Associate Director, Strategic Research Operations

\ " \" External Applicants \" Associate Director, Strategic Research Operations# Associate Director, Strategic Research OperationsCompetition Number:J1026-0419Position Title:Associate Director, Strategic Research OperationsPosition Number (Final):00505885Vacancy Type:Existing PositionEmployee Group:Managerial & ProfessionalJob Category:ResearchDepartment or Area:SmithEng - Faculty OfficeLocation:Kingston, Ontario, Canada (On-site)Salary:$94,000.00 - $123,000.00/YearGrade:10Hours per Week:35Job Type:Permanent (Continuing)Shift:7 Monday - FridayNumber Of Positions:1Date Posted:October 23, 2026Closing Date:November 9, 2026## COVID 19 On-Campus RequirementsPrior to May 1, 2022, the University required all students, faculty, staff, and visitors (including contractors) to declare their COVID-19 vaccination status and provide proof that they were fully vaccinated or had an approved accommodation to engage in in-person University activities. These requirements were suspended effective May 1, 2022, but the University may reinstate them at any point.## About Queen's UniversityQueen's University is the Canadian research intensive university with a transformative student learning experience. Here the employment experience is as diverse as it is interesting. We have opportunities in multiple areas of globally recognized research, faculty administration, engineering & construction, athletics & recreation, power generation, corporate shared services, and many more.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.Come work with us!## Applicant Guidance & InformationAt Queen's, we are committed to helping people achieve their best. Whether you are beginning your career at Queen's or seeking your next opportunity, we are here to support you.**Visit our for guidance on applying, showcasing your skills and experience, and preparing for interviews.****Disclaimer:** As part of the application process at Queen's University, our recruitment system uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), as defined under the Ontario Employment Standards Act,to ask job-related questions and confirm eligibility for hire. All final hiring decisions are made using non-AI related processes.## Job SummaryReporting to the Vice Dean, Research in Smith Engineering, the Associate Director of Strategic Research Operations is responsible for supporting a variety of research-related initiatives that are critical to the overall research goals of the Faculty. Acting with delegated authority from the Vice Dean, Research the incumbent will lead key Faculty-wide strategic initiatives designed to improve the research intensity of the Faculty, coordinate high-value multi-partner proposals, and serve as the Faculty lead for research performance analytics, communications, and compliance activities. This role will also provide guidance to researchers on cross-departmental and cross-Faculty partnership opportunities that will promote the multi-disciplinary research mission of the Faculty.*Note: The schedule for this position requires the incumbent to work occasional flexible hours, including evening and weekends, according to program or area needs. Some travel may be required.*## Job Description**KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:**- Lead the full implementation cycle for multi-year research strategies: develop project plans, set milestones, maintain risk registers, own resource requests and timelines, and report progress and recommended corrective actions to the Vice Dean. Authority to reprioritize tactical activities to meet Faculty targets within delegated limits.- Provide expert advice and project management services to faculty members to aid in the submission of successful applications for research funding, including development of internal guidelines, sample applications and web resources, development and delivery of workshops, and provision of editing feedback to faculty regarding quality, content and style.- Approve allocation of internal proposal support resources (editing, analyst time, externals) for strategic applications within delegated annual limits. Sign off on completeness and non-financial/non-contractual elements of strategic submissions prior to institutional sign-off.- Design and execute targeted funding campaigns and outreach, set participation and success KPIs, convene ad hoc teams for high-value competitions, and proactively match faculty to multi-institution and industry partnership opportunities.- Serve as Faculty lead for research performance analytics: build and maintain dashboards, produce quarterly briefings to senior leadership with recommended actions, and use data to inform prioritization of development resources.- Prepare material relating to Faculty research planning, projects and initiatives, and lead the preparation of strategic briefing notes, policy recommendations, and business cases related to research strategy, resource allocation, and program initiatives.- Act as lead internal coordinator for large, complex, and multi-institution proposals: convene partners, manage timelines, finalize non-technical content;
ensure all applicationsare completed in accordance with university and agency policies, guidelines, and deadlines.- Liaise with URS and VPR Office staff, representatives of other institutions and funding agency staff regarding the interpretation of agency/institutional guidelines and policies. As needed, serves as an advocate on behalf of faculty with agency/institutional staff.- Lead the full design and governance of Faculty awards and assist the Vice Dean, Research in running competitions (eligibility, adjudication processes, committee selection) and provide recommendations for award/chair funding priorities.- Represent the Vice Dean, Research externally as delegated;
proactively cultivate relationships with funders, industry and partner institutions to advance strategic opportunities.- Strategize with faculty on specific funding opportunities for research initiatives and large, complex, and multi-institutional proposals.- Lead development and execution of the Faculty research communications and branding strategy (in collaboration with Faculty Communications), including website strategy, social media initiatives, and targeted stakeholder outreach for strategic calls.- For complex programs, facilitates post-award administration of projects, including finalization of awards, budgets, and agreements and management of submission of annual researcher reports in accordance with internal and funding agency guidelines, policies, and deadlines (in consultation with other institutions when required). Administers post-contract processes and works to resolve post-contract issues, including research revenue protection and enhancement and risk mitigation activities.- Serve as Faculty point-person for external audits and major funder reporting (e.G., Tri-Council), coordinating responses and ensuring compliance timelines are met.- Develop and lead an Early Career Researcher (ECR) program: orientation, grant-readiness workshops, mentorship pairing, and targeted funding preparation.- Connect researchers with other relevant activities on campus such as outreach, data management,- Ensure EDI principles are integrated into proposal support, awards adjudication, and Faculty research activities.- Provides work direction to other staff;
providing strategic andtactical advice, support, guidance and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding employee selection.- Maintain and curate a portfolio-level tracking system for active proposals#J-18808-Ljbffr