Lead Executive Advisor, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship

University of Ottawa•Ottawa, ON

5d•CA$107,503 - CA$134,379•Hybrid

About The Position

The Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation sets the strategic direction and oversees the administration of the University of Ottawa’s research enterprise, including funding, equipment and facilities, international collaborations, partnerships and business development. This position reports to the Associate Vice-President Research, Innovation, Partnerships and Entrepreneurship, and supports the development and implementation of various strategic initiatives and the management of large funding programs. It provides advice, high-quality guidance, and support to researchers in the development and submission of competitive proposals for major funding opportunities.

Requirements

Master’s degree in pure and applied sciences, preferably with a strong research background, or equivalent experience.
Minimum of 7 years of experience in similar or equivalent positions or responsibilities.
Knowledge of granting and contracting practices, policies, and guidelines of federal and provincial funding agencies and departments as well as granting foundations.
Demonstrated experience in a university research or research administration environment with direct involvement in preparing major research proposals.
Project management experience.
Experience using computer applications and systems such as Windows, PowerPoint, word processing software, spreadsheets, databases, email, and the Internet.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to think strategically about complex issues and develop sound and robust recommendations and action plans.
Ability to work independently and manage competing deadlines and shifting priorities, while consistently exercising excellent judgment.
Ability to exercise foresight, tact, and diplomacy when interacting with University administrators and researchers of varying ranks and in liaising with granting agency personnel and key stakeholders.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and French.

Nice To Haves

PhD considered an asset.
Experience with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) considered an asset.

Responsibilities

Participates in the design and planning of strategies around targeted research initiatives and works closely with the AVP to implement a strategic research action plan for the University.
Monitors internal and external trends in research activities to identify priorities and recommend new initiatives.
Conducts discussions with researchers to guide them on the institution’s strategic research priorities and to ensure that their research projects are aligned with the strategic areas of development in research as well as those of the funding organizations.
Provides preliminary advice, guidance, and strategies in a timely manner to researchers preparing proposals for major funding opportunities to ensure the projects submitted meet the evaluation criteria and are competitive.
Connects researchers, faculty-based facilitators, and their teams to potential partners and networks to improve the team’s capacity and, thus, their competitive advantage in major funding competitions.
Keeps abreast of the challenges and opportunities inherent in the funding environment, including internal funding programs offered by U15 universities for major funding opportunities, and makes recommendations to support decision-making of senior university administrators regarding the efficiency and the effectiveness of the considerable research investments the University makes in terms of research funding, equipment, and facilities.