Research Operations Administrator

Job Responsibility:

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Job Summary

Reporting to the Scientific Director and Principal Investigator (PI) of the Contaminants of Emerging Concern-Research Excellence Network (CEC-REN), the Research Operations Administrator is responsible for providing insight into the strategic planning of new research and collaboration initiatives, and for supporting decision-making related to research program opportunities for the CEC-REN. The incumbent works closely with the Scientific Director PI, as well as research program investigators (co-PIs) to provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure the network's strategic goals, research priorities, and operational plans are supported, accomplished, and meet the requirements of government, academic and stakeholder groups. The Research Operations Administrator manages operations, budgeting, financial oversight, and administration of multiple large-scale research programs, including the Ontario Research Fund-Research Excellence and New Frontiers Research Funds-Transformational research programs. The incumbent develops and cultivates strategic collaborations with industry, funding agencies, and academic institutions to build the profile of the network nationally and internationally. This position requires independent decision making, knowledge of the interdisciplinary academic landscape, a broad understanding of the research issues related to emerging contaminants and water, an understanding of national and international funding agencies, proposal and report writing skills, entrepreneurial skills, research management principles, practices, and a results-based initiative. The Research Operations Administrator serves as the primary contact for CEC-REN, supports the network's advisory committees and research committees, chairs various research and program development working groups, provides information and advice to internal and external stakeholders, and acts as the Scientific Director and PI's delegate in the development and oversight of research conducted within the Network.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Regulatory Affairs and Research Program Management

• Working with the Scientific Director and PI, leads the development of policies and procedures for the CEC-REN Governing Committee. This involves having a sound understanding of governance matters, procedural issues, tri-council and major provincial and national research programs and policies.
• Acts as a key resource to Governing and Standing Committees of research programs associated with the CEC-REN. This involves preparation of meeting materials, development of workplans, and chairing working groups.
• In collaboration with the Scientific Director, establishes a comprehensive planning process for new research initiatives, including defining the short-term and long-term vision, and related strategic and operational research plans.
• Manages the day-to-day operations of the CEC-REN, and oversees the administrative and logistical functions of the CEC-REN, recommending, and implementing systems and procedural improvements for efficient and effective CEC-REN operations.
• Works with the Scientific Director and PI to develop annual budgets; monitors and manages project financial reconciliation in collaboration with faculty accounting officer to meet deliverables identified within the Research program plan and funding schedule.
• Works collaboratively with research project/program leads and team members to set goals and priorities for research conducted in affiliation with CEC-REN.
• Provides researcher operational recommendations to the Scientific Director on the implementation and execution of initiatives and project plans.
• Assesses ongoing and emerging needs and develops action plans to ensure that tasks and deliverables outlined in large scale research programs/projects are met.
• Manages/administers funding/financial accounts related to CEC-REN research programs, initiatives, and related activities.
• Collaborates with University Research Services (URS) and Vice-Principal of Research Office (VPR) on research initiatives involving CEC-REN researchers. Liaises with external funding bodies and other universities regarding funding opportunities, policies, strategies, and pre- and post-award matters, disseminating information to the University, researchers, industry partners, and/or other stakeholders as required.
• Develops, with assistance from the Faculty offices and other university resources, news items regarding research successes, facilities, and awards obtained/garnered by associated researchers for dissemination in regular and social media.
• Develops and assesses appropriate metrics for the success of the CEC-REN to provide comparison to other university competitors.
• Identifies, engages, manages, and monitors the work of consultants who provide services related to funding proposals and report review/writing, as required.

Human Resources Management

• Plans, prioritizes, and manages the work of the Research Assistants/Coordinators and consultants and provides strategic and tactical advice, guidance, and coaching. Identifies the need for staff resources, participates on staffing committees, and makes effective recommendations regarding consultants and employee selection.
• Manages performance by establishing performance standards, energizing and motivating team members, reviewing and evaluating performance and conducting formal performance reviews on an ongoing basis.
• Identifies and assesses staff training and development needs and ensures that employees receive training required to improve and sustain performance. Investigates, addresses, and resolves employee/labour relation issues, including decisions or effective recommendations on matters involving possible discipline, discharge, and probationary termination.
• Provides leadership and direction to the administrative, communications, research management, and research program/project team members.
• Promotes a culture of inclusion, 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.

Strategic Network Partnerships Development and Collaboration

• In consultation with the Scientific Director and PI, develops and executes an effective 'branding' and marketing plan that best reflects the vision, objectives and goals of the CEC-REN, and to achieve strategic objectives.
• Identifies and recommends new opportunities to strengthen the CEC-REN brand and works with the Scientific Director and PI to enhance the CEC-REN image and reputation nationally and internationally to support revenue growth.
• Investigates research and development opportunities (nationally/internationally) and provides recommendations to the Scientific Director and appropriate faculty partners to increase faculty engagement and success in research opportunities and initiatives.
• Manages the design and development of strategic opportunities by consulting with appropriate funding agencies, researchers, industry partners, and/or stakeholder groups.
• Provides guidance to CEC-REN research teams to ensure a positive and productive research environment, communicating with different Faculties and Departments associated with the CEC-REN, as well as engaging and optimizing the use of existing Queen's University staff and resources.
• Works with the Scientific Director and PI to manage and guide research teams in the development and review of research funding proposals. Manages the associated pre- and post-award activities for which the CEC-REN is responsible, including ensuring eligibility of grant holders and that required certifications are in place.
• Makes recommendations and works with individual researchers and/or research teams on the submission of competitive funding applications to identified funding opportunities, facilitating international partnerships and research activities for all water-research related disciplines.
• Recommends effective communication strategies and identifies working relationships with faculty members to share information on research opportunities, as well as pre- and post-award administration of CEC-REN research funding.
• Conducts information sessions and workshops to increase faculty engagement and competitiveness in water-related research and scholarship and compliance with university and agency guidelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum 5 years of experience in progressively responsible positions in a research administrative capacity, or similar work experience. Previous experience in strategic planning or other similar areas considered to be an asset.
• Several years of progressively responsible management experience, including supervision of administrative staff, human resources and financial management, planning and project management responsibilities.
• Previous experience in leadership, including team building and team management.
• Knowledge of the University's and Faculty's strategic research priorities and understanding of national and international funding agencies and structures considered to be an asset.
• Familiarity with a university research environment, particularly related to water research and external research support programs available to Canadian researchers. Knowledge of provincial and federal research support program guidelines considered to be an asset.
• Consideration may be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience.

SPECIAL SKILLS:

• Excellent interpersonal skills to build strong working relationships with a wide variety of constituents (funding agencies, industry partners, institutional collaborators, administration, staff, and faculty).
• Ability to interact professionally and effectively with people at all levels of the organization.
• Excellent oral and written communication and experience in team building and management, including the confidence, tact, discretion, and judgment to work effectively with academic researchers, government representatives and senior administrators. Superior communication (verbal and written) skills, combined with excellent writing, editing and presentation abilities.
• Strong presentation skills with an ability to adjust presentation style to audience.
• Leadership skills to plan, organize, motivate, and manage people and resources effectively.
• Ability to understand research proposals and evaluation methodologies, interpret, communicate, and apply funding agency policies and guidelines.
• Strong analytical skills combined with an ability to understand institutional and funding agency information in an interdisciplinary way.
• Knowledge of university structure, policies, and administrative and financial systems.
• Excellent strategic and tactical skills to support the CEC-REN and ensure and participate in the timely and successful execution of all activities.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously. Ability to prioritize among competing demands and remain focused on key objectives.
• Interest in water research combined with results-based initiative to learn and apply new skills.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills with an ability to recognize and understand complex issues and associated implications for reputation and revenue. Understanding of strategic planning processes.
• Business planning expertise, including the development and/or identification of new and creative revenue generation strategies and/or research funding opportunities.
• Excellent initiative, results orientated and resourcefulness to work independently.
• Excellent project management skills, attention to detail, combined with ability to assume accountability for design and implementation of approved projects/initiatives, and to develop practical recommendations for positive change with maximum impact.
• Sensitivity to diverse cultures and ability to respond proactively to needs.

DECISION MAKING:

• Identifies and recommends new funding opportunities to support the research activities in line with the CEC-REN objectives and growth strategy.
• Makes decisions on appropriate research funding avenues and partnerships to develop and implement.
• In collaboration with the Scientific Director, identifies how best to implement structure and process changes.
• Determines appropriate content for reports and, in consultation with the Scientific Director, makes recommendations for approval to researchers, collaborators, industry partners, stakeholders and funding agencies.
• Uses independent decision making to assess and evaluate operational matters as they arise and determines when to involve the Scientific Director and PI and/or governing committees and co-PIs.
• Advises Scientific Director and PI on appropriate strategic directives related to research development and appropriate changes to funding applications and post-award processes and practices.
• Determines strategies for faculty and HQP training in research development, grant writing, as well as pre- and post-award administration.
• Identifies and recommends concrete changes/additions/deletions that are required to significantly improve the funding success and, in consultation with the Scientific Director and PI, how best to provide related feedback to CEC-REN faculty members, collaborators, governing committees, industry partners and stakeholders.
• Determines when to allocate resources to research development initiatives.
• Assesses when research teams are not working towards intended funding proposal development objectives and, in consultation with Scientific Director and PI, strategizes on steps necessary to ensure competitive proposals are effectively generated. Determines when post-award processes or practices require change and works with the Scientific Director and PI to develop and implement changes.
• Determines when work of consultants or other resources may be required to ensure the success of a funding proposal submission and elaborates steps necessary to improve unsatisfactory work.
• Evaluates job candidates and makes effective recommendations regarding new hires, 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 committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, Aboriginal Peoples, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

The University provides support in its recruitment processes to applicants with disabilities, including accommodation that takes into account an applicant's accessibility needs. Candidates requiring accommodation during the recruitment process are asked to contact Human Resources at View email address on ca.edajobs.com.