-driven Operational Lead to help shape the future of health research in the Yukon. This leadership role is ideal for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, understands the unique context of research in northern and Indigenous communities, and is committed to supporting teams and building capacity across the territory’s research ecosystem.

Reporting to the Scientific Director, the Operational Lead oversees the day-to-day management and operations of YSPOR. This includes ensuring the Unit meets its obligations to Yukon University and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), and advancing YSPOR’s mission to support community-driven, culturally grounded, and impactful health research in the Yukon.

Key Responsibilities
• Provide leadership and oversight for staff, operations, budgets, reporting systems, and funding programs.
• Ensure efficient administration of research activities, including tracking, evaluation, and compliance with YukonU and CIHR requirements.
• Lead convening and knowledge mobilization activities, and oversee YSPOR’s communications (website, newsletters, social media).
• Build meaningful partnerships with Yukon First Nations governments, territorial partners, NGOs, and national SPOR entities.
• Strengthen coordination and sustainable research capacity across the Yukon through relationship-based, respectful approaches.

Qualifications
• Graduate degree in a relevant field (health, social sciences, administration, business) or equivalent experience.
• 5–7+ years of progressive experience in operations, project management, or research administration.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and experience supporting teams.
• Strong knowledge of research funding systems and health research environments, ideally in northern, rural, or Indigenous contexts.
• Proven ability to build and maintain respectful relationships with Indigenous governments, organizations, and communities.
• Experience managing budgets, evaluation processes, communications platforms, and public-facing materials.

If you are a thoughtful leader who values collaboration, ethical research, and strengthening northern capacity, we would love to hear from you.

For more information, please contact:
Michelle Leach
Scientific Director, YSPOR SUPPORT Unit
mleach@yukonu.ca
867 332 3062

Yukon University is committed to the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply; however qualified candidates who self-identify as Yukon first Nations, as well as Metis, Inuit or other Indigenous ancestry will be given priority.