Director of Research Operations

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We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcome applications from individuals from equity seeking groups such as women, racialized/visible minorities, Indigenous/Aboriginal peoples, persons with a disability, persons who identify in the LGBTQ+ community and others who reflect the diversity of Canadian society.

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Vice-Dean (Research) for Queen’s Health Sciences (QHS), the Director of Research Operations, leads the development and implementation of various research initiatives of strategic importance for QHS. As part of the QHS Research leadership team, the Director of Research Operations provides high-level strategic and operational support and has accountability for overseeing faculty-wide programs and initiatives led by the Vice-Dean Research (VDR) Office. Responsibilities include developing processes and implementation plans and working with project participants to execute projects in a timely manner. This position is responsible for policy development, strategic planning, and execution, and providing guidance to the VDR and other senior management on issues of critical importance to the VDR portfolio and the research mission of QHS and the University.

The Director of Research Operations frequently interacts with senior administrators across the University to facilitate strong communication between and amongst various offices. As a supervisor and leader within the VDR, the Director of Research Operations prioritizes tasks and provides mentorship. This is a demanding position and has a critical impact on senior decision-making and the overall effectiveness of the VDR portfolio.

Job Description
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Provides expert advice to the VDR and senior administrators in the development and implementation of strategies and activities to achieve strategic objectives.
• Leads the implementation and on-going execution of faculty-wide initiatives and programs led by the VDR, managing, and executing projects, setting clear timelines and expectations for project goals and outcomes.
• Ensures effective communications and decision-making between the Office of the VDR and internal and external stakeholders and other executive offices. Initiates and maintains good working relationships with senior-level individuals and officials on behalf of the VDR.
• Executes high-profile programs and provides senior level support for the reviews of research policies, structures, and strategies.
• Directs the VDR website and social media platforms. Identifies new communications tools/opportunities and develops and implements these initiatives to strengthen the research brand.
• Prepares correspondence, reports, policy documents and presentations for the Vice-Dean (Research). Undertakes research and analysis as required in support of position papers, presentations, and communications.
• In close consultation with VDR, develops strong relationships with other Queen’s University departments and faculties, Institute partner organizations, funders and participants and promote collaboration and a “network way of working” between all network staff, researchers, and students.
• Promotes a team culture of inclusion and a sense of ownership among all Health Sciences researchers, partners, and participants, with a commitment to the university’s equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives designed to foster an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming work environment for individuals with diverse backgrounds and identities
• Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of employees, providing strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, reviewing, and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain successful performance.
• Investigates, addresses, and resolves employee/labour relations issues, including disciplinary matters. Makes effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge and probationary termination.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
• PhD or Masters degree required.
• Minimum of five years of professional work experience in the area of university/research administration.
• Demonstrated successful experience in strategy development and communications.
• Sound project management practices based on a competent understanding of project management principles, practices, techniques, and tools.
• Advanced experience with writing and editing in a variety of formats.
• Several years’ experience managing a team and/or major projects and successfully achieving shared priorities.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:
• Exceptional communication skills, including superior writing and editing abilities.
• Extensive knowledge of strategic planning processes and the ability to develop and write strategic documents.
• Project management experience with the ability to manage and execute projects within budget and within deadline, identifying opportunities to align initiatives with similar objectives.
• Ability to think and act strategically, creatively, and dynamically in a high-pressure work environment.
• Result-oriented with a desire to deliver high-quality solutions under demanding timelines.
• Superb interpersonal skills, with a strong ability to interact and collaborate with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Political acumen, tact and sensitivity to deal with potentially sensitive or controversial issues.

DECISION MAKING:
• Provides advice, support, and guidance on a wide variety of complex matters related the VDR and the portfolio.
• Determines options or range of solutions to problems where no clear guidelines exist.
• Determines strategies and communications to efficiently implement projects.
• Conducts necessary research and gathering of background information to inform decision-making.
• Determines accurate responses to the inquiries of internal and external partners; determines tone/content/substance of communications, briefing notes, reports, presentations for a variety of audiences.
• Determines when decisions and recommendations should be referred to the VDR. Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations on suitable hires.
• Makes decisions and/or effective recommendations regarding transfers and promotions.
• Evaluates employee performance and decides on appropriate training or coaching to address lack of proficiency in carrying out responsibilities, or remedial action for staff disciplinary situations.
• Assesses investigation outcome of grievances and makes effective recommendations on appropriate course of action or next steps on grievances.
• Makes effective recommendations on level of discipline up to discharge and probationary termination.

Employment Equity and Accessibility Statement

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Queen's is strongly committed to employment equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace and encourages applications from Black, racialized persons, Indigenous people, women, persons with disabilities, and 2SLGBTQI+ persons. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to those who are legally eligible to work in Canada.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to all applicants who require accommodation due to a protected ground under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including those with disabilities. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at hradmin@queensu.ca .