Director of the Rural Development Institute (RDI)

Brandon University

Brandon University is a leader in providing high quality education in arts, sciences, education, music, and health studies. Based in southwestern Manitoba, Brandon University also offers pre-professional and Masters programs, as well as innovative and award-winning outreach programs in a personalized learning environment.


Brandon University offers an exciting opportunity to join our team as Director of the Rural Development Institute (RDI). This is a full-time probationary tenure-track position.

RDI was established in 1989 as an academic research centre and a leading source of information on issues affecting rural communities in Western Canada and beyond. RDI provides an interface between academic research and the community by mobilizing knowledge and facilitating community involvement in rural development. RDI is closely aligned with the Department of Rural Development and facilitates inclusive research for the enhanced social, economic, and environmental development of rural and remote communities. The Director reports to the Dean of Arts and is expected to provide creative and collegial leadership in facilitating and coordinating research and community development/outreach activities. The position could include teaching an undergraduate or graduate course in the Department of Rural Development.

The preferred candidate will collaborate with partners to build networks and develop initiatives to address developmental issues facing rural, remote, and Indigenous communities. In addition to core areas in the field of rural development, experience in other thematic areas such as resilience to environmental change, Indigenous community collaboration, food security/sovereignty, rural immigration, and tourism development would be welcomed.

A doctoral degree, with experience in rural research and community development is preferred, but relevant Master’s prepared candidates with requisite experience may be considered. Effective written and oral communication skills and the ability to maintain and grow collegial relationships with internal and external stakeholders are required, as are grant-writing, administrative, budgeting, and organizational skills. In addition, the capacity to facilitate networks/partnerships for the advancement of the rural development paradigm, is desired. Interested applicants should forward a cover letter, a CV, proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status, and the names and contact information of three referees. We thank all those who apply. However, only selected applicants for further consideration will be contacted.

Please forward all materials in a single PDF document to the attention of Dr. Balfour Spence, Acting Dean of Arts, at RDIDirectorSearch@brandonu.ca.


Rank: Professional Associate
Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Start date: July 1, 2023, or at a mutually agreed date.
Deadline to apply: Review of applications will begin April 30, 2023.


Brandon University is committed to equity, welcomes diversity, and hires on the basis of merit. All qualified individuals who may contribute to the diversification of the University, especially women, persons with disabilities, Indigenous persons, racialized persons, and persons of all sexual orientations and genders are encouraged to apply. Canadian citizens and permanent residents are given priority. Evidence of citizenship must be provided.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment. This starts with the hiring process. If you require an accommodation during any phase of the evaluation process, contact HR at hr@brandonu.ca. All information received related to an accommodation is kept confidential. To ensure this employment opportunity is accessible to all interested individuals, this posting is available in an alternate format upon request.